Maruti Vitara Brezza vs TUV300 vs EcoSport: Specifications comparison

Let's take a look at how the Maruti Vitara Brezza fares against rivals on paper.

The Vitara Brezza marks the return of the Vitara name to India following the discontinuation of the Grand Vitara a few years ago. Designed in India, from the grounds up, Maruti has branded its upcoming compact SUV a ‘Create in India’ product with the entire design and engineering aspect executed in  the country. Maruti will launch the Vitara Brezza on March 8, 2016 in Mumbai. 

Featuring styling cues borrowed from its larger European sibling, the Vitara, the compact SUV will use Maruti’s tried and tested 1.3-litre diesel engine in its more powerful DDiS 200 guise, and will be offered in four trim levels.

Amongst its main rivals is the Ford EcoSport, one of the most popular models in the compact SUV segment. The compact SUV from Ford unlike most of its rivals come swiht the option of both petrol and diesel engines and underwent an update last year which saw the diesel model become more powerful along with addition of new features.

Another rival to the Vitara Brezza is the Mahindra TUV300. Launched in late-2015, the TUV300 is the company’s second foray into the segment following the Quanto. Based on an all-new platform, the TUV gets an upright and rugged stance along with boxy styling cues and is currently one of the newest offerings in the segment.

Here is how all three compact SUVs stack-up on paper.

Dimensions

In terms of dimensions, the EcoSport is the longest of the trio at 3,999mm; a mere 1mm short of 4 meters. While the TUV300 and the Brezza share identical figures of 3,995mm. The widest of the three is the TUV300 at 1,835mm while the EcoSport is the narrowest at 1,765mm. The Brezza has a width of 1,790mm. The TUV300 is the tallest of the lot at 1,839mm followed by the EcoSport at 1,708mm and the Brezza at 1,640mm.

The TUV300 leads again in terms of wheelbase with a length of 2,680mm. The EcoSport at 2,520mm comes in second, with the Vitara Brezza trailing its rivals with a wheelbase of 2,500mm. The TUV300 is also the only SUV in this comparison to get jump seats in the boot.

However, it is the EcoSport that sits highest off the ground at 200mm followed by the Brezza at 198mm and lastly the TUV300 at 184mm.

The TUV300 is the heaviest of the trio at 1626kg for the manual and 1654kg for the AMT equipped model. The Brezza is the lightest compact SUV here with a kerb weight of 1195kg while the EcoSport weighs in at 1297kg.

Dimensions
	Maruti Vitara Brezza	Mahindra TUV300	Ford EcoSport
Length	3995mm	3995mm	3999mm
Width	1790mm	1835mm	1765mm
Height	1640mm	1839mm	1708mm
Wheelbase	2500mm	2690mm	2520mm
Ground clearance	198mm	184mm	200mm
Kerb Weight	1195kg	1626kg/1654kg (AMT)	1297kg

Engines

The Vitara Brezza uses the smallest displacement diesel engine amongst its competitors. Powered by the 1.3-litre DDiS 200 engine seen in the larger S-Cross delivering at 88.5bhp of power and 20.4kgm of torque. The EcoSport and TUV300 on the other hand use 1.5-litre units. The EcoSport’s unit leads with power output at 98.6bhp as against the TUV300 manual and AMT's 82.4bhp and 79bhp. The Mahindra’s engine on the other hand develops more torque with output figures at 23.4kgm as against the EcoSport's 20.9kgm. All three compact SUVs use a five-speed manual gearbox as standard, with the TUV300 getting the option of an AMT gearbox as well.

Engine
	Maruti Vitara Brezza	Mahindra TUV300	Ford EcoSport
Displacement	1.3-litre	1.5-litre	1.5-litre
Power	88.4bhp	82.4bhp/ 79bhp	98.6bhp
Torque	20.4kgm	23.4kgm	20.9kgm
Gearbox	5-speed manual	5-speed manual/ AMT	5-speed manual

Furthermore, the EcoSport is the only model in this list to offer a choice of petrol engines in the form of a 110bhp, 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine and a smaller 123bhp, 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbo-petrol motor paired to a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes.

Features

The Vitara Brezza will be well-equipped model with the top-spec variant getting features such as  Maruti’s SmartPlay infotainment system, climate control, cooled glovebox, cruise control, automatic headlamps and rain sensing wipers to name a few. The compact SUV will also come with driver airbag as standard with the lower models getting the option of dual airbags and ABS.

The top-spec Ford too gets a long feature list that includes dual front, side and curtain airbags, automatic headlamps, rain sensing wipers and Ford’s SYNC infotainment system. However, the base variant misses out on airbags and ABS.

The top-spec TUV300 gets an infotainment system with Mahindra Blue Sense app connectivity, voice messaging system, follow-me-home headlamps, dual airbags and ABS and Micro Hybrid technology. Like the EcoSport, the base TUV also misses out on the airbags though it is available as an add-on option along with ABS.

