Fuel economy and price, undoubtedly, are two of the most important factors that influence decisions of car buyers in the Indian auto market. However, keeping these two aside, if there is any other thing that is on the priority of buyers, it is the styling of a car. The design of a car is extremely significant for a buyer in India to connect to it. According to a recent report, customers in India are least bothered about safety and security features in their vehicle. This can be verified by the fact that one of India's best selling cars, Maruti Suzuki Alto K10, scored really low in a quality test conducted by an international organisation. Reportedly, auto makers focus a lot on the styling and appearance of a particular vehicle.
In coming years, a lot of cars are going to be launched and some of them, as per experts, might set standards in terms of styling. Ever since the launch of Ford EcoSport, things have shaped up really differently for the country's compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment, which was relatively unknown till sometime back. Maruti Suzuki, not having any significant stronghold in the utility vehicle segment, is expected to launch XA Alpha model in the first half of 2014, reports have claimed. This car was showcased as a concept vehicle at the 2012 Auto Expo held at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. Till sometime back, there were no concrete plans of this model being launched in India. However, the rise in demand of compact SUVs has triggered a sense of urgency in operations of India's largest passenger car maker. Notably, the design of this vehicle has been inspired by martial arts and Indian wrestling. Images suggest that headlamps and tail lamps of this model have similarities to muscles of wrestlers. Industry experts feel that this sort of traditional and patriotic connection is bound to work well with customers.
With the launch of Grand i10, South Korean auto maker Hyundai took another step towards reducing market share gap between it and Maruti Suzuki. Apart from engine and features, styling is one of the biggest reasons that have led to success of Hyundai cars. Reports have claimed that the South Korean auto maker is going to launch i30 in India in 2014. This model, despite being present in European market since a long time, has not been launched in India. However, banking on the success of all 'i' series models, Hyundai is hoping to launch i30 in India. Style is an essential part of the success of i30, which is likely to attract buyers. In the international market, it comes in 3-door hatchback, 5-door hatchback and 5-door estate versions. Reports have claimed that Hyundai is going to launch the 5-door hatchback model in India.
Another stylish premium hatchback set to make its way to Indian market is Volkswagen Golf GT, which is quite acclaimed internationally. The German car manufacturer has already achieved success with its Polo and Cross Polo hatchbacks. Experts feel that Golf GT is going to attract a lot of buyers due to its premium design, security features and performance orientation. Nothing has been made official as of now but speculations regarding the same are surfacing since long and its launch looks imminent.
Jeep, the iconic car manufacturer, is yet to make its entry in the Indian market. However, in the past, it has spoken about plans to launch Wrangler and Cherokee vehicles in India. Not only are these cars popular for their security and safety levels, they score high in terms of style as well.
