New Cars for 2015: Compact SUVs

Maruti Suzuki XA Alpha

Expected time of launch: Mid 2015

Expected Price: Rs 6-9 lakh

Maruti first unveiled its compact XA Alpha SUV/Crossover concept at the 2012 Indian Auto Expo in Delhi and if sources are to be believed shall launch the production version of the same sometime around mid 2015. Based on the Swift platform, the XA Alpha is most certainly going to be one of the most highly anticipated cars of 2015.

The XA Alpha’s production version will be powered by the same Fiat derived 1.3-litre Multijet engine and a 1.2-litre K-Series 4-cylinder petrol powertrain. The XA alpha will also showcase future design elements in terms of interior and exterior trim while sharing components from the current crop of Maruti’s wide offerings.

With a retro touch combined with a fresh new design, the XA Alpha’s chunky look harks back to the days of the original Suzuki SJ (Gypsy in India) series. With large chunky wheels and a wide stance, the Suzuki XA Alpha will certainly appeal to both the established car buyer and the first time car buyer in one swoop. All of the above combined with Maruti’s service network will most certainly give cars like the Ford Ecosport and the upcoming Honda SUV a run for it’s money. We expect an entry-level petrol version to be priced at about Rs 6 lakh whereas the entry level diesel should be priced around Rs 7 lakh

Honda Compact SUV

Expected time of launch: Late 2015

Expected Price: Rs 8-12 lakh

Honda’s foray into the compact SUV/crossover segment will be as important as the XA Alpha from Maruti-Suzuki. With Honda’s reputation for building bulletproof cars, their new addition to the portfolio will definitely be a hot seller. The compact SUV will be based on the Brio’s platform but will have an extended wheelbase similar to the Honda Mobilio. Just like the Mobilio, we expect the compact SUV to have great legroom and headroom. That said, we also expect the car to be slightly cramped when it comes to shoulder room just like in the Mobilio.

The compact SUV will share the 1.5-litre i-Dtec diesel engine which also does duty in the Honda Mobilio and will get the 1.5-litre i-Vtec petrol engine from the Honda City. It is unclear whether this new compact SUV will be under the 4-meter mark to take advantage of excise duty exemptions but it does look like Honda could pull it off by reducing bumper overhangs. Expect this compact SUV from Honda to cost between Rs 8-12 Lakh.

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Hyundai ix35

Expected time of launch: Mid 2015

Expected price: Rs 7-10 lakh

Hyundai’s compact SUV, the ix35 will make to Indian shores in the first half of 2015 going head to head with the likes of Maruti-Suzuki’s XA Alpha and the Ford Ecosport. The ix35 looks distinctively like a Hyundai with its fluidic design language.

At first glance, the ix35 looks like an expanded Verna with a similar split grille and swept back headlamps. There are several little chrome details that make the ix35 look much more expensive than it actually is while giving it a mature and grown up feel. The ix35’s compact size along with it’s striking design will definitely strike a cord with eager Indian audiences.

Mechanically, the ix35 will feature the same small 1.1 Litre Crde engine that does duty in Hyundai’s new Grand i10 but with a greater power output. We also expect Hyundai to offer the 1.6 Litre Crde engine that they currently offer in the Hyundai Verna as a range topping engine. Expect the ix35 to be priced extremely competitively with prices for the petrol starting at just under 7 lakh and the base model diesel costing not more than Rs 7.25-7.5 lakh.

Mahindra S102

Expected time of launch: late 2015

Expected price: Rs 6-9 lakh

Although details are sketchy about the compact SUV project, a recent concept from SsangYong called the SIV 1 may provide us with clues on what the Mahindra Small SUV could look like. Slated to launch with the same mechanicals as the Mahindra Quanto, the new compact SUV from Mahindra is internally referred to as the S102 project.

The S102 will feature modern styling, which will be influenced by the SIV 1 concept from Ssangyong while staying true to a few Mahindra traits like their distinctive grille. The S102 will also feature Daytime Running Lights like the XUV500 and will share a lot of internal gadgetry with it’s bigger sibling too.

If the success of the XUV500 is anything to go by, the S102 compact SUV is sure to be a runaway success when it gets launched at the end of 2015. Considering Mahindra’s track record with killer pricing strategies, we expect the compact SUV to be priced around the Rs 6-9 lakh segment with the top of the line SUV offering 4WD and maybe even an automatic transmission.

Volkswagen Taigun

Expected launch: Mid 2015

Expected price: Rs 8-12 lakh

Volkswagen’s Taigun SUV, based on the underpinnings of the Polo, is 3.87 metres long and will avail of the sub four-metre tax break when it comes to India by 2015.

The compact SUV design adheres to the company’s DNA and the preview shows that the Taigun borrows a lot from its elder siblings, the Tiguan and Touareg. The production model may not get LED spotlights on roof rails and LED headlamps. But in view of the current scenario of compact SUVs, the company is sure to launch the Taigun, as compact SUVs are a surefire hit.

The India-bound version will get the 1.2-litre petrol engine in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged guise along with the 1.5-litre diesel variant. We also expect the Taigun to be equipped with the 7-speed DSG gearbox mated to the diesel engine giving buyers an exciting range of variants to choose from.