New and upcoming SUVs: What’s exciting about them

The Indian SUV market is abuzz with new and upcoming launches and with the kind of SUVs that we’re about to get, we have every reason to be excited! Here’s list of recently launched or upcoming SUVs that are interesting for the Indian market.

Recently launched SUVs

Mahindra Quanto (MPV)

On September 20, 2012 Mahindra launched the Quanto compact MPV which is based on the Xylo MPV. The Quanto starts at Rs. 5.82 lakh and goes up to Rs. 7.36 lakh for the top-trim variant. It is available in four variants – C2, C4, C6 and C8. The Quanto is a five-seater with two additional jump seats (5+2 seater). Mahindra however has positioned the Quanto as compact lifestyle SUV.

It is powered by a 1493 cc, three-cylinder diesel engine (mCR100) that puts out 100 bhp of power at 3,750 rpm and 240 Nm of torque at 1600-2800 rpm. This is the first time Mahindra is using a twin-turbo system in a vehicle, which eliminates turbo lag and improves power. Mahindra claims, it is the world’s smallest twin-turbo engine. What makes the Quanto interesting is the fact that it is a very affordable vehicle and can easily capture the need Indian buyers have for an affordable upgrade to an SUV. Read more: Mahindra Quanto launched

Upcoming SUVs

Tata Safari Storme

Slated for an October 17, 2012 launch the Tata Safari Storme is a very interesting launch. It is in fact one of the most eagerly-awaited SUVs which has seen several launch delays. The Storme is ages ahead of the present Safari and will coexist with the existing Safari. It will be priced a little above the present Safari.

With its Range Rover inspired design, redesigned tailgate, an Aria adapted chassis and a more refined engine the Storme is an attractive SUV. If priced attractively the Safari could see a whole new set of buyers in the future who were bored of the older Safari’s plain-Jane looks and wanted something fresh Also see: What’s new and exciting about the upcoming launches!

It will offer better fit and finish, higher refinement levels and better handling. It is likely to be priced between Rs. 9.5 lakh and Rs. 13 lakh. Read more: Tata Safari Storme-Driven!

Mahindra Ssangyong Rexton

The Mahindra Ssangyong Rexton will be launched on October 17, 2012 clashing with the launch of the Safari. It will add to Mahindra’s already extensive SUV portfolio. It is a well designed and spacious SUV which looks classier than any other Mahindra vehicle launched till date. Also read: Rexton launched

It will be pit against the likes of: Chevrolet Captiva and the Toyota Fortuner, but it will be quite aggressively priced. The Rexton W which is now the variant we will get is expected to be powered by a 2.7-litre turbocharged common-rail diesel engine. This engine churns out 182 bhp of power and 402 Nm of torque. We expect the Rexton to come in both 5 speed manual and five speed automatic variants.

The Rexton will likely be loaded with features such as all-round disc brakes, an optional all-wheel drive system, multiple airbags, tyre-pressure warning, Bluetooth and even a collision warning mechanism.  It is expected to be priced between Rs. 18 lakh and Rs. 20 lakh.

Ford EcoSport

Ford is going to make us wait at least till January 2013 for the EcoSport but it promises to be worth the wait. One of the most-awaited compact SUVs after the launch of the Renault Duster, it will give Ford a whole new set of customers. Also read: Ford EcoSport AT spy photos

 

The EcoSport will have a 1-litre, three-cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine that churns out 120 bhp of power (equivalent to a 1.6 litre engine) with the fuel economy of a small hatchback. It will also come with a 1.5 litre diesel engine, which is likely to be the larger selling model. It will also be offered with an automatic variant, which will give it an edge over the Renault Duster. The EcoSport will likely be priced aggressively as Ford can take advantage of excise rules that apply to small cars. This is because the EcoSport measures exactly 4 meters in length (without the spare wheel). It should be launched in the price range of Rs. 7 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh.