India has been flooded with SUVs for quite some time now. And the trend is set to continue in 2016 with Maruti, Hyundai, Honda and Mahindra all ready to unleash their new weapons.
Maruti Suzuki XA Alpha / Brezza
Despite multiple attempts, Maruti has failed to establish a foothold in the SUV/crossover segment. But the company isn’t giving up hope just yet, with a sub-4 metre car scheduled to make its debut in 2016.
Likely to be christened as the Brezza, the SUV is likely to be produced between Rs 6.5 lakh to 10 lakh. It will be powered by the proven 1.3-litre turbo diesel engine, as well as the 1.2-litre K-series petrol engine that does duty in the Swift, among others. The 1.4-litre petrol engine, found in the Ciaz, might also makes it way in the Brezza.
Maruti Suzuki Vitara
The new iteration of the Maruti Vitara is set to hit our shores in 2016, hoping to make up for the failure of its previous version. The new Vitara features dual chrome slats on the nose and a split bumper to give it an aggressive stance. Its cabin is fairly spacious, as is the 375-litre boot. If Maruti follows the same strategy as the S-Cross, then it will only be powered by a diesel engine. The 1.6-litre DDiS 320 motor produces 118bhp and is mated with a 6-speed gearbox.
Hyundai Tucson
After the success of the Creta, Hyundai will debut the Tucson in India over the next 12 months. Tucson follows Hyundai’s fluidic design philosophy, and borrows elements from other cars in the company’s table, including flared wheelarchs, sleek black plastic cladding on the lowest section, and clearly defined body lines.
The Tucson also features turbine fin-shaped dual alloy wheels, sleep head lamps and a big hexagonal grille that dominates the front fascia. Inside, you’ll find switchgears and dials that bear great resembles to other Hyundai models.
As far the power unit goes, it is likely to come to India with a 2-litre turbo diesel engine that produces 182 bhp of power. It will be mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox.
Toyota Fortuner
In July, Toyota unveiled the latest-generation Fortuner to the world. And now the Japanese manufacturer is planning to bring this premium SUV to India.
The new Fortuner is bigger than its predecessor and follows a more contemporary look. The increase in size also has a positive impact on interior space.
The entry level variant will get a 2.4-litre, two-wheel drive unit that produces 148 bhp, while the top-level trim will get a more powerful 2.8 litre engine that churns out 174 bhp.
In terms of equipment, the international version includes reverse camera, seven airbags, hill-start assist control and emergency stop button, and a touchscreen infotainment screen.
Honda BR-V
Honda recently invited us for the BR-V media drive in Japan and the company will unveil this car in India at the Auto Expo in February.
The BR-V will use the tried and tested 1.5-litre iDTEC engine that produces 98 bhp, while a petrol unit of the same displacement will also be on offer.
Being 4.4 metres in length, the BR-V houses three seating rows; the middle one offers decent legroom and can be reclined backwards for additional comfort.
However, the cabin quality wasn't on par with its rivals in the test mule, but we hope Honda makes suitable improvements in the production-spec version.
Ford Endeavour
Ford will launch the new Endeavour in India in 2016, to blow horns with the Fortuner. The new Endeavour looks more upmarket, while interiors also have a modern feel.
There’s a eight-inch infotainment screen, a center console with plenty of switchgear, leatherette finish on top of the dash and quality materials all around the cabin.
The Endeavour is likely to get a 158 bhp, 2.2-litre, four-cylinder, turbo diesel engine with a six-speed manual gearbox/autobox. A more powerful, all-wheel drive model with a 3.2-litre, five-cylinder, 197 bhp turbo diesel engine is also likely to be offered.
Also read: Ford Endeavour Review
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