Q.Auto Expo launch for Maruti Suzuki's Vitara

India’s largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki is all geared up to launch the new Vitara in India soon. We expect the new SUV, which will compete with the Mahindra XUV 500, to be launched at the 2016 Delhi Auto Expo. [CENTER][IMG]http://www.carblogindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Maruti-Vitara-compact-SUV-India-photos-front-720x540.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://www.carblogindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Maruti-Vitara-compact-SUV-India-photos-side-720x540.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://www.carblogindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Maruti-compact-SUV-India-photos-rear-720x540.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] A prototype of the new SUV has been spied undergoing tests in the Delhi-NCR region. The heavily camouflaged SUV gives a good idea of its overall body proportion. The Vitara will be powered by the 1.3-litre diesel engine sourced from Fiat. It may also receive a mild hybrid pack akin to the one found in the Ciaz SVHS variant. The 1.3-litre diesel is capable of producing 88bhp and a peak toque of 200Nm. The 1.6-litre MultiJet badged by Suzuki as a DDiS (introduced in the S-Cross) may also make it to our shores. Power will be transmitted through a five-speed manual gearbox. Maruti plans to have three SUVs in its portfolio by the end of 2016-17 fiscal year. The two other models Maruti Suzuki is likely to introduce are the smaller Vitara Brezza and a small crossover which may be called the Ignis. These two models will be previewed at the 2016 Delhi Auto Expo The Vitara Brezza will be priced around Rs 6.5 lakh to Rs 9 lakh range which should place it in the same ballpark as the EcoSport and the TUV 300. The Vitarra Brezza will be available from normal Maruti Suzuki dealerships rather than the NEXA premium outlets. Expect features like key-less entry, push start/stop button and touchscreen infotainment system, airbags and ABS with EBD to make it to the production variant.