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New SUVs to launch in India in 2012

In India, the enthusiasm for Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) has always been moving up the ladder in quick succession. Every car owner in the country desires to have one off-roader in its automobile lineup and one sort of strange pride is observed in the people or individuals who own an SUV. One cannot find himself complete until he has drive-in this monstrous element home, and how can he? As this brawny mode of transport provides you with incredible off-road and on-road capabilities, comes loaded with option of four-wheel-drive, voluminous spaced interiors along with enough liters of boot space.

The craze for this utility vehicle is evident when we see Mahindra & Mahindra; a full-fledged company that majorly produces SUV’s in India with its product Bolero rated as bestselling SUV till date, standing tall in front of us. But the times have changed a bit, now apart from muscular looks buyer wants a comprehensive package in the form of powerfully built vehicle loaded with latest gadgets, safety measures and latest technology in their 4X4. So let’s have a sneak peek at what the global and domestic carmakers have planned to offer the SUV freaks in India in the approaching year 2012.

 

Audi Q3

 

Likely to launch: January 2012

Price Range: INR 20-25 Lakhs

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Riding high with its previous success from Audi Q7 and Q5; the compact and more compact SUV respectively, the German marquee now knocks the Indian gates with most compact SUV till date in the form of this little monster. As usual the company has compromised with the size but not with the luxury and premium sense. The SUV cum crossover will be made available by early 2012. It is expected to carry a retail tag of around INR 20-25 Lakhs that makes it stand against Toyota Fortuner and Honda CR-V. Also with this price it will be an entry level vehicle in Audi stable.

 

New Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

 

Likely to launch: March 2012

Price Range: INR 20 Lakhs

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Mitsubishi already has Outlander and Montero in the segment, the Pajero is actually an old war horse whenever the company bets on it, it comes out with favorable results. Another model in the form of Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is expected to arrive in India at the start of 2012. Since its launch globally the vehicle possesses proven off-roading capabilities worldwide, now with the upcoming Sports edition it will get the latest required technology loaded to it. The bold Pajero will come to the country as Complete Knock Down unit from Thailand, and expected to be priced at INR 20 Lakhs.

 

New Volkswagen Touareg

 

Likely to launch: 2012 First Quarter

Price Range: INR 50-55 Lakhs

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The Germany based Volkswagen Group will unveil its New Volkswagen Touareg at the 2012 Auto Expo, before launching it in India. This vehicle will have offering similar to that of Porsche Cayenne, along with more boot space and ability to favor the Indian conditions. With this vehicle it is projected that Volkswagen may get it transformed into a hybrid mode of transport in coming future. The New Volkswagen Touareg could be dressed up in 3.0L noiseless engine along with BlueMotion technology. The heavy weight will be priced at around INR 60 Lakhs.

 

New Chevrolet Captiva

 

Likely to launch: Amid 2012

Price Range: INR 20-22 Lakhs

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The 2012 New Chevrolet Captiva holds a totally new look; more muscular yet lean in shape as compared to earlier model. It has got striking new bumpers and bigger Chevrolet badge that rests in the mid of front grille. The bonnet will have a 3.0L diesel V6 power-train capable to pull out a 258 bhp of sheer power. It is planned to launch in the middle of the year 2012 and is estimated to be retailed at INR 20-22 Lakhs.

 

Renault Duster

 

Likely to launch: February 2012

Price Range: INR 7-10 Lakhs

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The Renault Duster is sure to open up new segment in the auto sector in India with its competitive pricing that ranges between Rs 7 to Rs 10 Lakhs. There is no specific term that can be used for Renault Duster as it such a suitable vehicle for those wanting to get a bigger hatchback but smaller than SUV. The Duster is a mini-compact SUV that will come with a 1.5L and 1.6L diesel engine choices; the maximum power generated by Duster will be of 90 bhp and 107 bhp respectively. This compressed vehicle is one of the most promising from the French carmaker in terms of brand rebuilding in India which awaits an early 2012 launch.

 

Nissan Murano

 

Likely to launch: Amid 2012

Price Range: INR 20-25 Lakhs

It’s been a long time since Nissan; the Japan based automaker, has announced that the Nissan Murano will make into India. But now, the company seems serious about it and launch is expected in the mid of next year. The Nissan Murano appears as a fashionable yet tough SUV in terms of exterior appearance. Initially it would be early to say that Nissan will feature this stylish Murano together with their only SUV in India, X-Trail or there will be a difference price wise. Under the hood, the mammoth 3.5L diesel power-train will be placed, the vehicle will be offered in two-wheel as well as all-wheel drive alternatives. The SUVwill come at price that ranges between Rs 20 to 25 Lakhs.

 

Chevrolet Trailblazer

 

Likely to launch: Amid 2012

Fetch out: INR 18-22 Lakhs

The US based brand’s Chevrolet Trailblazer will be out for sale in Thailand auto sector in the start of next year. Talking about India; which only has the company’s only one SUV in the form of Captiva, it is expected to launch by mid of 2012. The launch of Chevy Trailblazer is in reports since long, now it will be unveiled at Dubai International Auto Show this November 2011. By the launch of the SUV in India; where Captiva is leading, the General Motors will add another gem to its crown. The ride quality, comfort and performance will be the major selling points for this off-roader, with a price tag of around Rs 18-22 Lakhs.

