We have seen the interest for compact SUVs in India grow by a great margin since the launch of Renault Duster in 2013. Then came the EcoSport, which took the madness for these urban SUVs to a whole new level. Keeping the spirit alive, here is a list of all the affordable compact SUVs expected to be launched in India by 2015.
Maruti Suzuki XA Alpha
The Maruti Suzuki XA Alpha is undoubtedly the most awaited compact SUV in the Indian car market, thanks to the ‘Maruti Suzuki’ badge. First unveiled as a concept at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo, the XA Alpha will be a sub 4-metre compact SUV and will be pitched against the Ford EcoSport. Considering the growing interest for compact SUVs in the market, Maruti Suzuki India needs to launch this product soon.
Engine- The XA Alpha is expected to feature the Fiat-sourced 1.3-litre multijet diesel mill, which also powers many other Maruti cars, including Swift and Swift Dzire. If reports are to be believed, Maruti Suzuki India is also working on its own diesel engine line-up, which, if ready on time, might be fitted in the XA Alpha. However, that’s a distant possibility, at least for now.
Expected Price-Rs. 6.50 lakh – Rs. 10 lakh
Volkswagen Taigun
Showcased at the 2014 Delhi Auto Expo, the Taigun compact SUV concept looks good with a twin-split grille, rear-mounted spare wheel, roof rails, rugged side-cladding and a low height. The Taigun is based on a stretched version of the PQ12 platform, on which the company’s Up! hatchback is also built. Though there is no clarity if Volkswagen will launch the compact SUV this year or the next, we believe that the Taigun-inspired SUV at an affordable price might work in favour of the German carmaker.
Engine- The Taigun-inspired SUV is expected to feature a new 1.0-litre turborcharged TSI petrol engine, which will develop 105bhp and 175Nm of peak torque.
Expected Price-Rs. 8 lakh – Rs. 10 lakh
