Crossover cars are the new trend in the country. These cars are primarily a bigger version their of little hatchbacks or sedan siblings. Crossovers are sporty, powerful and spacious. The recently ended 12th Auto Expo event saw a considerable number of crossover cars being showcased by Indian and International car-makers. Competition can definitely get tougher in the big car segment when two local car-makers battle it out head-on.
Maruti Suzuki SX4 crossover car has been in the news since late 2013. First look of the car was finally unveiled at the recently held Auto Expo event. The car rechristened as 'S-Cross' is expected to be powered with 1.6 litre petrol engine which is capable of delivering 120 PS of power with 156 Nm of torque. It is anticipated that SX4 crossover may also be available in a diesel version powered by Fiat's 1.6-litre MultiJet engine. On first look, the car reminds us of the good old car Suzuki Grand Vitara. The current version that was unveiled at Auto Expo 2014 seems to be similar to the one showcased at the Geneva Motor Show.
Exact technical specifications have not been revealed for now and may be spoken in detail at a later date. As per sources, along with the two wheel drive option, the SX4 S-Cross is also expected to be an all 4 wheeled drive. Its fairly powered engine is mated to a 6 speed gearbox. Interiors of the car is fairly decent and comes with abundant leg and head room. Officials from Maruti Suzuki India, said, “'The SX-4 Cross is an outcome of this deliberation to create a new segment which is a natural upgrade for any car owner.” The S-Cross displayed at the recently held Auto Expo event has received an impressive 5-star Euro NCAP rating for its overall safety. Pricing for the car has not been revealed for now by the Indian car-maker and it is anticipated that it may be revealed post the car goes on sale at a later date.
Mahindra Quanto may have been sidelined amongst the likes of Ford Ecosport and Renault Duster, but undoubtedly the car is a value for money deal. The compact SUV carries a toned down version of mHawk diesel engine which is stated to be lighter in weight. The Mahindra Quanto is powered by 1493cc mCR100 engine, that generates torque of about 240Nm at 1600-2800rpm with a maximum power of 100bhp at 3750 rpm. As per sources the car delivered around 13.8 kmpl within the city and on highways the mileage stood out at 17.21kmpl, on an average the car delivered an overall mileage of around 15.5 kmpl. The decently powered engine is mated to a five speed manual transmission.
In an attempt to revive the forgotten compact SUV, the India’s leading SUV manufacturer, has relaunched the car a while ago with flexible seating option. The re-done Quanto is a 5+2 seater compact SUV. The new seats have been termed by the company as flexible 'Yoga seats', that allow 36 different seating combinations for maximum flexibility and convenience. Describing more about the car, Vivek Nayer, Chief Marketing Officer, Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “With the new flexible ‘Yoga seats’, One can feel at home in the city, on highways or while driving off-road. One can also carry more bags, more weekend gears because of flexibility of storage and therefore enjoy more out of their weekend life.”