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Mercedes-AMG E43 4Matic revealed

Powered by a 390bhp, 3.0-litre V6 engine; gets all-wheel-drive and a nine-speed automatic gearbox.

Mercedes-AMG will introduce the latest E-class with the ‘E43’ moniker. What that translates to is a high-performance version of the executive sedan. Visually, you would easily mistake the sporty E-class for the regular sedan, the ’43’ differentiating itself only with a subtle body-kit. What gives it away however are the quad-exhausts and the five-spoke gloss-black AMG wheels.

Like in the GLE 450 AMG recently launched in India, this E43 packs a 3.0-litre V6 petrol under its hood, instead of the fire-breathing 4.0-litre, V8 bi-turbo which you’d find on fully-blown AMG models. The V6 though churns out a more than respectable 390bhp (30bhp up on the GLE 450 AMG) and 53kgm. A nine-speed automatic transmission transmits power to all four wheels via Mercedes’ AWD 4MATIC system. All of the hardware in conjunction propels the 1.8-tonne-plus sedan from standstill to 100kph in a sports car-like 4.5 seconds and a top-speed of 250kph.

The sedan also gets and beefed-up brakes and suspension with a three mode (Comfort, Sport, and Sport) adaptive damping to handle the extra fire-power.

World-debuting at the York Auto Show later in March, the E43 will hit European showrooms in September 2016. The fifth-generation E-class is slated for Indian shores in 2017, and given Mercedes’ aggressive strategy for our market, it would be safe to assume the E43’s arrival on our roads soon after.

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Honda to expand NSX line-up

A lighter, more hardcore version of the NSX is being planned under the Type R moniker; NSX convertible also likely.

Honda is considering developing a lighter, more hardcore version of its NSX supercar as a Type R variant. The development of the more track-focused supercar could see the company giving the hybrid setup from the standard NSX a miss, to save weight.

Currently, the NSX is equipped with a 500bhp 3.5-litre, twin-turbo V6 engine in its middle, with a 47bhp electric motor attached to the crank and driving the rear wheels, and a pair of electric motors at the front. A Type R could mean the loss of the front-mounted electric motors and batteries amongst other components, in a bid to reduce hundreds of kilogrammes from the standard car’s kerb weight.

Nick Robinson, Dynamic Development Leader on the NSX project, confirmed at the launch of the standard NSX that, although the Type R project hasn’t officially been signed off yet, there is a huge will within Honda do to it.

All in, the NSX’s hybrid drive system weighs 150kg. Although not all of that would be dispensed to create a Type R – the rear drive motor, which would act as an alternator, starter motor and flywheel would remain – its loss would make a considerable difference to the NSX’s 1,725kg kerb weight.

Intelligent use of other lightweight materials, could reduce the weight further. “There are places weight could be cut out,” said Robinson. “We are Honda, so cost [of exotic materials on the regular car] is a consideration, but for a limited edition? Why not?”

A rear-wheel drive Type R would not be out of the question with the current NSX offering a maintenance mode that shuts down the electric motors. Additionally, the company is using two rear-wheel drive NSX at the Pike’s Peak hill climb, with one being a completely stripped-down car with only the petrol engine and the other to feature electric superchargers to boost power.

Robinson also confirmed that a convertible-roofed version of the NSX is likely to follow the coupé. The body is exceptionally rigid, and losing the roof panel would make little difference; fitting the optional carbon-fibre roof to the standard NSX saves 5kg but makes no discernible difference to torsional rigidity.

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Tesla Model S by Brabus revealed

The tuning company gives the Tesla Model S a new body kit; leaves mechanicals unchanged.

Brabus has taken the green route with its latest undertaking that involves the Tesla Model S. The company, known for converting regular Mercedes into powerful, fire-breathing cars, has now taken on the Model S P90D and given it cosmetic modifications.

The Brabus Model S gets a new aerodynamic package specifically designed in a wind tunnel to help reduce drag and aerodynamic lift. At the front, it gets a carbon-fibre spoiler to reduce front-end lift along with attachments for the air-intakes to optimise airflow. Moving to the rear, there's a carbon-fibre rear diffuser along with an integrated boot spoiler. New 21-inch black-finished Brabus alloys top off the car’s exterior design.

The interiors of the Brabus Model S can be customised with a choice of colours for the leather, Alcantara, wood and carbon-fibre trim used in the cabin. The car also gets a new centre console with cup holders, as well as heating and cooling functions, a wireless smartphone charger and illuminated scuff plates with the Brabus logo.

However, the changes are purely cosmetic and the Tesla Model S' powertrain remains unaltered.

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Suzuki SV650 and concept GSX-R1000 to be shown in Japan

Line-up of concepts and production models to be showcased at Osaka and Tokyo Motorcycle Shows; concept GSX-R1000 will be premiered later this month.

