Ford EcoSport
Ford Sees tremendous potential in the burgeoning mini-SUV segment and its EcoSport is just the product for the job. Striking in the flesh, the production version – due for an India launch in early 2013 – looks very similar to the concept that was premiered at this year’s Auto Expo. That means the car carries an imposing gaping grille, high bonnet-line and attractive wraparound rear windscreen. Most importantly, it looks like a proper SUV despite its sub-four-metre length. Even the cabin is quite funky, and comes with decent space. What’s great is that the EcoSport is just as good to drive as it is to look at. Built on Ford’s global B-platform that also underpins the latest Fiesta, the EcoSport feeds on corners, and the ride quality is quite accomplished. To be sold with the 1.5-litre diesel from the Fiesta, the EcoSport will also mark the Indian debut of Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbocharged, direct-injection petrol motor that promises to offer the performance of a 1.6 petrol with the efficiency of a smaller-capacity engine. The best bit? The EcoSport’s length and engine displacement qualify it as a small car, so pricing is expected at a very competitive Rs 7-9 lakh. We can’t wait!
FACTFILE
Engine: 1.0-litre turbo-petrol, 1.5-litre diesel
Power/torque: 123bhp/17.2kgm, 88.7bhp/20.8kgm
Kerb weight: 1243kg
L/W/H: NA/2060/1670mm
Expected: Early-2013
Price: Rs 7-9 lakh*
Maruti mini-SUV
As the interesting XA-Alpha concept from the Auto Expo made quite obvious, Maruti is developing its own mini-SUV, which could go on sale in the latter part of 2013. To be built on the Swift platform, the SUV will be a clean-sheet design and will come with lots of butch SUV elements. For starters, the SUV will have very short front and rear overhangs, which are also essential to keep length under the four-metre mark. The concept’s high-set five-block grille, heavy frontal cladding, oversized wheel arches and thick C-pillar are some of the other interesting design elements we expect to see on the production model. To keep costs in check, the new SUV could come with the Swift’s dashboard. Maruti will offer the production XA-Alpha with its range of K-series petrol engines and 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine and there will be a four-wheel-drive version too. It will be interesting to see how Maruti prices its own mini-SUV vis-à-vis the Ford EcoSport.
FACTFILE
Engine: 1.2-litre petrol, 1.3-litre diesel
Power/torque: 86bhp/11.6kgm, 88.7bhp/20.4kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: End-2013
Price: Rs 7 lakh*
Nissan SUV
Nissan’s model range is set to receive a fillip with the introduction of a new Renault Duster-based small SUV. Remember, Renault and Nissan are alliance partners and have succesfully badge-engineered each other’s products in India. The Pulse and Scala are, in effect, Renault’s versions of Nissan’s Micra and Sunny respectively. While the new Nissan SUV will adopt the Duster’s broad-shouldered basic design, it will differ from its Renault sibling with a restyled front-end, a new tailgate and possibly even some changes to the sheet metal. Changes to the cabin are likely to be minimal to keep costs in check and even the engines will be the same as on the Duster. The good news is, as per Renault-Nissan’s pricing structure, the new SUV will be cheaper than the Duster by a few thousands at the very least.
FACTFILE
Engine: 1.6-litre petrol, 1.5-litre diesel, 1.5-litre diesel
Power/torque: 102.5bhp/14.8kgm, 84bhp/20.4kgm, 108.5bhp/25.3kgm
Kerb weight: 1160-1308kg
L/W/H: 4315/1822/1695mm
Expected: August 2013
Price: Rs 7.5-11.5 lakh*
BMW X1 facelift
The launch of the Audi Q3 has seriously hurt BMW X1 sales in India. So you can be pretty sure BMW will step on the gas and bring in the facelifted X1 to India by January 2013. While the updated model retains the current X1’s basic design, it gets a more contoured front bumper with a completely redesigned lower section, as well as a slightly restyled rear bumper. Changes to the cabin are limited to a mildly reworked centre console, but higher quality materials should enhance the ambience inside. Let’s hope BMW also addresses the X1’s heavy steering with the update.
