Indian automotive market is going to witness launches of the three most anticipated vehicles of the year during the second half of October 2012. The waiting period is almost over and the excitement has reached a critical level for the Indian car enthusiasts. The festive season will begin with the auspicious Navratri from October 16, 2012 and the flood gates of new products will open straight away with many car companies shifting gears as the launch dates get closer.
Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL), the country's largest passenger car maker, will kick start the festivities with the launch of Alto 800 on October 16, 2012. The soon-to-be launched Alto 800, termed as the 'most awaited car of the year' is expected to start a new era in the company's illustrious history in the country. Top industry experts are positive that the latest product from the stables of Maruti Suzuki will easily fill in boots of the iconic 800 model and will pose huge competition to the likes of Hyundai Eon in the entry-level car market. The upcoming Alto 800's USP is believed to be its segment defining fuel efficiency of more than 22 km per litre on petrol and a whopping 35 km per litre on CNG. In all fairness, Maruti Suzuki has a predefined mass puller in its kitty.
The most exciting packages lie in the Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment of the Indian auto market, as two top Utility Vehicle (UV) operators, Tata Motors and Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) Limited are lining up their new offerings for an October 2012 launch. Tata Motors, the South Asia's largest automobile manufacturer, will roll out its brand new Safari Storme SUV on October 17, 2012, which will be involved in a direct face off against M&M's immensely popular XUV500 in the country. The yet-to-be launched Safari Storme SUV will come trimmed with a whole array of interesting features and is expected to direct the charge of Tata Motors' offence in the Indian SUV market.
Reportedly, the upcoming Safari Storme will incorporate a 2.2-litre DiCOR diesel power-mill, capable of churning out a maximum power-torque output of 140 bhp and 320 Nm, respectively. The drivetrain is believed to be mated to a five-speed manual transmission system and possesses same suspension mechanism, like the one installed in the Aria crossover. The 2012 Safari Storme will also come laced with all the attributes of a premium SUV, such as all round disc brakes and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
The country's leading UV maker, M&M is all revved up for the introduction of Rexton SUV in the Indian market, on the same day of the launch of Safari Storme. The yet-to-be launched Rexton SUV comes from the stables of M&M's subdivision SsangYong Motors, the fourth largest auto manufacturer of South Korea, and is expected to be a game changer for the Indian UV maker.
The yet-to-be launched 2012 SsangYong Rexton is anticipated to come trimmed with a 2.7 litre Common Rail diesel powerplant under its hood that delivers a maximum power-torque output of 165 Nm and 340 Nm, in the order of their mention. Further, the powertrain will come assimilated with a 5-speed manual transmission gearbox that makes sure Rexton SUV conquers any demanding terrain with utmost ease.
The most promising of the lot is easily the Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 and considering the past successes of company's entry-level offerings, the new product looks certain to storm its way towards the core of Indian hearts as well. Coming to the SUV segment, Tata Safari Storme and Mahindra XUV500 will make a smashing contest, while the SsangYong Rexton will pose a diabolic threat to the likes of Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Toyota Outlander, Hyundai Santa Fe and Ford Endeavour.