Suzuki Motorcycle Corporation will showcase seven ‘reference exhibits’ and 12 existing, 'production models' at the upcoming Osaka and Tokyo Motorcycle Shows, in an official announcement made today. 

 

The reference exhibits to be put on display at the upcoming 32nd Osaka Motorcycle Show scheduled from March 19-21 and the 43rd Toyko Motorcycle Show from March 25-27 in Japan. The exhibits will also include the latest generation of their popular mid-size twin-cylinder, 645cc SV650 ABS model (a direct rival to Yamaha’s MT-07, Kawasaki’s 650cc street-cum-touring bikes globally), the concept GSX-R1000, GSX-RR (MotoGP model), RM-Z450WS (all-Japan motocross championship model) among other bikes.

 

It is known that the bike maker had first unveiled the SV650 and concept GSX-R1000 models (world premier) at Milan Show held in Italy in November 2015. While the SV650 will be Suzuki’s new overseas model, the concept GSX-R1000 will see its Japan premier later this month.

 

The production models to be put on display will mainly include Suzuki’s large displacement sport models, most of which are currently sold in India as CBUs. These would include GSX-S1000 ABS, GSX-S1000F ABS, Hayabusa, V-Strom 1000 ABS and V-Strom 650XT ABS among other models.

 

It is to be noted that the company currently sells all its global big bike models in India via importing the completely built units (CBU route). According to Suzuki Motorcycle India’s website, it superbike portfolio, which consists of nine models – equal to the number of all small scooter and commuter motorcycle models on sale, includes the twin-cylinder, 805cc Intruder M800 as the model with smallest engine displacement.

 

The company, which currently does not sell any model in the mid-size category in India, may have specific plans to foray in the near future. Suzuki has a bunch of mid-size 600cc, 645cc, 750cc models across categories in its global portfolio, which could become potential models for the Indian market.  

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Hyundai launches Free Car Care Clinic service camp

The 21st edition of the free camp from March 12-21 offers thorough examination of the car mechanics; discounts and schemes also available.

Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) has launched a nationwide ‘Free Car Care Clinic' service camp across all its service outlets. The camp is being held from March 12 to 21, 2016.

The camp offers a free 90-point check-up with for owners’ cars, which covers the vehicle’s mechanicals and electricals. During the 10-day camp, the service centres are offering spare parts, labor charges, accessories and services like extended warranties at discounted rates. Customers can also avail special schemes on exchange of old cars.

Hyundai is also furnishing loyalty discounts and free extended warranties to customers owning vehicles more than four-years-old at the camp. Car owners can book their service in advance via the ‘Hyundai Care’ mobile app, or through the carmaker’s customer care website (www.customercare.hyundai.co.in).

Announcing the Free Car Care Clinic, Rakesh Srivastava, Sr VP-sales and marketing, HMIL said, "Hyundai’s ‘Free Car Care Clinic' is a way forward and has always received an overwhelming response from customers and this year too, we hope to see increased participation in the clinic across the country. Through initiatives like these we fulfill our aim of providing best of products and services to our customers to enjoy a value-added ownership experience."

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New cars for 2016: SUVs and MPVs

Here is a look at upcoming SUVs and MPVs coming to India during the year of 

We are just three months into 2016 and there have been quite a few new SUV launches in India already. There are many more new SUVs to come and these range from mainstream models like the Tata Nexon and Hexa and new Toyota Innova to more premium offerings such as the Mercedes GLS, Range Rover Evoque convertible and the Jeep range. Featured here are the SUVs and MPVs expected to head to our shores soon.

Tata Nexon

The Tata Nexon concept from the 2014 Auto Expo is likely to see production by the end of 2016. The sub-four-metre compact SUV will aim straight for the Ford EcoSport which has ruled the roost for quite some time now. The Nexon will be based on a slightly modified X1 platform, which also underpins the Bolt and Zest. Powering the car will be Tata’s new 1.5-litre diesel engine with 110bhp alongside a 1.2-litre petrol motor. Will Tata actually retain the concept’s design cues? Only time will tell.

Coming: End 2016

Est price: Rs 7.5-9 lakh

Engine(s): 1.2 P, 1.5 D

Rivals: Ford EcoSport, Mahindra TUV300

SsangYong Tivoli

Undeterred by the at best average response to the SsangYong Rexton, Mahindra will introduce the Korean brand’s aggressively designed Tivoli SUV, given the steadily growing Indian appetite for rugged- looking vehicles. In true Korean style, the car comes feature-packed. That along with the Tivoli’s contemporary looks, and the option of a 4x4 variant should be sufficient reason to give the Renault Duster and gang something to worry about. To keep prices low, Mahindra could offer the Tivoli with its TUV300’s 1.5-litre diesel engine. In markets abroad, the car is powered by a 1.6-litre, 126bhp, petrol engine. Transmission options include six-speed manual and automatic units. The Tivoli is expected to make for a strong value-for-money proposition.

