The compact SUV segment in India is really picking momentum and all the auto giants are really jumping onto the SUV bandwagon creating a fast competition in the Indian market. The clear leader of this segment in the Indian auto industry is Mahindra & Mahindra, which is gaining a lot of market shares despite the bad market conditions. Other car manufacturing giants like the largest car maker in India, Maruti Suzuki is rejoicing the success of its MPV Ertiga and has major plans to enter the compact SUV segment.
Following the latest trend in India the Japanese car major Toyota is ready to launch compact SUV, Rush in the domestic market. When the car launches in India it will have competition from several rival models, including the Tata Aria mini SUV, when it gets launched in the market. The Toyota Rush compact SUV was said to be launched by the end of 2013 but may get postponed to the middle of 2014.
Let us consider the two future baby SUV launches, namely the Toyota Rush and the Tata Aria mini.
The Toyota Rush is supposed to contain all the elements to make it a big hit in the Indian market. It is supposed to be launched in both petrol and diesel engine options.
Under the hood, the Toyota Rush petrol variant will be powered by a 1.4-litre petrol engine that drives the Etios sedan. The diesel Rush variant will be powered by a 1.4-litre D4-D diesel engine which powers the Corolla Altis. The Toyota Rush is expected to be available with a four-wheel drive option in India.
As far as pricing is concerned, Toyota is expected to launch the SUV with a price range of Rs. 10 lakhs.
On the other hand, comes the next big launch from Tata Motors, which is struggling with sales and is eager to launch a successful model. The existing Tata Aria despite being a very capable car with advanced technology, spacious interior and a superb engine could not make its mark in the Indian market because of its premium pricing. But the car cannot be priced any lower by the company as it does contain very valuable components. Thus, the Indian auto giant is confident that a mini Aria with a competitive price will surely win over the Indian consumers.
The compact SUV Tata Aria will be a sub-4 metre vehicle to avail the excise duty benefits. The boot of the existing car will be slashed to achieve the mini model. Because the Aria mini has to have a competitive price range, some of the amazing technology of the existing Aria would also have to be cut off.
The specifications of the car is yet unknown. But it will be certainly adequately powerful as Tata intends to make the car very powerful and value for money. As for the pricing it is though that Tata Motors price it around Rs. 5 lakhs.
With the Rush and the Aria mini, the baby SUV segment in India will get more interesting for sure.
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I am into the auto blogs field for quite a long time. Living my passion of reviewing cars.
Tagged: Tata Aria, Toyota Rush
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