Coming in 2015: Compact SUV edition
2015 is going to be a very interesting year, considering the sheer volume of automobile launches scheduled to happen. Out of the lot, the compact SUV segment should be the one to watch for, considering that they have the two things that this country thirsts after- small dimensions and the fact that they are SUV’s. We’ll gloss over the fact that they’re more soft-roaders with slight off-road capabilities. The point is, that compact SUV’s may well be the new compact sedans. They will all try to fit themselves into the sub- 4 metre segment which means they will be priced such that they are not only just slightly more expensive than their compact sedan cousins. Cheap to buy and maintain, small on the outside, big on the inside, the only question remaining is why it took manufacturers so long to figure this out. Surprisingly enough, both the compact Suv’s launched in recent times haven’t really been doing particularly well.
Maruti Suzuki XA-Alpha
First off Maruti, which will be launching their all “new” compact SUV code-named YBA . The new C-SUV, like Ford’s EcoSport, will fall into the sub 4-metre segment, and is basically a scaled down version of the Suzuki iV-4 concept that was showcased earlier. The YBA which is set to take on the Ecosport, among others, will be launched during the course of the next year. Considering that Maruti has always followed the value for money formula, it will be interesting to see how they strike a balance to match the feature-loaded EcoSport. Sources tell us that the YBA should hit showrooms by the end of 2015, and is likely to be priced between Rs 7.5 to 10 lakhs, which puts its smack bang in the middle of EcoSport territory.
Hyundai ix25
Though not as compact as the upcoming YBA, Hyundai are not one to be left out of cashing in on the C-SUV craze. Sources say that we can expect Hyundai’s ix25 compact early next year. Hyundai intends to loose the ix25 tag so as not to let it get mixed up with the i20, replacing it with a more conventional name plate. The ix25 will share it’s motor with the Verna, and will be available with the same five/six speed manual engines. Sources tell us that we can expect the ix25 mid-next year, and is likely to be priced in the Rs 10 lakh-ish bracket. This puts it on the upper reach of the C-SUV segment, a bit out of character for Hyundai, but if all goes well, it is likely to mean serious competition for the likes of the Duster and the Terrano.
Tata Nexon
Tata’s newest generation of vehicles, the Bolt and the Zest, have already made a big splash in the market this year, with a sheer difference in refinement over previous generations. Also riding the wave of new arrivals will be their own addition in the C-SUV range, the Tata Nexon. The Nexon will be based on Tata’s all new X1 platform and will sport their 1.2l turbo-charged Revotron petrol motor which will make an impressive 109bhp. Based purely on the concept, the Nexon is quite the looker, with the improved grille, DRLs and the over-sized alloys. A new platform, a new outlook, it really is refreshing to see Tata step out of their comfort zone.
Mahindra C-SUV
M&M will also be entering the C-SUV war with their new baby SUV, codenamed S101. The compact SUV was spotted recently testing near the company’s R&D centre in Chennai. With production parts slowly taking shape on the S101, the new spy shots from Motor Vikatan reveal new details about the SUV, and that it could be called the XUV300, if rumours are true. Apart from the exteriors, the major reveal comes with the interior spy shots, revealing a dashboard mounted gear lever. A dash mounted gear lever results in improved legroom and wider seats. There could also be a possibility for a bench type seating, that made a comeback on the Datsun GO. The new spy shots also revealed a new 3-spoke steering wheel unit, which looks more premium and takes inspiration from the XUV500. On the outside, as the production parts are finally being bolted onto the SUV, the S101 gets LED headlights and an XUV500 inspired front fascia. The rear will feature a tail gate mounted spare wheel to maximise luggage space. The compact SUV will be Mahindra’s second vehicle to feature a monocoque chassis.