Coming: End 2016

Est price: Rs 15-18 lakh

Engine(s): 1.6 P, 1.5 D

Rivals: Skoda Yeti, Mahindra XUV500

Honda BR-V

This is Honda’s rather late entrant to the compact SUV segment. The seven-seat Mobilio-based BR-V will rival the Hyundai Creta upon its entry into India in 2016. Powered by the familiar, but more powerful 1.5-litre petrol and diesel motors from the City, the BR-V will get a six-speed manual gearbox, and a CVT automatic option. Besides the raised ride height and body-cladding, the BR-V gets 16-inch alloy wheels to complete the crossover look. The third row of seats, of course, will be its biggest advantage in the segment, and space is meant to be on par with the Mobilio. The other complaint with cars on this platform has been the interior design, but Honda has fixed this by giving the BR-V a much more attractive dashboard.

Coming: Feb 2016

Est price: Rs 8-13 lakh

Engine(s): 1.5 P, 1.5 D

Rivals: Renault Duster, Hyundai Creta, Maruti S-cross

Renault Grand Captur

The car you see here is the Renault Captur but it’s not the car that’s coming to India. Renault is working on a stretched, seven-seat version of it for our market. This premium offering will be positioned above the Duster but will be more affordable than the pricey and slow-selling Koleos. It clearly errs more on the side of crossover than full-on SUV, but the good news is that it will likely get AWD. Can the Duster’s success filter up to the Grand Captur?

Coming: End 2016

Est price: Rs 15-20 lakh

Engine(s): 1.5 D

Rivals: Mahindra XUV500

Tata Hexa

The Aria, Tata’s ambitious bid at a properly premium offering, and a very capable car in its own right, was let down by its MPV looks and tad-too-premium pricing. With the Hexa, Tata has gone a long way to make the car look and feel more appealing. It’s been given a thorough design overhaul, with a rugged exterior that lets it look more like a crossover this time around. Add to that the Land Rover-like Multi-Drive mode selection system, improved overall quality and refinement, improved infotainment, or the all new engine – a 154bhp, 2.2-litre VariCor unit, and you get a significantly improved package. The price will, undoubtedly, remain on the high side, but then so is the desirability level.

Coming: Mar 2016

Est price: Rs 11-17 lakh

Engine(s): 2.2 D

Rivals: Toyota Innova, Mahindra XUV500

Maruti Vitara

Maruti has burnt its fingers twice with the ‘Vitara’ badge in India. But the brand hopes it will get lucky this time with the next Vitara thanks to the growing premium SUV market in India. Expanding its Nexa showroom chain is also a reason to bring more premium offerings to India. The Vitara, to be placed above the S-Cross, will share its 118bhp 1.6-litre diesel engine and six-speed manual gearbox, but will likely get the advantage of Suzuki’s excellent AllGrip AWD system. It won’t be here for a long time, though, it will give Maruti a chance to etch its Nexa premium into the minds of Indian customers.

Coming: Early 2017

Est price: Rs 18-22 lakh

Engine(s): 1.6 D

Rivals: Honda CR-V, Skoda Yeti

Honda CR-V diesel

Finally, the CR-V, one of our favourite crossovers, will get a diesel engine so it can be more competitive here in India. A 1.6-litre i-DTEC engine (from which the familiar 1.5-litre unit was derived) will make its way here. Don’t be put off by the small capacity though; it churns out a chunky 31kgm of torque. It could only be offered with two-wheel drive, but then this has always been a road-biased SUV. The upside, however, should be class-leading fuel economy.

Coming: Mid 2016

Est price: Rs 24-27 lakh

Engine(s): 1.6-litre D

Rivals: Skoda Yeti

New Hyundai Tucson

Thanks to the runaway success of the Creta, Hyundai looks keen on bringing the Tucson badge back to India after skipping a generation. Revealed at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, the new, bigger Tucson slots neatly between the Creta and Santa Fe. The five-seat Honda CR-V rival gets a suite of high-tech engines overseas, including a turbocharged 1.6-litre direct injection petrol engine and 2.0-litre petrol and diesel motors. Gearboxes include a six-speed manual and auto, and a seven-speed dual-clutch option. And yes, AWD is optional too, but it remains to be seen which configuration Hyundai brings to India.

Coming: Early 2017

Est price: From 18 lakh

Engine(s): 1.6 P, 2.0 P, 2.0 D

Rivals: Honda CR-V, Skoda Yeti

All price estimates are ex-showroom, Delhi

New Toyota Fortuner

The Toyota Fortuner has had great success in the SUV-loving Indian market. But now an all-new version is set to replace the ageing giant. The new Fortuner’s design language is more in line with current-gen Toyota off-roaders sold internationally. Although the new Fortuner looks much sleeker, it’s still a traditional body-on-frame SUV under the skin. The other major change will be the introduction of two all-new powerplants – more powerful and efficient 2.4 and 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engines replacing the current 2.5 and 3.0. Things that haven’t changed are its immense road presence and its unflappable ability to be driven just about anywhere under the sun.

