The segment
which is devoid of Maruti/Suzuki is the compact SUV segment in India. Maruti
has an answer for it now as we came across clear pictures of the compact SUV
getting readied at its factory near Delhi. Thank to GaadiWaadi for getting the
first ever clear pictures of the highly anticipated mini SUV from Maruti.
In 2012 Delhi Auto
Show, Maruti had showed a mini SUV concept codenamed Alpha XA which was quiet
onlooker and ignited the minds of young buyers, thanks to its muscular look and
elegant features. It’s been long time since then and the company has held back
its decision to launch the vehicle, probably it has different plans (as
always), to bring in a product which be the Uno in the segment. Now that we
have seen the pictures of mini SUV in India, it is expected to be launched
soon, probably in the early August or September 2015.
Some days ago
also there were spy pictures of Maruti’s mini SUV with full camouflage and we
could hardly make out any design element of the car. With the clear picture it
is evident that the mini SUV is built on Swift platform and shares lots of
design cures from the Swift. In fact, from the side profile it is surely to be
confused to a Swift – body panels, ORVM & roofline all resembling to it.
However the front end is entirely different with rectangular headlamps and teethed
grill giving the mini SUV the macho look it deserves.
Speculations
are going around that the Maruti’s mini SUV will be called Vitara Breeza, but
there is officially no communication from the company as of now. Also seen from
the picture is absence of spare wheel on the tail gate and the length would
perfectly fit into less than 4 meters mark.
Regarding the
powertrain, Maruti might fit in Ertiga’s 1.4L petrol and the diesel one could
be all new 1.5L Suzuki diesel which was under development for a while. That is
why we guess, Maruti delayed the mini SUV launch, well its is just our guess.
An in-house diesel engine will definitely cut costs and Maruti can price the
mini SUV competitively in this price sensitive market of India.
Regarding
rivalling Ford Ecosport, the Maruti’s mini SUV lacks the dynamic looks, and
also the dimensions of it could be far less than that of Ecosport. The only
place where Maruti mini SUV could get ahead is in fuel efficiency and after
sales service.
Lets wait and
watch to see how things are going to change for Ford Ecosport, or will it
not???
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