The year 2012 is going to be
action packed as far as new automobiles are concerned. The year will begin with
the much awaited Auto Expo ’12 @ New Delhi. A slew of new cars are waiting to
enter the Indian car market. Many of these would of course be newer generations
of existing ones like the Honda Civic 2012, Hyundai Elantra and many more.
However, one segment that has not
been a favourite of customers or rather it contradicts the very essence of that
segment is the “Compact SUV” segment. Yes, you guessed it, SUVs are meant to be
meaty, huge and diesel guzzlers. However, in my opinion, it is the next in
thing!! Most of the customers buy SUVs for their road presence and stature. But,
with rising fuel costs, agony against fuel guzzling SUVs, and the ease of
drivability in crowded Indian roads, compact SUVs can be of great utility
besides being fun to drive off road.
 |
| Renault Duster |
The first entrants in this
segment will be the Renault Duster followed by the Ford Ecosport. The Duster
may not perfectly fall into the Compact SUV category, but its price band of 7
to 9 lakhs will pitch it directly to the Ecosport and the upcoming Mahindra
Xylo Compact. The Xylo Compact will also attract excise duty benefits on basis
of its length. These SUVs will offer seating comfort, decent engine power, ease
of driving and good fuel economy. I personally find the Ecosport from Ford to
be very stylish and could be head turner at signals!!
 |
| Ford Ecosport |
As a customer I am personally
fond of such SUVs for the sheer traits that I mentioned above. Ease of driving
an SUV is a major attraction that I have and this new segment fits just right. Although
the market may take some time to accept this new segment. However if we see the
BMW X1 and the upcoming Audi Q3 (to be showcased at Auto Expo’12) already fall
into this category.
This means
market does exist and those who do not want to give up the pleasure of an SUV along
with economy will definitely move to this segment.
