The approaching 2012 Delhi Auto Expo will hold a sort of uniqueness this time, as usually the global or homegrown automobile manufacturers emphasize on to display hatchback and small cars, for which India is a potential market. However in last couple of years the Sports Utility Segment (SUV) has also taken wings and posted really promising sales numbers that has motivated the automakers to address the tempting concern. Therefore, one will find a swarm of SUVs and its compact structures that will either be new launches with unveiling taking place or face-lifted variants of some existing vehicles, while various others raring to go in their concept forms.
New Launch and Unveil:
Renault Duster
The ideal combo of bigger hatchback and smaller SUV is Renault Duster. This vehicle is making news due to its appealing overall presence inside-out at a very competitive pricing. It is reported to be offered with a 4X4 mechanism to make it a complete off-roader.
Nissan Murano
The most potential product from Nissan will definitely be exhibited at the show. This one-of-its-kind SUV also has the convertible version that is sold outside India. The inimitable vehicle will unquestionably turn around the Indian automotive sector with its unique features. The high-class premium compact SUV is expected to boast a 2.5L or a hefty 3.5L power-train.
Mahindra Ssangyong Rexton
With the unveiling of this vehicle, Mahindra will invade the premium SUV segment in India. The third generation of Rexton has all the capabilities to take on Mercedes-Benz M-Class and is also manufactured on the same lines. The six to seven seater is designed by famous Italian car designer.
Mahindra Ssangyong Korando
As compared to Rexton this will be much smaller, but will again be in the luxury segment. Out of the Korando range, the SUV Korando C; which was last year displayed at the Busan Motor Show, will now be showcased at the event. The vehicle has its presence since 1983 on the global platform and has gone through continuous upgrades till now.
Ford EcoSport
The intensely awaited compact SUV will without doubt be launched by the company at Delhi Expo. The vehicle is expected to have no opponents, if priced competitively. The capable Ford product has already been declared winner by some industry experts as it is estimated to boast true value for money.
Audi Q3
German auto giant going strong in India will be seen launching the little SUV Audi Q3 that will cleverly be placed between hot-sellers Audi Q5 and Audi Q7. The cute monster will definitely be smaller in size, but substantial when it comes to offer true luxury and premium feel. This will be the closest rival to BMW X1.
Facelifts and Upgrades:
New Chevrolet Captiva
The revamped version will be offered with more brawny looks with a larger emblem of Chevy along with full size air-dam below the fog lamps. The same 3.0L diesel engine will power this monster. The interiors will surely be loaded with advanced gadgets and gizmos.
New Honda CR-V 2012
The 2012 CR-V could have been launched long back but the natural disaster in Japan never permitted. The New SUV will have larger head lamps in the front and clear tail lamps to ensure maximum visibility to the approaching vehicle along with more vibrant colors are expected to make way.
Toyota Fortuner Facelift
The SUV that holds a long waiting period of around 3 to 4 months will surely be a boon for the queued consumers. The crossover will majorly possess an exterior elevation for instance, new head lamps, larger air vents and new body bumpers together with side indicators on the ORVMs.
Force One 4X4
The 4X2 utility vehicle will find 4X4 mechanism incorporated along with Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and other active features as a safety concerns. Force One 4X4 will now be a BSIV compliant vehicle as it was not launched in the major cities of the country. The SUV has a 2.2L diesel power-train that is sourced from Daimler.
Tata Safari Storm
There seem to be no full-stop to the rumors related to the launch or the features of Tata Safari Merlin or Tata Storm, therefore the company will do the needful at the Delhi Show by launching the vehicle. The vehicle will seize totally new front appearance in conjunction with twin-pipe, new tail lamps and mini-roof spoiler at the rear. There are many newly added elements in the interior as it is inspired by crossover Tata Aria.
Concept SUVs:
Mahindra small SUV concept
The homegrown utility king enjoys taking up new challenges and will showcase a micro SUV that will be priced under INR 4 Lakh. It will be interesting to see how Mahindra manages to configure this low cost SUV. But, there are solid chances that it will pass this acid-test as well considering its earlier pricing of the world-class SUV Mahindra XUV 500.
Hyundai SUV concept
The Korean carmaker now wants to make its presence felt in the SUV market as well hence, it will display a mini-SUV in the concept form. This SUV will be manufactured locally in order to get exemption from the import duty that currently incurs when it imports Hyundai Santa Fe. The SUV is expected to be of less than 4 meters in length.
Maruti Compact SUV
The compact product from Maruti is bound to be an ultra-frugal, affordable and easy to maintain. The big boss of Indian automotive sector would like to have its share in the utility segment too, which is at present enjoyed majorly by Mahindra & Mahindra and Tata Motors, also the company wants to shelve its image of only being expert at manufacturing passengers cars in India.