FACTFILE
Engine: 2.0-litre petrol, 2.0-litre diesel
Power/torque: 150bhp/20.4kgm, 177bhp/35.7kgm
Kerb weight: 1500-1530kg
L/W/H: 4454/1798/1545mm
Expected: January 2013
Price: Rs 28-38 lakh*
Ford New Endeavour
The Endeavour that sells in India is essentially an SUV version of Ford’s Ranger pickup from the Thai market. With the new Ranger already on sale overseas, it’s only a matter of time before the new Endeavour breaks cover. In terms of design, the new Endeavour will look far more modern than the current model and even the cabin will benefit from a smarter design and better materials. Ford could also use the Endeavour as a launchpad for its new 148bhp 2.2-litre TDCi diesel engine in India, and this motor could be offered with six-speed manual and automatic gearboxes. What is all but certain is that with the new model, the Endeavour will lose the current price advantage it has over its rivals.
FACTFILE
Engine: 2.2-litre diesel
Power/torque: 148bhp/38.2kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: Late-2013
Price: Rs 22 lakh*
Honda New CR-V
First things first, the new Honda CR-V that is headed to India in January 2013 will not be available with a diesel engine, at least at the time of launch. If you are still interested, you should know that the latest CR-V looks like an evolution of the current car both inside and out. However, the easily identifiable shape is more aerodynamic and the cabin airier than before. Then there is the improved chassis stiffness that promises to enhance the CR-V’s already renowned dynamics, though the new electric power steering could be a dampener here. The powertrains are likely to be carried on from the current model. A word of caution here – since it’s a full-import like the current model, the new CR-V won’t be cheap with an expected price-tag of around Rs 28 lakh.
FACTFILE
Engine: 2.4-litre petrol, 2.0-litre petrol
Power/torque: 185bhp/22.5kgm, 148bhp/19.6kgm
Kerb weight: 1500kg
L/W/H: 4528/1818/1654mm
Expected: January 2013
Price: Rs 28 lakh*
Hyundai New Santa Fe
Hyundai’s latest Santa Fe is out and it’s headed to India by mid-2013. Edgier, sharper and sportier, the new SUV’s design is a big departure from the current model’s tepid styling. It’s more of the same on the inside as well, with the new layered dashboard design among the highlights. The Santa Fe for India will sport an identical 2700mm wheelbase as the current model, but thanks to a larger rear overhang, space for third-row passengers will see an improvement. As before, the Santa Fe will be powered by a 2.2-litre diesel. While power and torque figures remain unchanged, the engine comes with tweaks for better efficiency and emissions. Hyundai could also bring in a smaller, 2.0-litre ‘R’ diesel engine to try and give the SUV a better entry price-point. With an estimated price of Rs 24-25 lakh, the new Santa Fe looks set to build on the outgoing car’s strengths.
FACTFILE
Engine: 2.2-litre diesel
Power/torque: 194bhp/42.9kgm
Kerb weight: 1820kg
L/W/H: 4902/1885/1690mm
Expected: Mid-2013
Price: Rs 24-25 lakh*
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Given the huge popularity of SUVs in India, it was only a matter of time before American SUV icon Jeep took the plunge into our market. The manufacturer, that is part of the Chrysler Group (now owned by Fiat), is studying the possibility of bringing in its line-up of SUVs to the country – starting with the attractive Grand Cherokee. Exterior styling carries the tough and rugged ethos of the Jeep brand, while its spacious cabin is quite attractive too. Powering the model for India will be a 3.0-litre common-rail V6 diesel engine that will come mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox. In keeping with its go-anywhere appeal, the SUV will also get a low-ratio transfer case as well as Jeep’s Selec-Terrain off-road electronics. Interestingly, the Grand Cherokee is built on the same monocoque platform as the Mercedes M-class owing to Daimler’s earlier ownership of Chrysler, and this should translate to good on-road dynamics too. Jeep officials are aware that importing the Grand Cherokee could price it out of contention, so don’t be surprised if it is assembled in India by Fiat and launched under Rs 40 lakh.
FACTFILE
Engine: 3.0-litre diesel
Power/torque: 237bhp/56.1kgm
Kerb weight: 2272kg
L/W/H: 4821/1943/1760mm
Expected: End-2013
Price: Rs 40 lakh*
Volvo V40 Cross Country
Among the many international launches at last month’s Paris Motor Show was the Volvo V40 Cross Country, a model that will go on sale in India in March 2013. Volvo’s weapon against the BMW X1 and Audi Q3, the Cross Country crossover is based on the Swedish carmaker’s V40 hatchback. However, ground clearance has been raised to 173mm and the car has also been given a beefier body kit for a tough look. When it comes to India, the Cross Country is likely to feature the 163bhp 2.0-litre diesel D3 engine in a front-wheel-drive format. Internationally, all-wheel drive will only be offered with the petrol T5 engine that may make it here at a later stage. Volvo could price the V40 Cross Country at around Rs 30 lakh but is likely to brim it with equipment to make it more attractive than its German competition.
