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Part-2 - 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 Ford EcoSport (New)

Ford unveiled its breathtaking EcoSport crossover SUV at the Taj Palace in New Delhi on 4th January 2012. The EcoSport appears to be a very exciting combination of a compact car, SUV and a hatchback with very trendy exteriors and a powerful engine. The SUV, priced at Rs7 to 9 lakhs, has been launched in the sub-4 metre category, giving it excise benefits. The car has been kept a little on the heavier side and is a little lesser aerodynamic to boost up the power produced by the engine. Ecosport gives one a smooth ride, giving out a joyous driving experience even on the rugged Indian terrain. The interiors of the SUV are spacious enough to accommodate five people with ample space for leg and head room and luggage. Comforts in the car include an AM/FM radio, CD player and a powerful air conditioner amongst others. The safety features include burglar alarm system, airbags and inertial back seat belts, ABS and EBD.

Ecosport is equipped with a one litre, 3 cylinder ecoboost direct-engine. The turbocharged petrol engine gives out a maximum power of 120 bhp and maximum torque of 170 Nm. The car contributes to a mileage of not less than 20 kmpl and has recorded a very low CO2 emission of 140 gms/km.

bullet Honda CR-V (Next Gen)

The 2012 Honda CR-V compact crossover has been fully redesigned for the first time since the model year 2007. The five-seater car, based on the Honda Civic compact car has been launched with a sharper new styling, spacious interiors and enhanced cargo space, improved fuel economy, navigation system, safety and infotainment features. Honda has seen rough times with a series of inferior product launches, increased competition and huge criticism, moving away from being the most loved car of Japan. Honda hopes to regain lost ground with the launch of the new CR-V.

The next generation CR-V has been equipped with a 2.4 litre four-cylinder engine with a power of 185 bhp and torque of 163 Nm, which has been mated to a five-speed automatic transmission system. The car offers a choice between a front wheel drive (FWD) and an all wheel drive option (AWD). The FWD variant gives out a mileage of 23 mpg on the city roads and 31 mpg on the highways while the AWD variant has been improved the mileage contribution to 22 mpg on city roads and 30 mpg on the highways.

bullet Hyundai Tucson (Next Gen)

Hyundai has launched an updated version of its compact SUV, the Tucson, based on the same platform as the Kia Sportage. The next generation Tucson is a global model, with a different version, the ix35, for European markets. The new Tucson has been imparted with a smoother design and a powerful engine, moving over to a more crossover style. Hyundai has been seen to be very bullish on its growth prospects in India, launching one successful product after another.

The new Tucson will offer a choice between a highly efficient 2.0 litre four cylinder turbocharged petrol engine giving out 200 hp. The engine will be mated to a six speed dual clutch transmission. Another variant will be a more basic 2.4 litre Theta II four-cylinder engine with 175 bhp. A new six-speed automatic transmission will come as standard. Hyundai is expected to launch a petrol-electric hybrid version with both FWD and AWD versions.

bullet Ssangyong Korando (New)

Mahindra and Mahindra plans to bring the Ssangyong product range to India. The products comprise two SUVs including the Ssangyong Korando which has been priced in the range of Rs14-16 lakhs. The latest version of the Ssangyong Korando is a premium seven-seater SUV with a slim profile roof and an aggressive front design and coach doors and roof mounted antenna adding up to a sporty exterior. The car is an excellent off roader and is filled with technical capabilities to ensure an exceptional cruising experience. Other features of the car include heated side mirrors with safety light, six-speaker audio unit with integrated Bluetooth and phone connectivity, electronic anti-glare rear view mirror, adjustable seats, auto dimming interior rear view mirror, front wiper with de-icer and metallic accents. The advanced safety features of the car include an ABS, EBD, electronic stability programme (ESP) and brake assist system apart from hill start assist, active head restraints and active rollover protection.

The new Korando features a powerful 2.0 turbocharged diesel DOHC inline four-cylinder engine which is mated to either an advanced six-speed automatic or manual transmission. The engine delivers an output of 175 bhp at 4,000 rpm and maximum torque of 350 Nm at 2,000-3,000 rpm. The car has an excellent McPherson struts suspension with coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers in the front, supported by an anti-roll stabilizer bar. Suspension in the rear comprises fully independent sub-frame mounted multi links, coil springs and gas filled shock absorbers and an anti-roll stabilizer bar.

bullet Ssangyong Rexton (New)

Mahindra & Mahindra unveiled the improved version of the Ssangyong Rexton at the Auto Expo 2012. The new car allows up to seven occupants across three rows of seating arrangement with plenty of leg room. The seats featured in the new SUV are flexible, allowing the second and third row seats to be folded to accommodate additional space for luggage. Luxury features of the car include keyless entry, automatic climate control and a multi-function steering wheel. The interiors feature leather upholstery, heated seats and heated roof. The new Rexton will be powered by a 2.7 litre turbocharged common-rail diesel engine giving out a maximum power of 181 BHP and 402 Nm of torque. Rexton is not covered by the Euro NCAP tests due to which the ability of the car to avoid an accident is not very clear, though all the models of the new Rexton are equipped with front passenger airbags and an electronic stability programme.