The Japanese car maker Mitsubishi entered the fray of the lucrative Indian SUV market with its Pajero. The Pajero has a military-vehicle sturdy front with a boxy rear. It is great off-road and tackles difficult terrain with panache. The Pajero comes in a single variant SFX with a 2.8L turbocharged Inline-4 diesel engine that churns out 117 bhp and is coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission. The Pajero also has height-adjustable driver seat, ABS brakes, and climate control. This all-wheel-drive vehicle has an estimated fuel economy of 8/11 km/l (city/highway). The Pajero comes with a starting price tag of Rs 19.80 Lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
Audi Q7
Audi Q7 is a full size luxury SUV built on the customized version of the Volkswagen 7L platform. Enhanced with Audis Quattro all-wheel drive system, it has an option of three engines in petrol and diesel version - 3.0L V6 Turbo diesel that churns out 230bhp, 3.6L V6 delivering 276 bhp and 4.2L V8 producing 350bhp. It is available in three variants - 3.0 TDI Quattro, 4.2 FSI Quattro and 3.6 FSI Quattro. The engine is mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The estimated fuel economy is 7/9 km/L (city/highway). Its price tag starts at Rs 53.4 Lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
Upcoming SUVs In India In 2011
Honda CR-V DieselThe Honda CR-V is all set to bring in its diesel variant into the market by January 2011. If you are guessing that this is not something worth mentioning just remember the fact that CR-V is one of the first SUVs to be launched in India from an international automaker and it remained one of the best selling SUVs for many years, since its launch in 1996. The only problems that cropped up in later years were its low power and a feeling of a mini SUV. But with the diesel variant Honda will improve in the mileage quotient and if rumors are to be believed, the SUV may even get a new look. But for now, its wait and watch! The price range is expected to be somewhere around Rs. 25, 00,000.
Volkswagen TiguanJoining the list of entries in the month of January is the Volkswagen Tiguan. The German carmaker has already made an impact with its entries this year. Adding to its already illustrious cap, is the successful admission of its subsidiaries Audi and Skoda, both of which are enjoying great success on the Indian roads. Tiguan is VW’s try at making the brand more viable for Indian markets. Though Tiguan is not completely an SUV but more of a CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle), we still list it here, as it’s completely separate from the MUVs (Multi Utility Vehicle). Tiguan has tasted success in European markets and we expect it to experience some in India too. No price range is touted as of now.
Nissan Murano And Nissan Qashqai
Two separate, compact crossover SUVs; one common maker - Nissan! Nissan has already enjoyed tremendous success worldwide and in India with the X-trail. But alongside its trademark GTR (which will debut in India by Dec-2010), it is also bringing in a fresh slew of homemade SUV delicacies. First up is the Nissan Murano which has been doing rounds of the U.S markets since 2002. The SUV has been replaced in the U.S market by the Rogue but industry sources confirm that Murano is still in production and the new 2011 model is even better than the 2009 version with a grand facelift applied. Well, let’s keep our fingers crossed for the facts to turn true.
The second option is the Nissan Qashqai, which was first launched by the company in 2007 is all set to debut in the Indian markets. This stunningly beautiful vehicle is a direct competitor to Tucson and others in the segment. The 2010 model's front end has been completely restyled, while the rear now includes LED tail-lights. The new interior includes a new instrument panel layout for the vehicle's drive computer, better soundproofing and minor storage additions. ESP is now standard across the range and two new exterior colors have been added. The launch of an eco-friendly Pure Drive variant has also been announced for the year. If all this reaches the Indian shores, Qashqai is sure to light up the battlefield.
Ford KugaDo not go by the short and tribal name, Kuga is a premium compact SUV sold in European markets in only premium categories. Kuga has a solid performance backed by the credibility of Ford. With Ford making a “sort of” comeback after lying dormant for years in the Indian market, this might serve as a handy inclusion in the Indian stables. Ford has already announced a face-lifted version for Kuga in Europe for 2011. And there are a few reports which claim that a hybrid is on its way too. Did you hear that Mr. Environmentalist?
Renault KoleosWith the Japanese and Americans are battling it out, there is not reason for the French to stay behind! Bring in the Renault Koleos! The Koleos was designed by Renault and developed by Nissan, which started production 2008. In some parts of the world, it’s also called Renault Samsung QM5. The SUVs body design is based on the Renault Koleos and Renault Egeus concept cars. Though Renault has not achieved much success in the SUV sector, who knows Koleos might just change the fate of the company.
Dacia DusterRomanian car maker Dacia is all set to launch Duster in India in 2011, with a price tag looming around Rs 8-10 lakh. The SUV is a tough and reliable off-roader. Manufactured at Dacia’s Pitesti plant in Romania, the Duster is available in both 4x4 and 4x2 versions. The SUV has already roped the market in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and South America from 2010 and would be made available in India by 2011. The automobile will be available in both petrol and diesel engines, and will be loaded with features like ABS, EBD and airbags.
Maruti JimnyIndia’s own Maruti is all set to launch another entry level SUV named “Jimny”. If you are wondering as to where it belongs too, look no further than in a nearby army camp, where you may find the first iterations of the Jimny named “Maruti Gypsy”. Rings a bell? Yes, this new look Jimny is actually the successor to our lovable gypsy. It’s sturdy and good looking too. Let’s see how it measures up with its competition when it is launched towards the end of 2011 with a price range of nearly 7 lakh rupees.
