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Part-1 - SUVs to be launched in 2012

The changing lifestyles of the Indians have brought about a new wave of demand for larger vehicles with more powerful towing capacity. The demand for larger passenger space along with more space for cargo have accelerated the growth in sales of SUVs and MUVs and are gaining in popularity like never before. SUVS are ideal family cars and best suited for long drives and family outings apart from meeting the need to go for adventurous off road experiences. Traveling and outings during weekends is a growing trend, fuelling up the demand for the larger vehicles. The Indian auto market is currently one of the most thriving businesses in the global markets. Larger margins of the SUVs are encouraging car makers to line up their offers with great aggression. The Auto Expo 2012, held in Delhi saw a host of launches from global majors. Let us take a look at the SUVs and MUVs unveiled and those which are likely to be launched in India in 2012.

bullet Audi Q3 (New)

Audi has finally launched the Q3 in the D+ segment on 5th January, at the Auto Expo 2012 in New Delhi. The compact SUV, available in both petrol and diesel versions, has been positioned against the BMW X1, with a far more superior styling compared to the other SUVs with a huge front grille, LED headlamps and tail lamps. The car, built on the platform of the Volkswagen Tiguan, can accommodate five adults comfortably. The SUV, priced in the range of Rs.25-30 lakhs, will be available in four to five variants and will also provide an option for a two-wheel drive system.

The New Audi Q3 diesel variant is equipped with a 2,000 cc 2.0 TDI engine with a power of 177 HP, paired with a front-wheel drive system. The 140 HP variant will allow the Q3 to return a combined fuel economy of less than 5.2 liters per 100 km. Audi Q3 is powered by a 2.0 TFSi engine with options for either 170 HP or 211 HP. The most powerful version of the car can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in 6.9 seconds and achieve top speed of 230 kmph. Comfort features of the Q3 include AC with dual zone climate control, remote central locking, rear armrest with cup holder, electric driver seat adjustment, dash integrated music system and electric door mirrors. Safety features will include four airbags and three rear seat belts.

bullet Chevrolet Captiva (Facelift)

General Motors has launched the facelifted version of the Chevrolet Captiva at the Auto Expo 2012, with major cosmetic and mechanical alterations. The new car has an appearance similar to the Mitsubishi Outlander with bold headlights and a honey comb mesh. The SUV will have cabin insulation to reduce vibration and engine noise, giving a silent and yet silky and powerful driving experience. The car has a brand new audio system with Aux-in USB port and Bluetooth connectivity apart from Electronic Stability Control, traction control, Hill Start assist and braking assist features. Comfort features will include a cup holder and a new electric park brake replacing the handbrake. The interiors will wear a more stylish appearance with new fabric upholstery with an excellent finish.

The new Captiva will feature an improvised diesel engine, available in two versions. One version will have an attached turbocharger which will deliver a peak power of 184 bhp with a peak torque of 400 Nm. The other version without a turbocharger will deliver 163 bhp and peak torque of 350 Nm.

bullet Force ONE 4X4 (Facelift)

Force Motors unveiled their only SUV in the passenger car segment, the Force ONE, on 6th January at the Auto Expo 2012. The facelifted version of the Force One SUV offers a four-wheel drive system and can adapt itself to three different drive modes, the 4x2 Hi, 4x4 Lo and the 4x4 Hi. The car is equipped with safety features like ABS and off roading capabilities amongst others. Force One, though not a very popular SUV in its category, has the most amazing power, transforming from a sedate city car into a fierce force, cutting through rocky and difficult terrain with utmost ease. The car has a massive exterior with 235/70 R16 tubeless tyres. Force Motors has given the interiors of the SUV a decent finish and an appearance similar to that in the Tata Safari. The new Force One 4x4 is priced at about Rs11.5 lakhs.

bullet Ford Endeavour (Next Gen)

Ford launched its rugged go-anywhere SUV designed by Scott Strong and engineered by Todd Hoevener, the next generation Endeavour, at the Auto Expo 2012 in Delhi. The SUV, based on the Ford Ranger, has enjoyed good popularity both in India and in the overseas markets and is known for its amazing offroading skills. The Endeavour features double wishbones with coil spring over strut front suspension and semi-elliptic leaf springs in the rear. The new SUV will be available in three variants, The Endeavour 4x2 XLT, the Endeavour 4x4 Thunder Plus and the new Endeavour 3.0 AT 4x2. The SUV is priced in the range of Rs18.27 lakhs to Rs20.13 lakhs.

The next generation Endeavour is expected to feature either a 2.2 litre 4-cylinder CRDI diesel engine or a 3.1 litre 5-cylinder diesel engine which would produce a power of 200 bhp and torque of 470 Nm.