5 Suv/muv’s To Look Out For
The Indian market is soon going to get a lot of new SUV/MUV models. Some of the world’s biggest carmakers like Skoda, Volkswagen, Toyota, BMW, Ford, Tata etc are coming up with powerful cars in this segment with some serious on-roading and off-roading capabilities. So, fasten your seatbelts and enjoy the tour’s 5 major attractions.
Skoda Yeti:
Skoda’s globally popular compact SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) model Yeti is expected to reach the Indian market somewhere in the first quarter of 2010. Priced approximately between Rs 12-15 lakh the Yeti plans to fill the gap between Skoda Fabia and Skoda Octavia. Skoda Yeti would be launched with both petrol and diesel engine option. The petrol variants will be available with two different capacity engines – the 1.2L, 1197cc, turbo charged, DOHC petrol engine capable of producing 104.7 PS at 5000rpm and 175Nm of maximum torque at 1500-3500rpm. The 1.8L, 1798cc, turbo charged, DOHC petrol engine with six-speed manual transmission gearbox and with 4WD (Four Wheel Drive) capable of producing maximum power of 160PS at 4500-6200rpm with the maximum torque of 250Nm at 1500-4500rpm.
The 2.0L, 1968cc, Turbo Charged diesel engine with 5-speed manual transmission gearbox produces maximum power of 110PS at 4200rpm with 250Nm of maximum torque at 1500-2500rpm.The 6-speed manual transmission gearbox in the 2.0L diesel engine type with advanced Haldex clutch is capable of producing 140PS of maximum power at 4200rpm with 320Nm of maximum torque at 1750-2500rpm.
Tata Aria:
Tata Motors is planning to launch its new MUV (Multi Utility Vehicle) Tata Aria in a price range of approximately Rs 12-15 lakh. This seven seater MUV is expected to come with a 2.2L, DICOR (Direct Injection Common Rail) engine currently powering Tata Safari. The engine is capable of producing 140bhp of maximum power at 4000rpm with 320Nm of maximum torque at 1700-2700rpm. The all new Tata Aria would be launched with three variants that would be available in both the 4WD (Four Wheel Drive) and 2WD (Two Wheel Drive Option).
Features like leather covered steering wheel, gear shift knob and leather seats, headrest mounted LCD screen, power and tilt steering, power windows at all four doors, automatic climate control AC, keyless entry etc would be available in this new Tata.
Volkswagen Tiguan:
Volkswagen is thinking of bringing its compact and also luxurious SUV Volkswagen Tiguan to India. Based on Audi A5′s platform Tiguan is expected to be priced around Rs 20lakh. The Volkswagen Tiguan is expected to have a 2.0L, turbo inline four-cylinder engine capable of producing 200bhp power and 207lb-ft torque with the six speed manual or auto transmission option. Tiguan would have both the front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. Features like ABS (Anti lock Braking System), traction control, anti-skid system, dual front and front side airbags, rear side airbags, and curtain side airbags in rear make it a safe car to drive. Tiguna would redefine luxury in this segment.
Hyundai Santa Fe:
Hyundai Motor Co had planned to launch its luxury SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) Hyundai Santa Fe in India in 2009, but the car has not made it to the country yet. It is possible that Hyundai launches this one soon. The Hyundai Santa Fe is expected to be priced between Rs 23-25 lakh. Santa Fe might come with a 2188cc, 2.2L, 4-cylinder, 16-valve, CRTD, SOHC engine with 5 speed manual gear box capable of producing 154bhp at 4000 rpm and 343Nm torque at 1800-2500 rpm.
BMW X1:
The BMW X1 SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) is headed towards India. BMW showcased the X1 at the Delhi Auto Expo is expected to be priced between Rs 25-30 lakh. The car would be available in five variants with a diesel engine in both manual and automatic transmission options with a 1995cc, 4-Cylinder, 16-Valve, diesel engine that produces 143bhp of maximum power at 4000rpm with 320Nm of maximum torque at 1750-2500rpm.
Another engine with the same capacity but capable of producing 177bhp of maximum power at 4000rpm with 350Nm of maximum torque at 1750-3000rpm would also be available. Also, the top end model might have the same engine with 204bhp of maximum power at 4400rpm with 400Nm of maximum torque at 2000-2250rpm.