Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) represent the most fiercely contested segments of the Indian auto market. The SUVs are big in size and popular for their ability to tread any kind of uncertain and demanding terrains, such as sharp rocky inclines, river crossings and slushy beds, amongst others. High ground clearance, powerful engine, water wading ability and All Wheel Drive (AWD) are some of the features of these type of vehicles. CarTrade.com has compiled a list of top 8 SUVs available in the Indian auto market.
Heading list is the Mahindra XUV500 model that has become a huge favourite among the domestic car buyers. Fondly called by many as 'The Cheetah', XUV500 is the most futuristic and advanced SUV from the house of Mahindra & Mahindra Limited. The home grown auto maker manufactures its XUV500 models for both domestic market and international export operations. The stunning SUV is powered by the acclaimed 2.2 litre mHawk diesel powertrain that develops 140 bhp of peak power and 330 Nm of highest torque delivery. The Mahindra XUV500 range starts with price tags from Rs. 12.3 lakh that go on till Rs. 15 lakh in the country.
Tata Safari Storme and Renault Duster are the second and third models featured in our list of top 8 SUVs available in India. Being the oldest of all players in the SUV segment, the Tata Safari was given an image makeover last year and the result was Storme. Safari Storme is the most advanced SUV made by Tata Motors till date and competes fiercely against its foremost rival Mahindra XUV500. Termed as a 'Real SUV' by the company, base trim of Safari starts around Rs. 10 lakh.
Renault Duster is a compact SUV that entered Indian auto sector in July 2012. Since its launch, the Duster has baffled industry economics by selling in excess of 5,000 units per month in the country. The popular model boasts of having aggressive looks, powerful engine and competitive price tag. The car's design was hailed by industry critics with many calling it to be the most complete product in the utility vehicle segment of Indian auto market. The Renault Duster is available within a price band of Rs. 8 to 12 lakh in the country.
Premium SUV models Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour are tied at joint fourth spot in the list. Under its hood, Fortuner is powered by a 3.0 litre diesel engine that churns out a peak power output of 168 bhp and a maximum turning force of 343 Nm. The giant Japanese beast is offered to Indian buyers between a price band of Rs. 22 and 24 lakh. On the other hand, the Ford Endeavour is available in two engine options- a 3.0 litre and a 2.5 litre engine with top power rated at 154 bhp and 141 bhp, respectively.
SsangYong Rexton ends up with a sixth spot on the list and competes against heavy weights like Fortuner, Endeavour, Hyundai Santa Fe, Chevrolet Captiva and Honda CR-V. The Rexton carries a price tag of Rs. 18.8 lakh in the Indian auto market. The seventh and eighth positions are rounded off by Skoda Yeti and Mahindra Scorpio SUVs. The Skoda Yeti is a premium compact SUV and boasts of having a high ground clearance, neat interiors and the much fawned upon AWD option. However, industry experts have called this vehicle slightly overpriced (Rs. 14.9 lakh) with respect to the Indian auto market. The Mahindra Scorpio has been in the market for over ten years now and still lists among the top selling SUVs of the country. As per sources, the next generation Scorpio SUV would be based on a monocoque chassis with AWD drivetrain, a first model of its kind from the house of Mahindra & Mahindra. At present, Scorpio is offered to domestic buyers in a price bracket of Rs. 8 to 12.5 lakh in the country.
