Top 5 SUV's ruling Indian roads
By Renjith VP, SiliconIndia   |   Saturday, 27 November 2010, 14:16 IST
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Top 5 SUV's ruling Indian roads
Bangalore: Sports Utility Vehicles, 4x4 drive, sedans, whatever you may call them; they have been the symbol of elegance, luxury and a usual great off-road experience. With a booming automobile industry and India's surge into its global market, SUVs have been rocking Indian markets, competing with each other to become eye candy to the hardcore sedan fans. Whether 'a three pointed star' or a 'people's car'; whether an SUV or a luxury mid-size car; all the automobile biggies are investing in India making it an emerging automobile market. The recent ranking of the SUVs in India shows that the automobile market has treaded a long path from the boxy look Mahindra jeeps to the stylish Land Cruiser Prado. With the traditional truck-based SUV gradually being supplanted by the crossover SUV, which gives lighter weight and better fuel efficiency, SUVs are on the roll nullifying criticisms and aiming the deep pockets and immense purchase power of Indian market. Today we are looking forward to LX-570s, Hummer H3s and Land Rover SUVs which will rule the future roads of India. The battle will heat up as Hyundai Motor India, BMW India and Nissan Motor India planning introduced their global models during the festive season this year. Here is my sneak peek into the top SUVs reigning Indian market at present: Tata Safari DiCOR 2.2 VTT - Launched almost a decade ago, Tata Safari is still one of the most sought-after SUV's in India. It's elegant built with the subtle bulge and comfortable interiors have made it the family car of choice for most young middle-class urban elite Indians. The two drive configurations and the amazing fuel economy of 9 km/l on cities and 13 km/l on highways make Tata Safari probably one of the best SUVs in India. Priced at 9,36,770 on road, it comes in 10 attractive colors with additional comfort and safety security features. Ford Endeavour 2.5L 4x2 - Back from poor sales during a global recession, Ford is all set to vie for the Indian pie. The new Ford Endeavour is a perfect SUV to discover the amazing experience of outings with family and friends. The cutting edge 'Duratorq' engine technology with is Ford's trademark makes Endeavour a responsive and fuel efficient SUV compatible with tough terrains. With plush and delightful interiors and stunning exteriors that SUV exhibits a commanding presence on the roads. However, the big-wheel SUV looks overwhelming for narrow Indian roads. It is priced at 16,48,970 without insurance, road taxes and other charges Honda CR-V 2.0 WD MT - The only SUV launched by Honda, Honda CR-V is certainly one of India's top 5 SUVs in terms of power, performance and sophistication. It has a highly advanced 2.4L i-VTEC Inline-4 engine and real-time all-wheel-drive (AWD) system which is competent of producing a power of 160 bhp. It is loaded with the dynamic blend of versatility, style and sporty drive. Honda CRV highlights new-age body line, smoother handling along with a high-end security system making CRV unmatchable SUV in its class. The price is approximated to be around 22,77,100. Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara - In SUV class cars Maruti Grand Vitara runs perfect on both city as well as rough roads. With lighter weight and smoother drive it seems to be quite friendly to lower middle class people. The Grand Vitara is Maruti's entry into the luxury SUV segment. This SUV is stylishly designed with imposing front grills that lends audacity to the imposing forward stance. The petrol variant of Grand Vitara targets the middle class consumer with Maruti SUVs between 15-17 lakhs. Mitsubishi Pajero - The Japanese car maker Mitsubishi entered the fray of the lucrative Indian SUV market with its Pajero. It has a military vehicle sturdy front with a boxy rear. It is great off-road and tackles difficult terrain with panache. The Pajero comes in a single variant with a 2.8L turbocharged Inline 4 diesel engine that churns out 117 bhp and is coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission. It also has height-adjustable driver seat, ABS brakes, and climate control. This all-wheel-drive vehicle has an estimated fuel economy of 8/11 km/l(city/highway).The Pajero comes with a starting price tag of 18.81 lakh

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