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0 A segment which witnessed robust sales growth in India last year was the luxury SUV market. A lot of compact SUVs are already launched or are in the pipeline to be released soon.
Unveiled at the 2012 edition of the Auto Expo, the Maruti XA-Alpha is yet to see the light of day. Maruti Suzuki is not in a hurry to launch the new model. Its immediate focus is replacing existing models with newer generations, rather than entering a new segment. This compact 4 metre long car is designed for customers wishing to enter the sports utility segment.
Maruti is posed to launch the XA Alpha in the third quarter of 2015. The car which wears an innovative and ultra jazzy look is set to compete with Ford Ecosport and Renault Duster in the compact SUV segment. The ‘X’ in the name of the car represents the crossover, ‘A’ means that it is an entry level model and ‘Alpha’ marks the newness and the fact that it is going to be youth loaded. XA Alpha is based on the Swift platform. http://autoportal.com/newcars/marutisuzuki/xa-alpha/
The XA Alpha is expected to be 1.9 metres wide and 1.6 metres high with a wheelbase of 2.5 metres. Its monocoque frame design will be accentuated by a sloping roofline and flared muscular wheel arches. The front is highlighted by a five slit grill which has the Suzuki logo lodged in between. The front lamps with a hawk eyed theme are an extension of the grill.
The five seater is spacious inside. Coming from Maruti, the car is expected to be equipped with a music system, climate control unit, remote fuel filler, power windows, leather seats, sunroof, rear defogger, electric door mirror on both sides, remote boot, steering mounting controls, rear armrest with cup holders, leather seats, foldable rear seats and many more. The vehicle will feature various advanced safety measures such as 2 airbags, parking sensors, fog lamp and 3 rear seat belts and ABS with EBD.
The new XA Alpha will be offered in both petrol and diesel engine options. The 1.4 litre K-series petrol unit delivers a peak power output of 95 bhp with 130 Nm of torque. The diesel one is a 1.3 litre DDiS diesel power train offering a maximum power of 90 bhp with a torque of 210 Nm. According to a few news reports, the vehicle may come with a 1.5 litre turbo-diesel engine.
But why the delay? A possible reason for not launching the car is because Maruti wants the XA Alpha to use its self-developed diesel engine.
The car may be competitively priced in the range of Rs.7 lakh to Rs.10 lakh which may make it a favourite choice of urban middle class customers.
For Information on New Maruti Swift – http://autoportal.com/newcars/marutisuzuki/swift/
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