2014 has ben an exciting year, as far as the automobile industry is concerned. However, the year is not over yet. A number of launches lined up, especially in the SUV segment. Here is the list of SUVs set for an India launch.
Porsche Macan
The leader of luxury automobile Porsche is all set to hit the road with it’s much awaited compact SUV Macan in India. The Macan offers sports car level performance and dynamics while retaining decent off road ability, offering good ride and the ability to iron out any rough patches that our roads frequently offer.Unlike the other global markets, Porsche has made features such as air suspension system with ride height adjustment, fully variable all-wheel drive, lighting package, bi-xenon headlamps, three-zone climate control and electronically operated tailgate as standard features.
The Porsche Macan SUV is currently available in two variants, the S Diesel and the range-topping, petrol-powered Turbo; the former costing Rs 98.18 lakh and the latter Rs 1.08 crore (ex-showroom, Maharashtra).
2015 BMW X3 Facelift
The compact SUV from BMW, the X3 is mid-size offering in the luxury-SUV space and knowing how lucrative this segment is at the moment. The 2015 model gets a revised design with the most eye-catching change being the larger, kinked headlamps that extend all the way into the grille.The popular 2.0-litre, four cylinder diesel engine has been tuned to put out better power and burn fuel more efficiently than its counterpart in the current X3, with additions like the updated 190PS engine.
There is no clarity on pricing yet, but at present, X3 price in India starts at Rs 42.57 lakh and top end variant comes at a price tag of Rs 56.27 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi).
Mercedes Benz GLA Class
The German carmaker’s mini crossover – the GLA is all set to launch in India, during the festive season. The GLA crossover is based on the MFA (Modular/Mercedes Front Architecture) platform, like the A- and B-Class.The petrol trims could be powered by a 1.6-litre engine capable of producing a top power output of 156bhp along with a peak torque of 250Nm. While the diesel range is expected to house a 2.2-litre powertrain that is good for 135bhp and 300Nm. Both the motors will most likely come mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch.The GLA will also get fuel-saving features like stop-start and radiator grille shutters that enable improved fuel economy.
While the booking amount for the GLA is around Rs. 2 lakh, the car will be priced around Rs. 30 lakh.
Audi Q3S 2015
One of the most popular luxury SUVs on the market, the Audi Q3 will be soon accompanied by the upcoming Audi Q3S, in the compact SUv scene. A 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine making 210PS of peak power at 5000rpm and 300Nm of maximum torque at 1800rpm will power the Audi Q3S TFSI.Also available for the Q3 is an MMI Navigation Plus system that displays itself on a 7-inch color screen located in the center control console. The MMI Navigation Plus features Audi’s award winning infotainment system, Audi connect. Audi connect allows the driver and passengers to link up to 8 devices to the in-car Wi-Fi, and it provides Google Earth maps for a true bird’s eye view of the car.
The Q3S TFSI is standing at a price point of about Rs 27 lakh, which is slightly above the diesel variant considering the fact that it will get both the Quattro all-wheel-drive system and the automatic gearbox.
Range Rover Sport SVR
Land Rover’s 2014 edition of Range Rover Sport is all set to launch in India. The Range Rover Sport SVR draws power from a 542bhp supercharged 5.0-litre V8, which helps propel the SUV from 0-100kph in just 4.5sec and reach a top speed limited to 261kph. The car’s highlight is that the SVR uses a two-stage active exhaust with electronically controlled valves, which creates a “racecar-like soundtrack”. The SVR is easily distinguished from other Range Rover Sports by a series of design changes. There’s a new front bumper with larger air intakes, a new grille finish, flared wheel arches, a new rear bumper with integrated diffuser and quad exhaust pipes, and a rear spoiler.
The car will go on sale in October following the Paris Motor Show and the first deliveries will commence in early 2015.