 

Mahindra Ssangyong Rexton

 

Likely to launch: 2012 End

Price Range: Around INR 17 Lakhs

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After the overwhelming response of its Global SUV XUV500, the Indian utility major Mahindra & Mahindra are geared up to launch its Ssangyong vehicle in the form of- The Rexton. The company will be launching Rexton in the premium segment with a price tag of around Rs 17 Lakhs. The luxury SUV has become talk of every town, since it carries the trusted label of Mahindra in the utility segment. The Rexton will sport a 2.7L diesel turbo charged power-train that could generate 184 PS of pure power and 402 Nm of peak torque. The stand-out features of the 7 seater Rexton includes forward collision warning system, enhanced parking brake technology along with standard features like ABS,EBD and airbags for driver and occupants.

 

New Force Trax

 

Likely to launch: Amid 2012

Price Range: INR 5-6.5 Lakhs

The famous and aged name in the utility segment of India; Force Motors, will launch their utility vehicle in the middle of 2012. The recent launch of its modern SUV Force One proves that this unsung company can also be a threat to the competitive SUV segment. The New Force Trax will be in an all-new avatar from its reworked exteriors to totally changed interiors. It seems that the New Trax will share the engine that presently powers Force One. The current Trax which already possess amazing off-roading abilities which will upgraded for new Force Trax. It may fall in a nominal price bracket of Rs 5-6.5 Lakhs.

 

New Honda CR-V 2012

 

Likely to launch: Late 2012

Price Range: INR 20 Lakhs

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The 2012 Honda CR-V is now bit compressed as compared to its predecessor. The SUV will be first launched in the American auto market in the middle of next year followed by India launch in by the end of 2012. The rollout was scheduled pretty earlier but delayed due to natural disaster in Thailand; which led the company to shut down its component manufacturing factories based in the country. The SUV is built on the novel platform of CR-V that has the ability to bestow better performance and handling while driving. The Honda intends to bring in CKD units to India unlike CBU of its present CR-V model. A price of Rs 20 Lakhs is expected for this 2012 vehicle.

 

Toyota Fortuner Facelift

 

Likely to launch: Early 2012

Price Range: INR 20 Lakhs

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The only SUV by Toyota that took its market share moving up in its segment; Fortuner, will get a face-lift for its 2012 launch. The Japanese auto giant has launched the face-lifted version in the Thailand market, just like it did with the renovated Toyota Innova. The Fortuner saw immense success in India with its elite class consumer ready to wait in the queue due to shortage of vehicles; which was resulted due to tsunami in Japan that disrupted the work at manufacturing units. The price seems to remain the same as the current model that is of Rs 20 Lakhs.

 

New Ford SUV

 

Likely to launch: Late 2012

Price Range: INR 7-8.5 Lakhs

The American carmaker in India, Ford Motors seems to go a Renault way by announcing the launch of a compact SUV priced inside Rs 10 Lakhs. The Ford saw immense success with its small car Figo and all-new Fiesta being sold in numbers. The company has again regained the trust of Indian car buyer with these remarkable launches keeping in mind the Indian conditions. Ford which drives on its only SUV Endeavour which appeals a specific segment of consumers. With the launch of this affordable priced compact SUV Ford is sure to raise its bar in terms of sales and expectation of Indian buyer. It is estimated to see a late 2012 launch.

 

Volkswagen Tiguan

 

Likely to launch: Amid 2012

Price Range: INR 25-30 Lakhs

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It a trend that will follow next year and that is of launching compact crossovers apart from the usual full-sized SUV. Going the same lane is Volkswagen with its product Tiguan which could be seen on India roads by mid of next year. The vehicle is built on Passat and Jetta platform, that will compete with BMW X1; the most successful series of BMW in India, with its price of Rs 25-30 Lakhs. The compact SUV is supposed to hold a 1.8L or 2.0L TSI petrol engine or if the company considers diesel lovers than a 2.0L diesel engine will be offered.

 

2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

 

Likely to launch: Amid 2012

Price Range: Around INR 55 Lakhs

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The M-Class; a heritage, favorite and long serving luxury class of the elite individuals, will be seen in all new dress up as 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class that includes newly added features like upgraded seven speed gearbox and Air-Matic adjustable pneumatic suspension. The SUV is expected to launch by middle of the year 2012 with a near about same price of Rs 55 Lakhs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class’s competition lies in its German rivals such as Audi Q5 and BMW X3. An increase in power output and torque is expected.

 

New Skoda Yeti 2012

 

Likely to launch: Early 2012

Fetch out: INR 14-15 Lakhs

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The launch of 2012 Skoda Yeti is expected soon after the start of year 2012 as currently the compact SUV is not performing up to the marks in terms of sales figures. The bonnet of this compressed SUV looks like of a sedan, which is really appealing. The sales of present Skoda Yeti were also affected due to its high pricing, which is expected to come down by Rs 1.0 or 1.5 Lakhs with this 2012 variant. The soft-roader is the only SUV offering for Skoda in India. The 2012 Yeti will sport a 2.0L diesel engine capable to generate 110 PS of maximum power.