Maruti Suzuki India Limited, the country's largest passenger car maker, seems all set to capitalise on the growing demand in the compact SUV segment with the launch of a new model, XA Alpha. Reportedly, with the launch of a new model, the auto maker is planning to enter the segment which is currently ruled by the Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster. Sources close to the development process have revealed that XA Alpha will be based on the manufacturing platform of Swift and will be offered in both petrol and diesel engine options.
Interestingly, in XA Alpha, Alpha stands for newness and trendiness, which the youth in the Indian auto market is connected to majorly. Along with, 'A' represents that this 4-metre long concept has been designed for those buyers who wish to enter the compact utility vehicle segment, whereas 'X' signifies the crossover category. Interestingly, the designing team of XA Alpha has been well versed with the choice of Indian buyers, who want a vehicle with a dominant look and appealing at the same time. It must be noted that the model was unveiled at the 2012 New Delhi Auto Expo, wherein it featured a roof-mounted stop lamp.
Remembering the model showcased at the mega auto event, the front fascia highlighted a 5-aperture grill, which had the logo of Suzuki. The lower part of grille had clad with bull bars of heavy duty. Coming to the side profile of the model, it looks sturdy owing to the strong looking tires. Interiors of the car are expected to be similar to the current generation model of Swift. Anticipated to be priced between Rs. 6 and Rs. 8 lakh, Maruti Suzuki is looking forward to stir competition in the compact SUV segment.
Along with this model, the company is gearing up to introduce a sedan and a hatchback. The upcoming sedan is said to be a substitute for the current generation model of SX4. Reportedly, this model will be launched in the first half of 2014. It must be noted that Maruti Suzuki SX4 accounted for strong sales in the initial stages; however it lost grounds to Hyundai Verna, Nissan Sunny and Honda City. Sources close to this process said that the upcoming new sedan will not just be a reworked model of the ongoing SX4, but will be a completely new car with distinctive styling and enhanced engine. On this development, a company official was quoted as saying, “The project is very close to our hearts. The styling is top notch and we are sure it will be able to take the segment by storm.”
The new sedan of Maruti Suzuki is likely to make its presence felt at the 2014 Auto Expo. “Maruti needs to bring out the SX4 in a new avatar or come out with a completely new sedan. However, it has to be careful as the competition is extremely high in the segment. It cannot take the consumer for granted and has to come out with better designs and offer more in the vehicles. For Maruti, right now having a compact and a mid-level SUV makes sense. But they have to price it right between Rs. 4 lakh and Rs. 14 lakh. Anything over that does not make sense because it might not sell and suffer the fate of its premium sedan Kizashi. It needs to come out fast with the SUVs as it is a booming segment at present,” said an auto analyst.
