Best SUVs and MPVs at the Delhi Auto Expo 2012 Review, True to its billing of being the biggest automobile show in the India, the platform of the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo has been made full use of by both domestic as well as international auto makers to launch their future range of cars. We take a look at some of the best SUVs and MPVs that have highlighted their presence at this event.
Ford EcoSport:
Ford Motors has unveiled its much awaited compact SUV, the Ford EcoSport at the Delhi event. Though the maker has not yet disclosed any information about its price, market expectations are that the vehicle is going to be offered at aroundRs.7 Lakh to Rs.9 Lakh. The car uses a 1L petrol engine, which has a capacity of delivering a maximum power 120PS and peak torque 170Nm. This latest Ecoboost engine that the vehicle is using will increase the fuel efficiency of the vehicle by 30% whereas its CO2 emission is 20% lesser. A diesel variant of 1.5L is also going to be launched at a later date.
Tata Safari Storme:
Tata Motors has used the platform of the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo to unveil its latest SUV, the Safari Storme. The iconic Tata Safari has now undergone complete redesigning to suit the requirements of contemporary SUVs. The car has been designed to create a strong impact in both performance and styling. It has been provided with a power packed 2.2L common rail 16-valve DICOR engine that has the capacity to generate maximum power and peak torque of 140PS and 320Nm respectively and has been mated to a five-speed manual transmission.
Mercedes-Benz M-Class:
The 2012 Delhi Auto Expo has provided an excellent opportunity for Mercedes-Benz to generate a cool and young image for itself. Working on the same lines, the auto maker launched the Mercedes-Benz M-Class in a glittering ceremony at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi, where the Auto Expo is being held. The car has a compact and sharp look. Its bonnet has been redesigned and along with its LED lights, the car gets a younger look. Its V6 2987cc diesel engine generates maximum power of 258Bhp and peak torque 620Nm. It achieves a 224kmph peak speed.
Toyota Innova:
The latest Toyota Innova SUV has been unveiled at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo. It has been provided with an improved front grille, new headlamps and fog lamps, freshly designed alloy wheels, an improved bumper, an in-built camera, steering wheel wrapped in leather, DVD, touch screen, Bluetooth along with controls mounted on the steering. The car is expected to be priced in the range of Rs.9.40 Lakh to Rs.13.19 Lakh. The latest design has been provided with a D4D 3.0L diesel engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.
Mahindra Rexton:
Mahindra has unveiled the Rexton, which has been manufactured by its subsidiary company SsangYong. The SUV is expected in Mahindra showrooms within six months. The Mahindra Rexton has been designed for off-road travel and has been provided with a direct injected 2.7L diesel engine, which generated a maximum power of 184PS and peak torque of 402Nm. The SUV will accommodate seven passengers and has been provided with the most advanced safety features.
Maruti Suzuki XA:
Maruti Suzuki surprised a lot of experts by unveiling its concept SUV, the X-Alpha, on the first day of the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo. Dimensionally, the car looks similar to the Gypsy, which was a favored car for many years on Indian roads. But, this car has a more muscular and brawny design compared to the Gypsy, which it is expected to replace on Indian roads. The production version of this car can be expected in the next couple of years. It is expected to be priced in the range between Rs.8 Lakh to Rs.12 Lakh, when it is launched.
Maruti Ertiga:
Maruti Suzuki has revealed its first indigenously made MPV the Maruti Ertiga using the platform provided by the2012 Delhi Auto Expo. The Maruti Ertiga can comfortably accommodate seven passengers and has been provided with its latest K-Series 1.4L petrol engine, which is equipped with the feature of variable valve timings. It has also come out with another variant using a turbocharged 1.4L diesel engine. The segment in which the Ertiga has been launched does not have many strong competitors and hence, it can create a category for itself. Maruti has priced this car aggressively at Rs.5.7 Lakh, but its top-end diesel model comes at Rs.8 Lakh. Its headlamp has a resemblance with the Swift whereas the rest of its exterior has been inspired from the Ritz.
Nissan Evalia:
Nissan, the auto major from Japan, has unveiled its seven-passenger accommodating Evalia using the platform of the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo. The Evalia has evolved following the partnership between Nissan and Ashok Leyland. The vehicle is going to be produced at its Chennai manufacturing unit. Bollywood heartthrob, Ranbir Kapoor, who is also the brand ambassador of the company, was present during this event. The Nissan Evalia is expected to hit Indian roads by the middle of 2012.
Chevrolet Tavera Neo 3:
Chevrolet, which has registered a strong presence at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo, used this event to unveil the latest variant of its Chevrolet Tavera, called the Neo 3. The car has been provided with a larger headlamp, alloy wheels, and its latest bowtie emblem adorns both the rear and front of the car. The exterior has been provided with an additional chrome finish along with two-toned color graphics. The Neo 3 has been given a steering wheel having 3 spokes. A latest Audio System has been provided to this MPV. Storage space has been enhanced with its twin glove boxes. It has enhanced the power of the engine, which is now a TDCi 2.0L diesel variant having direct injection for delivering optimum mileage. Power windows have been provided to this car along with defogger on its rear window.
Hyundai Hexa Space:
Hyundai Motor used the forum of the Delhi Auto Expo to unveil its Hexa Space Concept MPV, which is going to accommodate eight passengers. Optimum utilization of space in this car has been achieved by hexagonally shaping its seats. Hyundai has designed this concept car to target the urban consumers in the age group of 30 to 40. However, it might take three or four years for the production version of this vehicle to come out.
Both these new SUVs are likely to land under the price range of Rs. 10 lakh. Maruti Suzuki India also brought in its XA Alpha compact SUV concept. Mahindra also showcased four SangYong SUVs in India out of which Rexton and Korando E are expected to hit the Indian roads by the end of this year. It is a clear fight to grab the top spot in the SUV segment of the Indian car market between the domestic automakers and the global auto giants.
Indian auto manufacturers such as Mahindra, Tata Motors and few more companies like Premier & Force Motors are already locking horns with auto firms Ford, Toyota, Audi, BMW and Skoda. And the launch of so many SUVs at the Auto Expo 2012, this scenario of the Indian Auto market will become more interesting.
Who knows, this might be just a sign that the Indian car market is maturing and many global car makers are investing their money into the SUV segment of the market. Some of the most loved SUVs in India comprise ofTata Safari, Mahindra Scorpio, Mahindra Bolero, Toyota Fortuner and BMW X1.
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