Rumour: Maruti Suzuki to launch 3 new SUVs in India by 2016

India's largest car maker, though dominant in the big volume hatchback territory, is yet to make inroads into the high growth SUV segment. The coming years could change all that as Maruti Suzuki has big plans for the SUV segment. Although Maruti Suzuki has two products in the SUV segment in the form of the Gypsy off roader and the Grand Vitara, both cars deliver low volumes as they are petrol-only models.

In order to give stiff competition to the likes of the Ford EcoSport and the Renault Duster, two hot selling upstarts in the SUV segment of India, Maruti would need SUVs with diesel power. According to the FinancialExpress, Maruti Suzuki would begin its renewed foray into the SUV segment in India with the S-Cross SX4 crossover, a vehicle that will go on sale internationally later this year.

The S-Cross is Suzuki's global replacement for the SX4 Crossover. Internationally, the S-Cross SX4 (code-named the YAD) is available with 1.6 liter petrol and turbo diesel engines. The petrol engine gets a 5 speed manual gearbox while a CVT automatic transmission is offered as an option. The Fiat Multijet diesel motor is mated to a 6 speed manual gearbox. 

Dimensions-wise, the S-Cross is larger than the likes of the Ford EcoSport and the Renault Duster, with the crossover's length and wheelbase measuring at 4.6 meters and 2.6 meters respectively. The S-Cross is a five seater with front wheel and all wheel drive modes available. The crossover's automatic variant gets paddle shifters while a start-stop system is standard across the range. A 2014-end India launch is likely. 

The second 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. Early 2015 is when this SUV could roll into India. 

The third SUV for India could replace the Suzuki Grand Vitara. However, this SUV may be priced lower than the current Grand Vitara, which is imported into India through the completely built unit (CBU) route. Other details about this SUV remain unknown at this point in time. The Grand Vitara replacement and the XA-Alpha's production version might use the new range of turbo diesel engines that Suzuki is developing.