Maruti Suzuki has never been known for it capabilities in the compact SUV segment, with the expected launch of XA Alpha next year year, the Indian carmaker has a good opportunity to showcase its potential in this segment. The XA Alpha from Maruti Suzuki has been much awaited in the country ever since it was showcased at the Auto Expo event this year. With the upcoming launch of XA Alpha, other international car-makers like Ford, Hyundai and Renault who have until now enjoyed a strong hold in SUV segment shall go in for a toss in terms of sales.
Maruti Suzuki XA Alpha is expected to be powered by a 1.5 litre diesel engine. It is believed that the current line featuring Fiat's Multijet technology may be put to rest now and a diesel engine may possible be developed by Suzuki. For now, the car shall be available in diesel version, but a petrol version can be expected down the line. Reports also state that Suzuki is also developing a variety of engines, namely 0.8-litre, 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre, to provide wider options to the buyers. Given the decently powered engine specification it is anticipated that the petrol variant may deliver about 13 – 16 kmpl, whereas the diesel version is expected to deliver about 17 - 20 kmpl. Confirmed figures shall be revealed once the car has been launched in the local market.
Maruti Suzuki has been a people's car and it would be interesting to see if the XA Alpha manages to keep up with the company's long standing reputation for delivering cars with reliability, efficiency and easy-to-maintain functionality. The exteriors, shall carry a masculine appeal and look aggressive among its lot. The Ciaz sedan is expected to launched sometime soon and the pricing aspect is unknown for now but the vehicle is expected to be launched at a hypothetical starting price tag of about Rs. 7.0 lakhs.
Renault's Duster has been enjoying a special spot in this segment in the country. The car-maker is reportedly also planning to launch the 4x4 variant of Duster sometime soon. Post Maruti Suzuki's XA Alpha launch, it would be interesting to see if Renault shall need something more to stay up in the competition.
