Since the last decade, the Indian car market is witnessing the fiercest rivalry in the form of Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai. Maruti Suzuki has been the leading passenger car manufacturer of India whereas Hyundai comes at the second place. Recently, Hyundai announced its future plans for the Indian auto market in which the company emphasised on the need of overtaking Maruti Suzuki with the introduction of new models in India. Since than, both the companies have actively launched a few products so as to increase their market share. Over the next few years, the same trend is expected to continue as newer models from both companies, making inroads in the country. For Hyundai, it is being reported that a new car that will feature in India, which will probably be i30. While in case of Maruti Suzuki, the company might be launching its entry-level car, named Cervo.
The car of Maruti Suzuki will be powered by a low-spec 660 cc petrol engine that would be capable of reaching a peak output of 60 bhp alongside the 64 Nm of torque. The engine of Cervo is expected to come with Valve Timing (VVT), which will make it as one of the most fuel efficient car of the company. While for transmission, the car will get a 4-speed manual gearbox. For Hyundai i30, the engine configuration given in European markets might make way in India. So there is possibility of i30 being offered in two engine options namely a 1.4-litre one and a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder DOHC that displaces 1582 cc. In case of transmission, the car will get an option of either 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic gearbox.
In terms of features, Maruti Suzuki Cervo will get basic features such as engine immobiliser, passenger side rear view mirrors, child safety lock, anti-theft system. However, the company might insist on giving a driver side airbag so as to offer a enhanced safety for driver. Also to mention, power steering and power windows will be standard across all trim levels. For Indian car market, Hyundai might be giving advanced new functionalities in the i30 model. Features like Electronic Stability System (ESP), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and airbags might be provided in the car meant for production in India. In European markets, i30 is equipped with a cruise control system but as far the Indian version is concerned, the availability of this feature is doubtful.
As seen in Maruti Suzuki Cervo, the car is provided with sportier bumpers that holds the fog lamps and structured headlights. The tail lights have been neatly designed and adds to the overall appeal of the car. In the interior department, the car strikes a balance between conventionality and contemporariness. While for Hyundai i30, it gets a sportier look that is based on the Fluidic Design Scripture adopted by the company on almost all of its models. The car gets elongated headlights and edgy running creases that extend to the whole body the vehicle.
Talking about the fuel economy of the both the cars, Maruti Suzuki Cervo shall give exceptional mileage owing to its fuel efficient engine. The low-spec engine will give around 25 kmpl on highways whereas in case of city roads, the mileage will be slightly less. On the other hand, the upcoming car of Hyundai shall give an average of 10 to 12 kmpl on different road conditions.
As far as the pricing of both the cars are concerned, Maruti Suzuki Cervo shall carry a price tag of Rs. 2 lakh for the base variant while for the top-end one, it will be around Rs. 3 lakh. In case of Hyundai i30, industry experts are betting that the car might be offered in the price range of Rs. 7 lakh to Rs. 9 lakh. The expected launch date of Maruti Suzuki Cervo has not been ascertained by the company but rumours are suggesting that the car might be launched during the upcoming festive season. Coming to the expected launch date of Hyundai i30, it is presumed that the South Korean company might introduce the model in the latter phase of 2013; however nothing is confirmed as of now.