FACTFILE
Engine: 2.0-litre diesel
Power/torque: 163bhp/40.8kgm
Kerb weight: 1578kg
L/W/H: 4369/1802/1420mm
Expected: March 2013
Price: Rs 30 lakh*
Audi Q5 facelift
The facelifted Q5 is expected to come to India in January 2013. Changes to styling will be minimal and will include a hexagonal shape for the front grille, new LED daytime running lights and a different front bumper with new chrome fog-lamp shrouds. The tail-lights will also get revised LED detailing and there will be a new rear diffuser too. The current range of Q5 engines will continue with the facelift, but could be tweaked for improved power and efficiency.
FACTFILE
Engine: 2.0-litre petrol, 2.0-litre diesel, 3.0-litre diesel
Power/torque: 211bhp/35.7kgm, 170bhp/35.7kgm, 240bhp/51kgm
Kerb weight: 1865kg
L/W/H: 4629/1880/1653mm
Expected: January 2013
Price: Rs 42-50 lakh*
BMW X6 facelift
BMW’s part sportscar-part SUV, the X6, has gone under the knife recently. The facelifted model, which should be available in India in the coming months, gets a more pronounced kidney grille, relocated front fog lights that now sit higher up in the air inlets and new horizontal LED strips in the tail-lights. The current engine options – the 4.4-litre V8 petrol and 3.0-litre diesel – are likely to continue unaltered, but could be mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox in place of the current six-speeder.
FACTFILE
Engine: 4.4-litre petrol, 3.0-litre diesel
Power/torque: 402bhp/61.2kgm, 241bhp/55kgm
Kerb weight: 2190kg
L/W/H: 4877/1983/1699mm
Expected: December 2012
Price: Rs 77 lakh – Rs 1 crore*
Land Rover Freelander 2 facelift
Capable and comfortable as it is, the Land Rover Freelander 2 is getting a bit long in the tooth. New competitors like the BMW X3 and Volvo XC60 have made this all the more obvious. Just as well then that the Freelander will be refreshed in mid-2013. While exterior styling changes will be restricted to detailing on the lights and a new finish to the front grille, the majority of the updates will be to the cabin. Chief among these will be a revised dashboard that will now come dominated by a seven-inch touchscreen for the new Meridian audio system and other controls, and also new switches in place of the Terrain Response rotary controller. Expect this update to be accompanied by a small hike in prices.
FACTFILE
Engine: 2.2-litre diesel, 2.2-litre diesel
Power/torque: 148bhp/42.8kgm, 187bhp/42.8kgm
Kerb weight: 1880kg
L/W/H: 4500/2195/1740mm
Expected: Mid-2013
Price: Rs 38-44 lakh*
New Range Rover
The Range Rover has always been the benchmark for luxury SUVs, but in its latest avatar, it could push the goalpost even further. Styling may be evolutionary but the new Rangie is larger, lighter and more luxurious than before. Crucially, for chauffeur-driven Indian buyers, there is even more space in the rear seat thanks to a larger wheelbase. The new Range Rover, that will be available with a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 petrol and a pair of twin-turbo diesels, a 255bhp 3.0 V6 and a 335bhp 4.4 V8, promises to be more efficient and better to drive too. A lot of that is down to its use of an aluminium monocoque (a first for an SUV) that has resulted in a massive 420kg reduction in weight and increase in stiffness compared to the outgoing model. What will remain unchanged though will be its exorbitant price-tag. Expect fully loaded Rangies to cost as much as Rs 2 crore when launched in India in January 2013.
FACTFILE
Engine: 5.0-litre petrol, 3.0-litre diesel, 4.4-litre diesel
Power/torque: 504bhp/63.7kgm, 255bhp/61.1kgm, 335bhp/71.3kgm
Kerb weight: 2160-2330kg
L/W/H: 4999/2073/1835mm
Expected: January 2013
Price: Rs 1.4 crore onwards*
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