The compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment of the Indian auto market has been one of the most exciting performers during second half of 2012 calendar year. In July 2012, the French auto major Renault introduced domestic audience with its Dacia made Duster compact SUV, and the rest they say is history! The ultra modish and visually enticing Renault Duster enabled the company to rub shoulders with top car makers of the country on best selling vehicle charts.
Further, inspired by the incredible success and popularity of Renault Duster, Mahindra and Mahindra Limited (M&M) also launched its Quanto compact SUV in the Indian auto market during late September 2012. Like its French contemporary, the Mahindra Quanto has also been breaking all sales and booking records, since its launch in the country. Therefore, eyeing the immense potential in the compact SUV segment, almost all major car makers have lined up their prototype products awaiting launch on Indian turf. Top global automobile firms like Maruti Suzuki, Ford Motor Co., General Motors and Nissan are developing their own compact utility vehicles at the moment.
Among most awaited cars for 2013, the Ford EcoSport compact SUV has garnered the maximum hype and interest among local buyers. The American product is acclaimed all over the world for its EcoBoost diesel engine, which churns out best-in-class power and torque outputs, irrespective of the powertrain's small size. EcoSport's rival on home turf, the Chevrolet Trax compact SUV is also expected to see Indian daylight somewhere in the last quarter of 2013. Interestingly, Renault's global strategic alliance partner and Japanese multinational car maker, Nissan Motor Co. has also revealed intentions to launch a badge engineered Duster next year in the Indian auto market.
Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL), the country's largest passenger car maker, is also developing its own compact SUV, which is called XA Alpha concept at present. The XA Alpha looks the most cutting edge and coming-of-age MSIL product till date, and could be a mean rival against Duster, Quanto and yet-to-be launched EcoSport, Trax and Nissan's Duster clone.
The domestic car aficionados are upbeat with the upcoming prospects in compact SUV segment in 2013. With such big names like EcoSport, Trax, XA Alpha and Duster clone from Nissan's stable, it would be a shame to see the segment getting overpopulated. Top industry experts are already pinning the Ford EcoSport to shake the foundations of Duster and Quanto in the country, besides becoming a game changer for the company in Indian auto market. Maruti Suzuki has not yet tasted success in the utility segment and will be looking to turn the tides on Duster with its XA Alpha compact SUV. Hence, some cut throat competition is anticipated next year in the compact utility vehicle segment of Indian automobile industry, but only time will tell if the segment overpopulation is good or bad overall for the market.
![Renault Duster [2020-2022]](https://imgd-ct.aeplcdn.com/160x89/n/cw/ec/47028/duster-exterior-right-front-three-quarter-4.jpeg?q=80 "Renault Duster [2020-2022]")
