SUV car market has emerged as the next big segment in Indian car market after the hatchback cars. Equipped with four-wheel drive for on- or off-road ability, an SUV takes into consideration acceleration, top speed, mileage, displacement, head and leg room, comfort, build, fit and finish, reliability, image, cost of service and repair to attract the customers. With people wanting to combine comfort, luxury and performance in one, many international car manufacturers have plans to launch their SUV's on Indian roads. Here is a glimpse to upcoming SUV's in India.
Skoda Yeti
Skoda Yeti is all set to set the roads on fire with its upcoming launch in India. A large 1.8 liter, Yeti is smaller than the bulkier SUVs, but still gives the power suspension that the general MPV lacks. A sporty exterior and a comfortable roomy interior constitute the advantages of this SUV from Skoda. Rugged look, stylish headlamps, draped around windscreen, roof rails, long suspense, and high ground clearance makes it a car desirable in every sense. Yeti delivers 120 bhp of power and is expected to cost around 10 to 12 lakhs. The Yeti will also be the first MPV from the Czech manufacturer to grace Indian roads. It is likely to be launched with two models including 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 2.0-litre diesel engine. The promising SUV is expected to make it to Indian roads in mid 2010.Skoda Yeti
Tata Range Rover
Tata is all set to role out one of its most ambitious SUV’s Range Rover as a perfect blend of luxury and power. The luxurious interiors with real wood veneers and finest leather natural grain make it a dream machine. Tata Range Rover comes packed with a new and powerful 5.0-liter LR-V8 engine and some outstanding technologies like the first split-screen center console which lets the driver watch the sat-nav, while giving the passengers the liberty to watch a DVD from the same screen. Augmented driving dynamics, new headlamps, LED rear lamps, large grilles, and 3-stripped LED theme, with reduced wind and power train make Tata Range Rover a ‘consummate luxury SUV’
Nissan Murano
The SUV brands in India will soon be competing with the first SUV of Nissan in India. Nissan Munro is geared up with a stylish combination of lustrous appearance and a powerful engine. The car will be available in three levels - the base S, the mid-grade SL and the top of the line LE. Powered by a 3.5-liter petrol V6 engine at 265 horsepower, LE Nissan Murano will be an all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicle. It is capable of zooming from 0 mph to the speed of 60mph in less than 9 seconds. Aluminum interior accents, leather seats, rain sensing wipers, memory seats and mood lighting, besides an 11-speaker Bose unit, with 9.3 GB hard-disk storage and head-rest mounted LCD screens for passengers in the rear are the other attractive features of the car. The launch price of the car will be 40 lacs.
Volvo XC60
Volvo, is introducing an all new SUV model Volvo XC60 on Indian roads to get their piece of royalty in the emerging SUV car market of India. With fresh looks ,and reasonable price, Volvo XC60 has some crucial safety features. The SUV is large and muscular in appearance, adorned with a steep grill and a broad shoulder line. Big LED lights blend beautifully with the curves make Volvo XC60 a stylish SUV. Flaunts wood inlays, silky materials, soft-touch plastics and brushed metal for the many panels and accessories make it a dream machine. The crossover SUV is available in two variants, the 3.2 quoted at a starting price around 15 lacs, and the T6 AWD beginning roughly at around Rs.17 lacs.
Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai will be soon alaunching Santa Fe SUV on Indian roads. Hyundai Santa Fe offers 2.2-litre diesel engine with an output of 148bhp. With striking crossover exteriors, slanting headlamps and stunning tail lamps, Santa Fe seems to be a tough competition for other cars in the segment. It also has a very roomy interior and a flowing waistline. The car is loaded with the finest technologies and comes out as a trendy everyday wear. Santa Fe is expected to be priced anywhere between 22 to 26 lakhs.
By : Saranjeet Singh