There is no denying the fact that Maruti Suzuki is the undisputed number one in the passenger car segment. In fact, it is one of the few companies that have managed to stay afloat despite challenging conditions. However, one area that is still unmarked by the auto maker is the compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment. To make an addition to its repertoire and be the forerunner in the aforementioned segment, Maruti Suzuki is expected to set the ball rolling by launchingXA Alpha. Interestingly, this compact SUV made an appearance as a concept vehicle at the 2012 Auto Expo and was expected to be launched by the end of 2013. Contrary to what was anticipated, the launch of the same has been postponed to the year 2014, sources have claimed. In addition, the production version of the SUV XA Alpha is rumoured to be displayed at the upcoming 2014 Auto Expo.
Maruti Suzuki's yet to be launched SUV XA Alpha will be based on Ertiga, which itself is based on a tweaked Swift platform. XA Alpha is expected to be available in both diesel and petrol variants. As far as the naming convention is concerned, 'Alpha' in XA Alpha stands for newness and trendiness that the Gen X connects to while 'X' denotes cross-over category. Further, 'A' signifies that it has been designed for car buyers willing to enter the utility vehicle (UV) segment. Reportedly, dimensions of this five-seater are going to be 4000 mm (length), 1900 mm (width) and 1600 mm (height).
The concept version of XA Alpha displayed at 2012 Auto Expo boasted of a meticulously designed sturdy exterior with strong looking wheels and tyres. The design of this SUV inspired by Indian martial arts and wrestling. Adding to the look further are headlamps and taillamps, which are symbolic of the muscles of a wrestler. Concept model showcased at the event flaunted a five-aperture grille that carried Maruti Suzuki's monogram. Upper part of the chrome based grille had blue accents integrated while the lower part of the front grille was provided with heavy duty bull bars. On the other hand, its plush interiors had cues similar to Maruti Suzuki's Swift and Swift DZire.
Being a new entrant in the compact SUV segment, this much-awaited vehicle from Maruti Suzuki is likely to face competition with cars from brands like Renault and Ford. Their respective SUVs, Duster and EcoSport, are already reigning the afore-stated segment, with soaring sales figures and popularity. Ford EcoSport is available in four variants and comes packed with commendable technology and fancy equipments. Highlights of this car include power steering, electric ORVMs with indicators, Bluetooth radio with AUX and USB connectivity and remote central locking.
Renault Duster, on the other hand, is offered in both petrol and diesel variants. The Duster struts of spacious interiors and the slick 6 speed gearbox that make it cross over into three digit speeds with ease. Despite the fact that the Renault Duster and Ford EcoSport have already been crowned as excellent performers in the compact SUV segment, Maruti Suzuki confidently claims that its new SUV will definitely make a mark for itself.
Industry experts have lauded Maruti Suzuki's understanding of the market and rise in demand of the compact SUV segment. After observing the success of Duster and EcoSport, Maruti Suzuki, reportedly, paced up the production of XA Alpha. Industry experts feel that the brand name of India's largest passenger car maker is going to work in its favour.