Coming: Early 2017

Est price: Rs 25-30 lakh

Engine(s): 2.4 D, 2.8 D

Rivals: Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Mercedes GLA facelift with AMG

Much like the CLA facelift you would have seen earlier, the GLA will undergo similar treatment a little later on. There will be new headlamps, tail-lamps, bumpers and alloys on the outside, and plusher interiors with a new infotainment system on the inside. The motors should get you a few more kilometres on a tank of fuel, and the crazy AMG GLA 45 is now cranked up to a ridiculous 376bhp.

Coming: Late 2016

Est price: Rs 33-38 lakh

Engine(s): 2.0 P, 2.1 D

Rivals: Audi Q3, BMW X1

 

SsangYong Rexton facelift

Mahindra-owned Korean carmaker SsangYong is likely to launch a facelifted version of the Rexton early next year. The facelifted version has already been launched in Korea and features a new radiator grille, HID projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, a new tail-lamp cluster and newly designed alloys. Inside the cabin, the additions include LED cabin lamps, heated seats, a new steering wheel and a new design for the central console. Mechanically the car remains unchanged.

Coming: Early 2016
Est price: Rs 23-24 lakh
Engine(s): 2.7 D
Rivals: Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour

Borgward BX7

This is its first new car in 50 years, and reborn German car brand Borgward is shooting for the premium SUV segment. What that means is an Audi Q5-sized SUV for less than the price of an Audi Q3. Initially imported, local assembly is expected to commence soon after. Its engine is a 222bhp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol; too bad there’s no diesel for now. It does pack in seven people comfortably though.

Coming: End 2016
Est price: Rs 25-27 lakh
Engine(s): 2.0 P
Rivals: Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Mercedes-Benz will finally have a direct rival to the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 when it launches the GLC here next year. As the name suggests, the new SUV is based on the C-class and resembles it quite closely from the front. The resemblance continues inside, where the cabin looks luxurious and well laid-out with the flowing single-piece centre console, rotary air vents, hooded instrument binnacle, touchpad, and the latest version of the COMAND Online infotainment system. India will initially get two diesel versions, the 220d with 168bhp and 250d with 201bhp, both from Merc’s 2.1-litre four-cylinder engine. A GLC 350 3.0-litre petrol V6 version could come later. Expected to go on sale in the second half of 2016, the GLC will be priced around Rs 50 lakh to rival the Audi Q5 and BMW X3.

Coming: Mid 2016
Est price: Rs 50-60 lakh
Engine(s): 2.1 D
Rivals: Audi Q5, BMW X3

New Nissan X-trail

Versatile as they were, not enough Indians took to the first and second-generation versions of the X-trail, and Nissan discontinued it in 2014. Now Nissan is set to bring back the X-Trail with a stronger product than ever. It’s got a third row of seats and is more of a soft-roader now but does get an AWD system. It’s powered by a new-gen 2.0-litre dCi diesel motor, via a CVT transmission. The car features gadgetry like Active Ride Control, which scans the road ahead and adjusts suspension to suit. Sadly, since it’s a CBU, price will be a hefty Rs 28 lakh or so, but that puts it right on par with its main rival, the Hyundai Santa Fe.

Coming: Jan 2016
Est price: Rs 28 lakh
Engine(s): 2.0 D
Rivals: Hyundai Santa Fe
All price estimates are ex-showroom, Delhi

Range Rover Evoque convertible

The Evoque was never short on style. But lop off the roof and the glam quotient just multiplies. The mechanicals will be carried over from the five-door Evoque, albeit with significant reinforcements to the lower body to compensate for the missing rigid roof. There have been a few drop-top SUVs in the past, but none quite as well executed as this. And being a Range Rover, you can probably ford a stream in it too.

Coming: End 2016
Est price: Rs 70 lakh
Engine(s): 2.2 D
Rivals: None

Jaguar F-pace

Launched at the 2016 Frankfurt Auto Show, the F-Pace marks Jaguar’s first entry into the SUV segment. Strictly speaking, it’s an all-aluminium crossover, and it’s meant to be driven on the road, not off it. The F-Pace borrows the F-type’s 3.0-litre supercharged V6 that is tuned to produce 335bhp or 375bhp, mated to an eight-speed gearbox. Or if you want to be a bit sensible, you can have either a 2.0 or 3.0-litre diesel. You’d think Jaguar didn’t need an SUV when its sister company Land Rover makes nothing but SUVs. But here it is, and it somehow seems just right.

