There is no bigger brand in the Indian car market than Maruti Suzuki, the country's largest passenger vehicle manufacturer. Therefore, any news related to this company makes front page of industry tabloids or Internet portals. For years now, it has been dominating the passenger car segment, outclassing rivals by a long distance. Although the Suzuki owned firm has a towering presence in the hatchback segment, it has, somehow, been unable to transform the same effect with respect to utility vehicles. However, Maruti Suzuki is willing to change this situation by launching the much hyped XA Alpha compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), sources have claimed. Demand in this segment has risen significantly in 2013, something that can be indicated by sales figures of Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster.
Despite so much hype and attention, there has been no official announcement from Maruti Suzuki. Some experts feel that this might be a ploy by the manufacturer to gather as much momentum as possible. On the other hand, some feel that Maruti Suzuki will make announcements in accordance with the progress of production. Whatever the case maybe, the expectation levels from this vehicle are quite high as it is a potential game changer. This brand, known for producing affordable and fuel-efficient cars, could add another dimension by making the XA Alpha highly stylish. According to reports, the firm has chosen 2014 Auto Expo as a platform to showcase the production model. Notably, it was 2012 Auto Expo when the world first caught a glimpse of this car, which was shown as a concept vehicle. It is believed that Maruti Suzuki fast-tracked the manufacturing progress and strategies related to this car seeing the rise in demand.
XA Alpha comes with a lot of detailing, be it in terms of naming or exteriors. Reports suggest that this car will feature meticulously designed exteriors, which have been inspired from Indian martial arts. In fact, the concept vehicle displayed at 2012 Auto Expo had headlamps and tail lamps reminiscent of muscles of Indian wrestlers, something that is unheard. However, the most interesting part about this compact SUV is its name, which has several parts. 'X' in the name of this car represents the crossover category while ‘A’ signifies a design especially for first time buyers in the utility vehicle segment. That is not all, as 'Alpha' denotes the fresh approach 'Gen X' has towards things. Other highlights that might be included in the design of this car are five-aperture chrome-based grille and plush interiors. As far as the mechanical configuration of this car is concerned, it is likely to come in both petrol and diesel versions.
One thing that is going to important in influencing the success of this compact SUV will be the pricing strategy adopted by Maruti Suzuki. Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster have already set benchmarks in this segment by recording superb sales figures. Now, only time would tell whether Maruti Suzuki XA Alpha can emulate this feat or not. The competition is going to be tough for this new entrant. However, warding off challenges is nothing new to Maruti Suzuki and it has been doing the same for year now.
