Competition in the Indian car market keeps stiffening day by day as new models are launched regularly. As far as the passenger car segment is concerned, there is no company that dominates more than Maruti Suzuki, the top brand in India. The Suzuki owned firm is loved and trusted by customers, who have an emotional connection with the brand. Even when one comes to statistics and market share, only Hyundai has the capability to challenge this brand. However, trends seen in 2013 have depicted the emergence of another company that has the potential to overtake Hyundai and come close to Maruti Suzuki. Reinventing itself as a brand, Japanese car maker Honda has performed exceptionally well this year. The reason why experts are expecting the firm to challenge Maruti Suzuki in the long run is its future line-up of models. After successfully outclassing Swift DZire in compact sedan segment, Honda will compete with Ertiga in the Multi Purpose Vehicle vertical.
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga has been one the best selling models for the manufacturer since its launch. Marketed by the firm as a Life Utility Vehicle, this car has struck an amazing chord with customers throughout the country. It has been labelled as a 'family car' by many analysts, a title Ertiga rightfully deserves. Spacious, affordable and fuel-efficient, this vehicle has been praised for its ergonomic seating, which makes travelling highly comfortable for passengers. Ertiga boasts of an aerodynamic design that helps in reducing wind noise and enhancing fuel-efficiency. Highlights of exteriors of this car are stylish cluster lamps, in-built fog lamps, alloy wheels, smart side view mirrors and classy tail lights. Feature loaded interiors of this model include a sporty dashboard, music system, chrome door handles, stylish meter cluster, high-quality upholstery, tweeter and steering mounted audio controls.
As far as engine options are concerned, this model comes in both petrol and diesel versions. While the petrol variant of Maruti Suzuki Ertiga runs on a 1.4-litre K-Series engine, diesel guise is equipped with a 1.3-litre DDiS unit. All variants of this car come with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Ertiga petrol has the capability of delivering an output of around 93 bhp and peak torque of 130 Nm. On the other hand, diesel variant of this utility vehicle churns out 88 bhp of power and 200 Nm of highest torque.
Honda Mobilio, expected to enter Indian market in 2014, is based on the Brio platform, which has received highly positive responses from critics around the world. This car made its debut at a motor show in Southeast Asia. Mobilio has a cab forward design, which is characterised by a short bonnet and steep rising A-Pillar. It is being said that this model will be highly spacious, which is likely to attract a lot of buyers. The biggest benefit that is likely to help Honda in generating sales of Mobilio is the rising demand for utility vehicles in the country. Customers throughout the country have been going for models like Ford EcoSport, Renault Duster and Nissan Terrano. Apart from Ertiga, Mobilio, in India, will compete with Chevrolet Enjoy and Mahindra Xylo.
As of now, it would be hard to predict whether Mobilio can overtake Ertiga in the segment. One key factor that will play a role in this is going to be is the pricing strategy adopted by Honda. The MPV from Maruti Suzuki is highly affordable and Mobilio will have to match that in order to register good sales.