Coming: End 2016
Est price: Rs 65-70 lakh
Engine(s): 3.0 P, 2.0 D, 3.0 D
Rivals: Porsche Macan, BMW X5

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes’ full-size, seven-seat GL luxury SUV gets a rebadging and a nip-and-tuck job. As per the new nomenclature at Mercedes, the SUV stands alongside the S-class. So luxury will assuredly be top-notch. The current GL’s 3.0-litre diesel V6 engine is expected to continue unchanged, though the seven-speed automatic will be swapped out of a new nine-speed unit, much like in the GLE. Expect improved creature comforts and equipment too as the GLS moves further upmarket into serious luxury territory.

Coming: End 2016
Est price: Rs 90-95 lakh
Engine(s): 3.0 D
Rivals: Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne

Jeep Grand Cherokee & Wrangler

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has been working to bring its all-American SUV brand Jeep to India for over a year now, and finally, early next year, the showrooms will open their doors. It will kick off with two fully imported flagships - the tough, go-anywhere Wrangler and the luxurious Grand Cherokee. Both pack in robust diesel engines beneath their macho body shells and offer a refreshing alternative to the crop of luxury SUVs. But that’s only the start. Jeep plans to bring other, smaller SUVs to India later and they will be assembled here too.

Coming: Feb 2016
Est price: Rs 80 lakh/Rs 40 lakh
Engine(s): 3.0 D/2.8 D
Rivals: Volvo XC90, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE

Bentley Bentayga

The luxury car marque claims big on its very first SUV. For one, the Bentayga is to be the fastest SUV in the world. Not a lot to boast about when a 6.0-litre, twin-turbocharged 600bhp W12 engine lugs the nearly two-and-a-half tonne behemoth around. Besides, it’s a Bentley. So everything comes covered in wood and leather of the best kind there is. The Bentayga can be had as a two- or three-person rear seat layout, and the company is also working on a seven-seat version.The car goes into production early 2016.You can expect its Indian arrival in the latter half of next year.

Coming: End 2016
Est price: Rs 2.8 crore
Engine(s): 6.0 P
Rivals: Range Rover SVAutobiography

Mahindra Quanto facelift

After a lacklustre run, Mahindra is going to re-launch the Quanto as a fresh new car. It will be completely repositioned and is expected to get a resculpted nose. It will also likely adopt the TUV300’s updated mHawk80 diesel engine and could even get an AMT automatic gearbox option.

Coming: Early 2016
Est price: Rs 7-9 lakh
Engine(s): 1.5 D
Rivals: Maruti Ertiga

New Toyota Innova

Toyota’s Innova quickly rose to the top of the MPV segment in India after it was launched, but has gotten a little long in the tooth, and also quite expensive. The Japanese carmaker will launch a brand new Innova next year with a longer, lighter chassis and a more spacious cabin. The more important change comes in the form of a new 2.4-litre diesel motor producing a solid 148bhp, that will replace today’s 100bhp 2.5-litre diesel engine. And then there’s the radical and edgy styling that’s a big step forward from the mundane look that the current Innova has sported for a decade now. Toyota is finally taking its CEO Akio Toyoda’s words – “No more boring Toyotas” – seriously. It will, however, only get more expensive.

Coming: Apr 2016
Est price: Rs 15-20 lakh
Engine(s): 2.4 D
Rivals: Renault Lodgy

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Maruti Vitara Brezza is the most fuel efficient compact SUV

Maruti’s new compact SUV, the Vitara Brezza delivers 24.3kpl and beats its direct rivals by a fair margin.

Maruti has launched the Vitara Brezza SUV in India.  Arguably one of the most anticipated launches of this year, the Vitara Brezza is Maruti's entry to the sub-four-metre compact SUV segment.

 

Its proportions are what you'd expect from a compact SUV - 3,995mm long, 1,790mm wide and 1,640mm tall, with a 2,500mm wheelbase and an impressive ground clearance of 198mm. Less impressive, however, is its boot capacity, which at 328 litres, is less even than what you get in Maruti's own Baleno hatchback.

 

The new compact SUV is powered by Maruti’s tried and trusted 89bhp, 20.39kgm 'DDiS 200' 1.3-litre diesel engine from the Ertiga, Ciaz and S-cross, mated to a five-speed manua gearbox. As of now, there's no mention of a petrol engine option, and there won't be one at the time of launch, but the Swift's 1.2-litre petrol and even the all-new 1.0-litre, three-cylinder Boosterjet turbo-petrol could be on the cards for later. There are talks of an AMT-equipped version, but that is expected to join the line-up later. The SHVS mild-hybrid system also won’t be offered on the model.

