Suvs and Crossovers

The automotive industry of the country has witnessed an unforeseen boom in the past few years. Many new companies have entered the market and are striving to make their mark on the scene. These include a few international as well as local players. With the increase in options and development in technological aspects of vehicles in general, every buyer is now faced with a number of question. The question that tops the list is which car to buy. In accordance with the consumer's lifestyle and utility requirement the choices are either sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs or MUVs. While there was a time when sedans and hatchbacks dominated Indian roads, the trend is slowly shifting to the SUV segment. A primary reason for this change is the state of roads and the need for off road driving in the country. Plus, the space advantage such vehicles provide is undeniable. If you are considering buying a SUV, read on.
When it comes to SUVs there are plenty of choices available in the market today. Some of the names that top the list of fine SUVs are the Premier Rio, the Mahindra Scorpio, the Tata Safari, the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Force One Suv. All these cars vary in price, features, looks, interior design, performance, fuel efficiency, power and pickup, factors every wise buyer considers before making a decision. Taking into consideration the hike in fuel prices over the past decade or so and the rate of inflation, the major aspects to keep in mind are budget and fuel efficiency. Power and pickup, looks and interior design can be termed secondary, in view of the fact that almost all SUVs have powerful engines that perform well and are designed to exude comfort as well as style. Features on the other hand are subjective and depend on individual preferences.

If price and fuel efficiency are topping your list of concerns, the Premier Rio may be one of the best choice for you. Catagorised as a crossover vehicle is packed with a 1.5L, 1489cc, turbo diesel engine, this vehicle produces 65 PS of maximum power at 4000 RPM. It has a 152 NM of maximum torque at 2250 RPM, which is more than enough to tread onto any road without second thought. Rio is making its mark for excellent fuel efficiency, which is quite a rare feat in this segment. Right now it is the most affordable SUV in the market with basic features, good looks and great acceleration.

The Mahindra Scorpio is a comparatively old SUV model having a 2.2 litre, 4 cylinder M Hawk diesel engine. It can produce 120bhp power at 4000 RPM and 290 NM at 1800 – 2800 RPM. With good interiors and styling, the car also has decent safety features and comfort. Priced quite a bit more than the Rio, this could be a good choice for buyers looking for a family car that accommodates more members.
The Tata Safari is a popular SUV in India. Produced by one of the biggest car maker's of the country, the Safari is huge and has a sporty look about it. With a 2.2 L, 16 V diesel engine it produces 140 horse power at 4000 RPM and 320 NM torque. The top model might cost you around 12 lacs, which is steep for the average buyer, but the car comes with state of the art features that are worth the price.

Force Motors, who is popularly known as a commercial vehicle manufacturer is bound to delve the depths in the passenger car segment. Force One SUV 4x4 variant is introduced today powered by the same Daimler AG sourced 2.2 L diesel powertrain to pump out 140 Bhp and 315 Nm peak power and torque like always rich in features with all three rows A/C, front safety-guard.
If you are looking for a petrol car the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara is one Indian SUV you should check out. The car is powered by a 2L VIS Inline-4 petrol engine and comes in automatic as well as manual transmissions. It has an outstanding design, amazing safety features and other functionalities that make it a good car by any standards.