Rumour: Maruti plans to launch to 2 SUVs by 2016

Maruti Suzuki, India's largest carmaker in terms of sales, has hinted that it is working on two SUV platforms. One of them is likely to be ready for launch in the first half of 2015, while the second one is expected to hit the market in 2016.

One of the two products is likely to be the SX4 S-Cross, which the company has been testing extensively on our roads. Positioned in the lucrative compact SUV segment, the S-Cross will rival the Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster. Displayed at the 2014 Auto Expo earlier this year, the SUV is likely to feature a 1.6-litre diesel engine.

The other SUV Maruti Suzuki is likely to launch in India is a sub-4 meter production version of the XA-Alpha concept showcased at the 2012 Indian Auto Expo. The XA-Alpha's production version is also expected to replace the Suzuki Jimny globally, as the Japanese car maker's entry level off roader. Both petrol and diesel engine options are anticipated to be available on this SUV.

Maruti Suzuki already has two SUVs on sale in India, but their sales are nothing to write home about. The Gypsy is an old off-roader that is built to order and the Grand Vitara is imported as a CBU. Both the vehicles come with only petrol engines, which reduce their appeal. With the addition of the SX4 S-Cross and XA-Alpha, the manufacturer is expected to launch a serious challenge in the SUV market in India.

Source: Autocar Professional