 

A leaked brochure has revealed the fuel economy figure of the Vitara Brezza. Maruti’s new compact SUV delivers 24.3kpl. Its direct rivals like the Ford EcoSport diesel deliver 22.7kpl and Mahindra TUV300 does 18.49kpl while the slightly larger SUVs like the Creta 1.4 and the Duster 85ps deliver 21.38kpl and 20.45kpl respectively. This means, the Vitara Brezza not only exceeds its direct rivals but also some of the larger players in the SUV category. It also beats its own big brother, the S-Cross 1.3 (23.45kpl) in the fuel economy race.

 

While the Vitara Brezza is available in a number of trims with different levels of equipment (detailed below), Maruti also offers it with three different exterior styling themes - namely Glamour, Sporty and Urban - each of which offers different contrasting colours and accessories on the outside and in.

One look at the Vitara Brezza’s styling confirms that it has all the ingredients to achieve the imposing stance of an SUV. Up front, the huge bumper along with a wide air dam takes centre stage. There are prominent housings for turn indicators and round fog lamps in the bumper. There’s a faux skid plate present too. The bold-looking grille is wide and comes with a broad brushed aluminium slat and a large Suzuki logo at the centre. It gets simple headlamps, which will house projector beam units and LED daytime running lights. The model gets a flat bonnet and blackened A-pillar, like the Swift.

Moving on to the sides, the Vitara Brezza sports squarish wheel arches along with BMW-like body cladding which runs along the wheelbase. It gets a strong shoulder line that runs across the sides and top-spec trims will get 16-inch alloy wheels.

The Vitara Brezza comes in six variants – LDi, LDi (O), VDi, VDi (O), ZDi and ZDi+. The base LDi gets power steering, folding rear seat, driver airbag, audio system with Bluetooth, power mirrors, front power windows, manual AC, tilt steering and an engine immobilizer. The Vitara Brezza LDi (O) gets dual front airbag, ABS, EBD and front seat belt pre-tensioner with force limiter.
 

The VDi model gets rear parking sensors, floating roof treatment (A-B-C-pillars get blackened trims) all four power windows, keyless entry, roof rails, full-wheel covers, an electromagnetic tailgate and gear shift indicator. The VDi (O) gets dual front airbags, ABS, EBD and front seatbelt pre-tensioner with force limiter.

The higher-spec ZDi trim gets standard ABS with EBD, different lights for speedometer, piano black trim for the centre console, 215/60 R16 tyres, dual front airbags, automatic AC, projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, 16-inch alloy wheels, a 60:40 split rear seat, steering-mounted audio control, driver’s seat height adjust, rear wiper with washer, front fog lamps, a rear centre arm rest and faux skid plate on the front and rear bumpers.

The top-spec Vitara Brezza ZDi+ gets a dual-tone exterior paint, cooled glove box, Maruti SmartPlay infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, navigation and reverse parking camera display, push-button start, cruise control, automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, power folding wing mirrors and a front arm rest. What this means is that a single airbag is standard across all variants, while a second airbag and ABS are optional on all variants. The equipment level on the whole is on par with its main rival, the Ford EcoSport, though each car has a few unique features the other doesn't.

The Vitara Brezza puts Maruti in one of India's most booming segments, which currently has players such as the Ford EcoSport and Mahindra TUV300. However, it will not be sold via Maruti’s Nexa dealerships, but rather from Maruti's regular dealership network, as established dealers simply didn't want to miss out on a piece of this pie. 

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Tata Tiago bookings open, launch on March 28

Having cleared the Zica name hurdle, Tata are all set to launch the Tiago with both petrol and diesel engines to take on the Celerio and Hyundai i10.

One of the most anticipated launches from the Tata stable this year, the Tiago hatchback, is likely to hit showrooms on March 28, 2016. The Tiago continues Tata’s brand reinvention in the passenger car segment, following heavily re-engineered models such as the Bolt and Zest. Tata dealers all over the country have started accepting bookings from the customers. The booking amount is set Rs 10,000 which is refundable. 

The Tata Tiago will slot in between the Bolt and Nano, effectively replacing the Indica eV2, in a segment dominated by Maruti and Hyundai with the Celerio and i10, respectively. Highlights of the Tiago include a pair of all-new three-cylinder engines – petrol and diesel, a bold new design and a strong suit of features.

The Tata Tiago petrol gets an all-new 1.2-litre three-cylinder DOHC aluminium motor which is a part of Tata Motor’s Revotron family of engines. This motor develops 83.8bhp of power and 11.6kgm of torque. The diesel engine is also an all-new 1.05-litre three-cylinder DOHC unit made of aluminium with a cast iron block. It generates 69bhp of power and 14.2kgm of torque.

Tata showcased the Tiago alongside its upcoming compact sedan sibling, codenamed Kite 5, at the 2016 Auto Expo. Both these models were recently shown at the Geneva motor show 2016 as well. The Kite 5 will slot in below the Zest as a smaller model and will feature a segment-defining feature – its 420-litre boot space. The sedan will share its mechanicals and feature list with the Tiago.

