At present, SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles) are hot favourites of domestic customers in India for want of more space and power. As a result of this, the utility segment is marked by a consistent increase in demand among customers in the country. Auto companies like Ford and Renault have been able to derive benefits from this surge in the Indian automobile market. The phenomenal response that EcoSport and Duster have got is testimony to this fact. Maruti Suzuki too does not want to be a left out member in this utility-vehicle chase. This auto major is currently eyeing the development of XA Alpha concept car to mark its space in the ever growing SUV segment. As experts predict, with Maruti Suzuki XA Alpha, the auto maker will raise the level of competition in the market. Customers and enthusiasts are eagerly waiting for the inception of this car in Indian market. This, by far, is the most prominent factor to wait for XA Alpha's launch - an offering of the leading passenger car manufacturer of India.
The XA Alpha concept vehicle was showcased by Maruti Suzuki at the 2012 Auto Expo. It was one of the main attractions for visitors and many industry experts had hailed this prototype put on public display. This vehicle is expected to be launched in India in mid 2014. However, the exact launch date of this utility vehicle is yet to be announced officially due to its progressive development phase. It would be interesting to see the engine based performance of this vehicle, which incidentally is yet another reason for car enthusiasts and lovers to be anxious. According to the available information, XA Alpha is likely to come with two engine options including petrol and diesel. The petrol version is likely to get the K-Series powertrain whereas the diesel guise is expected to be equipped with a 1.3-litre DDiS engine.
Speed and acceleration aspects of this to-be-launched vehicle are yet to be seen and confirmed with test drives. But, nonetheless, it gives enough food for thought to car lovers to excitedly wait for its launch in the Indian market. As per various sources close to this development, this concept car would be able to clock a maximum speed of 180 km per hour. However, time taken to get past the 100 kmph mark from scratch is still unknown.
Other reasons to wait for this vehicle are its appealing exteriors and interiors. Here, a mere look at the prototype revealed at 2012 Auto Expo gives the necessary hint to potential buyers. The most attractive is the front façade with a prominent grill and stylish headlights. Conjunction with prolific rear and side profiles has resulted in a majestic and muscular stance. As far as dimensions are concerned, this vehicle is expected to be 1900 mm wide, 1600 mm high and will have a wheelbase of 2500 mm. Features like automatic climate control system with rear air-conditioning vents, electrically adjustable outside mirrors, leather seats, rear defogger, rear armrest with cup holders, foldable rear seats and steering mounted audio controls are also likely to be incorporated. Customers can also expect XA Alpha to carry some other high-end features like remote fuel lid opener and integrated music system that come with AUX-in, USB, MP3 and Bluetooth connectivity.
Still more, Maruti Suzuki is likely to offer this SUV in different trim levels with 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive options. The drive selector on the central console for switching between different modes while paving rough terrains, is yet another feature that adept drivers would like to test while driving this utility vehicle. Furthermore, it is good news that XA Alpha is likely to come with a number of safety features like Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), dual airbags for the driver and the front passenger.
