Indian car market is still identified as a hub for hatchbacks, however with new segments being inducted in domestic market, India may no longer remain a automotive market heaped with small cars. Currently, auto makers in India have shifted focus to the emerging UV segment that may have witnessed slump last fiscal, but launch of new entrants in this segment will hopefully help achieving good numbers.
The sudden shift in customer sentiment from ‘small to big’, has left MSI pondering the need to metamorphose its image from being a small car king to big car czar. Maruti has now set its eyes on the bigger cars like sedans and UVs. At the 2014 Auto Expo we did get a sneak peek into the company’s two new vehicles, Ciaz and S-Cross that will be launched in India soon. New cars are driving sales of the auto makers helping them to post growth month after month and MSI hopes to overcome slump in domestic market after the launch of Ciaz and S-Cross. MSI is contemplating to increase its market share in India to 45 per cent this fiscal by registering 15 per cent leap in sales by March 31, 2015.
Ciaz launch is expected to happen in July this year, however S-Cross is anticipated to break cover by 2015. Touted to be a part of C segment, Ciaz is a replacement of ageing SX4 that has lost its sheen. Ciaz is expected to be offered in both petrol and diesel variants and will compete with the likes of new Honda City, Hyundai Verna and upcoming new Ford Fiesta sedan. S-Cross on the other hand will be positioned as a Crossover/compact SUV that will take on popular SUVs including Duster and EcoSport. Since competition is fierce in UV segment, MSI will equip S-Cross with aplenty features including LED daytime running lights which is likely to be offered in the top end version. S-Cross is already available for sale in other international markets; however MSI will make comprehensive modifications to make it viable for Indian customers.
