[itwasntme]

Shankar is spot-on. As the Brits say, valuation and desirability of real estate is based on 'location, location, location'.

In India, success of such 'SUVs' will depend on 'diesel, diesel, diesel'!

With diesel price rationalisation ruled out for now, petrol will only climb (or stay >$100/bbl) due to various uncertainities ranging from demand, Iran's sabre-rattling due to proposed sanctions and a likely air-strike from Israel, Iraq'a very likely descent into civil war, North Korea's unpredictability, Saudi Arabia's reluctance to toe the American line, Venezuela's unpreditability, Libya's fragile recovery (do I need to say more?)

Maruti MUST dieselise their new 'Jimny' or else it WILL flop now matter how desirable the non-diesel factors add up to)

If it's a baby SUV, the 1.3 VGT will be a reasnable choice with it's 90bhp. Alternatively, they should look for further FIAT engines such as the 1.9JTD or non-FIAT engines etc. Looks like the VW marriage is totally off.

On the other hand, Ford's EcoSport could be a stunning package unless they screw up on the pricing big-time like with the new Fiesta. Ford now has more-ore-less managed to get over the infamous Escort/Ikon spares/service cost issue so they have everything to gain with pricing the EcoSport at a reasonable (small premium) level instead of at the 'creamy layer' level.

In summary, I am really looking forward to a neat baby SUV (a.k.a a hatch on stilts) which will be reasonably comfy, easy to get in and out, fuel-efficient with diesel and practically priced. I will buy it anyday over a Figo!

However, if Maruti can do it with the 1.3 VGT and a tried and tested chassis, I will probably opt for it given the utter reliability of the engine and the pan-India service network.

Best of luck to both!

Originally Posted by shankar.balan

I would only add a little more to this post.
The GV would have seen superb success had it been available in a Diesel alternative. Perhaps a 2 litre diesel or even a 1.6 /1.8 instead of that over used 1.3 which anyway would have been badly underpowered for the GV.
Had they done this and had they also been reasonable and at least assembled this vehicle in India, Im sure we would have seen many more on our roads. Even I would have certainly considered buying one. But alas, Maruti tends to continue in its "sarkari" behaviour.

[ankurvirmani19]

I think this is the closest picture which can be derived from the teasers of Concept SUV. Looks pretty good and promising. Hope MSIL does not come out with a flop show as G.Vitara.

[amrisharm]

Look at the picture and answer the question below:

Question:What do you get when you mix the existing Grand Vitara with Maruti's new SUV concept?





Answer: A Mahindra XUV500 look-a-like

[SRK]

Originally Posted by Ym-enjn

Could be something on these lines, if yes then its going to be a handsome Mini SUV..

Looks great.

And this concept already has 4 doors. So Maruti designers could have used it as a base.

Originally Posted by ashutoshb

An mix between the Vitara and the concept:

Looks great if this is what is the outcome.

[sparsh]

My 2 cents on this thread. I personally feel that Maruti should work on reworking the pricing of their cars in comparison with the leading players in the segments they wish to compete. Eg: Kizashi is competing directly with the Civic. However users still feel is it worth investing x lakhs on a Maruti who is a strong player in the A,B segements. The other alternative would be to launch a separate brand and focus on selling C and D segment cars like Toyota and Lexus. Maruti needs to rethink its strategy as they dont have any new offerings apart from some facelifts. With the market becoming extremely competitive and with folks raising the bar, its high time Maruti takes a closer look at its existing portfolio. Yes, Maruti has the best after sales coverage across India, however companies like Hyundai have upped the ante and are catching up with Maruti.

[aravind.anand]

Auto Expo '12 is going to be a SUV fest for sure Too many SUVs making world debuts. and many mini SUVs exploring the 'so-far-forgotten' Gypsy segment! Jairam Ramesh isn't going to like the upcoming Auto Expo for sure

[Patriot_Vishwas]

Originally Posted by amrisharm

Look at the picture and answer the question below:

Question:What do you get when you mix the existing Grand Vitara with Maruti's new SUV concept?

I actually thought that the XUV 500's rear is "inspired" from the Suzuki XL7

[shankar.balan]

I would say that even the Aria rear three quarter view has drawn some inspiration from this XL 7.

Originally Posted by Patriot_Vishwas

I actually thought that the XUV 500's rear is "inspired" from the Suzuki XL7

[romeomidhun]

The head-light seems BMW-ish to me!

[yogeshnaik]

There are several rumours that Maruti is coming up with a diesel version Gypsy. I believe it should be 2 door Jimny. This would be rather a big hit if and only if it is a 4 door with diesel option. Normally in India, vehicle market prefers any SUV with diesel option. As the Maruti has top notch After Sales Service, this would succeed if it is a 4 door SUV in liu of 2 door.

[swiftnfurious]

Originally Posted by ashutoshb

An mix between the Vitara and the concept:

That pic looks quite good. I always wonder only if some of the "actual" designs were at least 25% inspired from t-bhp ones, we would have had SEXY cars in India!!

[novice29]

Originally Posted by yogeshnaik

There are several rumours that Maruti is coming up with a diesel version Gypsy.

The news I would love to hear for the past some years. Any concrete data about this one? Or as always, just another rumour!
I wish this be true and Mauti already got a customer here .

[sarba]

A mail from MSIL says "5th Jan 8:50 AM - Unveiling of compact SUV XAalpha". Is that the same as the diesel Gypsy ?

[codelust]

The renders have not been too far off. It is based on the Swift platform.

If this has 4x4 and has a diesel engine, it will easily be my first new car in 5-years.

Looks a lot like a baby Evoque, if you ask me.





Pics courtesy: https://twitter.com/#!/kushanmitra

[Vid6639]

Mod's note: Thread closed. Please continue all XA Alpha discussions in the dedicated thread:

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/auto-...po-2012-a.html