The compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment has gained a strong identity in domestic auto market, off late. The likes of Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster have made this segment so renowned that customers are dreaming to get their hands on such cars. With the rise in demand for abovementioned models, auto makers are also re-evaluating their plans and coming up with new ventures in the respective segment. Industry experts are of a view that the upcoming time will witness these creations getting unveiled on global standards. Some of the exclusive designs that will mark presence in compact SUV segment are Maruti Suzuki XA Alpha, Honda Vezel and Hyundai Intrado. All these cars will be arriving in 2014 in interludes and are expected to face a stiff rivalry amongst each other.
Maruti Suzuki India Limited has captured almost all spaces but a void is seen in the compact SUV segment. Therefore, the auto legend has decided to unveil its new creation called XA Alpha at the Auto Expo 2014. The car was first showcased at the corresponding event of 2010 and the company has decided to upgrade its existing concept and present it in a unique manner. Maruti XA Alpha is likely to come equipped with a 1.5-litre diesel engine, which is expected to be exclusively designed by Japan-based Suzuki Motor Corporation. An option of a petrol mill might also be introduced at a later stage. This compact SUV looks sturdy and is believed to carry all the necessary features required to make it a competitive model in its respective segment.
Next-in-line is Honda Vezel, which will mark the company's entry in compact SUV segment. This car is also conjectured to be displayed at the upcoming auto fiesta, commencing on 7th February. Honda Vezel is based on the auto maker's premium hatchback Jazz's platform, and also inherits some attributes from the iconic SUV, CR-V. It is likely to be available with the option of either a 1.5-litre petrol or a 1.5-litre diesel engine with manual/automatic transmissions. This compact SUV is likely to be packed with robust features, and interiors are expected to be much more capacious. Superior quality features of touchscreen infotainment system, steering mounted consoles and multi-spoke alloys are expected to be provisioned in this car. Speculations are rife that Honda Vezel will be offered in a price bracket of Rs. 7 lakh – Rs. 12 lakh, which will help it compete with the ongoing battle in its segment.
Hyundai India has been the India's pioneer auto maker and it will be incepting domestic market with it compact SUV called Intrado. Not much has been divulged by the company regarding its latest innovation; however it is conjectured to exhibit a lightweight framework and next generation fuel-cell system. It is believed to be based on Hyundai's new Fluidic Sculpture version 2.0. Also, the nomenclature of this car is derived from the undersides of a plane wing, which are called intrados. Interestingly, this car will display upgraded aerodynamic structure to make it more agile on Indian roads. Hyundai Intrado will be officially unveiled at Geneva Motor Show this year and is anticipated to turn much heads.
In conclusion, auto experts unanimously agree that Honda's technology is at present unparalleled and the same will be witnessed in the upcoming Vezel. But, keeping in mind the techniques employed by the South Korean auto major in Intrado, it seems that the car will be a unique fusion of speed and stability. So much effort has been put by the company in its layout that Intrado is expected to be swift and rapid, as the design is already reported to be inspired by an aviation architecture. However, one should not forget that Maruti Suzuki has been an invincible car maker in almost all segments, since past two decades. Its XA Alpha could also produce a spellbinding charm in the upcoming time among auto fanatics. Once on sales, it will be really interesting to see on what stage this battle will be taken by the respective auto companies.
