As India seems to be ready to accept the concept of driving an SUV, many international and domestic car-makers have either launched or planned some launches for this year. Amidst the interesting lot of SUV cars in India, we present you the top 10 cars featuring the highly awaited and existing list of Sports Utility Vehicles in India.
As per sources, the Indian car manufacturer Mahindra plans to unveil its face-lifted version of Scorpio sometime in the middle of 2014. The changes are expected to be purely cosmetic in nature and the engine shall be retained with the existing line of 2.2 litre M-Hawk turbo diesel engine. It is anticipated that the power and torque figures could be increased from 120 bhp and 290 Nm of torque to 140 bhp and 330 Nm of torque.
The car that shall steal the show for Maruti Suzuki during the Auto Expo 2014, would be the much awaited XA Alpha. As per sources, the car shall be powered by a 1.5 litre diesel engine. It is also said that the diesel engine has been developed by Suzuki and the current line featuring Fiat's Multijet technology may be put to rest. The car is expected to compete with some of the top SUV's in India such as Ford Ecosport, Hyundai Santa Fe, Tata Sumo Grand, Mahindra Scorpio and Toyota Innova a tough competition.
The Volkswagen Tiguan is all geared-up to go head to head against some of the upcoming SUV cars in India. The SUV is expected to be powered by 1.0-litre 3-cylinder TSI petrol engine and it generates a good 110PS of power with 175Nm of torque. The diesel version may feature a 1.4litre, 3 cylinder engine. The Tiguan features turbo chargers and direct injection technology to deliver an impressive fuel efficiency of 21 kmpl in Petrol, whereas the Diesel version is said to be more fuel efficient.
Honda Vezel, the new crossover SUV is said to be based on the Jazz platform. The 2013 Tokyo motor show marked Honda Vezel's entry into rapidly expanding and highly competitive compact crossover market. The car is powered by a 1.5 litre i-VTECH petrol engine that efficiently produces approx. 116 Bhp power and 164 Nm of torque. The diesel version borrows the 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel engine from the Amaze sedan and this engine produces raw power of up-to 98 bhp and 200Nm of torque.
Ford's top-selling SUV Ecosport generated huge interest since its inception a year ago. The car created a stir in the compact SUV segment. Ecosport has everything going in its favor – Eye-catching design, good performance, reliability and efficiency were its unique selling proposition. Moreover, the compact SUV was offered at a very lucrative price that made it a hot seller among SUV cars in India.
Renault Duster has always been in the news since its inception in the country a while ago. The SUV sold like hot cakes due to its quality build and reliability at a lucrative price tag at which it was being offered. The new car is expected to be powered with 1.6 litre engine that generates about 105 Hp at 5,750 rpm and produces a maximum torque of 148 Nm at 3,750 rpm.
Upcoming SUV from Hyundai named Santa Fe is also worth looking out for during the Auto Expo event. The new Santa Fe is available in 2 liter turbo and a 2.2 liter CRDI motors .It is speculated that the new avatar would come with the same 2.2-litre CRDi diesel engine in its hood, which can generate a power of 194 bhp and a peak torque of 422 Nm.
The upcoming Hyundai Intrado is said to be inspired by the undersides of a plane's wing, thereby rechristening the car as Intrados. Moreover, the car boasts of a lightweight framework and next generation fuel-cell system. As stated by sources, the new compact SUV is based on Hyundai's new Fluidic Sculpture version 2.0.
The new Safari Storme was unveiled at the 2012 Auto Expo show. The fresh face was rather welcoming, the car had smoother curves and had shed it bulging look. The SUV is powered by 2.2 litre that generates an impressive power of about 140 bhp and 320 Nm of torque. Moreover, the Tata Safari Storme has shed the previously used DICOR technology and has received a VariCOR (Variable Turbine Technology) engine.
Skoda Yeti has been present in the Indian market for quite some time. The compact SUV is currently present in India with an option of front wheel drive and an all-wheel drive. Skoda Yeti has received cosmetic upgrades this time around, whereas major technical changes are not expected. The front fascia of the car has received a new grill that compliments the body colored bumpers. Moreover, the side protective moldings and rear panels, gives the car a sportier and fitter look.