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Land Rover says new Defender will not be “retro”

The new Defender will be available in 2019; to offer a wide range of models, from a stripped-down variant to a premium off-roader.

For 68 years, the Defender held on to its working roots, becoming something of a British, and off-road icon. Finally, on 29 January 2016, the last Land Rover Defender, in its original form, rolled off the production line at Land Rover’s Solihull plant in the UK.

However, the Defender badge will not be buried with its original design, as  Land Rover has announced that a new Defender will be made available in 2019. Defender concepts like the DC100 Concept were shown soon after. The radical difference between the original and this concept prompted Autocar India to ask Gerry McGovern, design director and chief creative officer at Land Rover, about the positioning of the new Defender.

The new model, it seems, could have the widest span of all three Land Rover families. It will retain its stripped-down and working roots at the bottom of the spectrum, but will also transition to premium at the top. And much to the dismay of classic fans, the new Defender's design will not be retro. However, the wide span will ensure that the Defender, at least at the bottom end of the spectrum, will be affordable.

By ditching retro for modern in what is decidedly an old-school brand, Land Rover is embarking down a dangerous path. Will the new Defender, with contemporary styling, be able to hold its own against other iconic old-school off-roaders like the Mercedes G-class?

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Bajaj Auto's aggressive product game-plan revealed

Bajaj Auto is looking to bring new models to the adventure-touring, cruiser and multi-purpose urban-touring categories.

Bajaj Auto, the second largest motorcycle manufacturer and the largest exporter from India, has big plans for 2016 and 2017. The company, which made headway into the premium motorcycle segment in 2012 by launching the KTM 200 Duke, kick-started a trend that marked a shift of commuter motorcycle users to the premium end.

With four products under the KTM brand – Duke 200, 390, RC200, RC390 – the company expanded its Pulsar range with the launch of the single-cylinder, 200cc RS200 last year, that came in two variants including one equipped with ABS. While the latter became the most expensive Pulsar model, according to the company, the ABS variant of the Pulsar RS200 sold more than the non-ABS one. This clearly points out that although there is a growing room for premium motorcycles, potential customers are also upgrading themselves in terms of new categories of motorcycles, safety aspects, value-for-money, features and more.

Now, the company is gearing up to take the domestic market a notch higher in terms of creating space for new-value motorcycles. With a solid product strategy in the premium motorcycle segment, Bajaj Auto is looking at possibly opening up the adventure-touring category (with new model(s) lined up under the KTM brand), cruiser segment (possibly with a 375cc cruiser model under the Avenger brand) and multi-purpose urban-touring category (via CS 400 under the Pulsar brand) in the domestic territories.

That said, the upcoming products are also expected to open up new global markets for expanding business under exports. The company is also learnt to have initiated the process of upgrading its Chakan facility for the production of motorcycles under the Husqvarna brand. Multiple sources aware of the developments at Bajaj Auto have confirmed its aggressive product line-up and the ongoing activities at its Chakan plant, where the company currently manufactures the KTM models for domestic as well as the export markets.

Upcoming products

Many sources have pointed out that the upcoming adventure-tourer motorcycle from Bajaj Auto will be from the KTM brand, and will rival Royal Enfield’s recently unveiled single-cylinder, 411cc Himalayan. A source informed our sister publication, Autocar Professional that the commercial launch of the new motorcycle is to happen as early as April-May 2016. Another source aware of the development said that “the company has possibly developed the adventure-touring models under two engine displacements. These are the ones which it already manufactures locally.”

It is known that the company currently manufactures four engines for KTM models that are sold domestically and in the export markets – 125cc, 199cc, 249cc and 375cc – all with a single-cylinder configuration.

Bigger Avenger and Pulsar in the offing

Multiple sources have confirmed that a bigger Avenger and a more premium Pulsar (both potentially using the single-cylinder, 375cc engine) are being readied by the company, and the projects are in the final stages of testing and validation. The Pulsar referred here could be understood as the derivative of the CS 400 concept that was showcased at the 2014 Auto Expo.

Bajaj Auto has found remarkable traction in the market with its Avenger brand. The company saw Avenger sales picking up when the industry sales were declining last year, thanks to the new Street 150 and the 220cc variants of the cruiser.

 “The bet on the 150cc cruiser segment has paid off well and Bajaj Auto has successfully found buyers in the affordable category. In terms of now extending the brand to the more premium end (in the league of higher engine displacement) the company could well position a 375cc Avenger (potentially naming it as Avenger 400) in the market to unsettle Royal Enfield’s hold in the midsize segment. This obviously would depend on the product packaging, the feel, sound, pricing and many other crucial factors,” explained a source close to the company.

Talking to our sister publication Autocar Professional in the context of Bajaj Auto’s aggressive product strategy at the premium end, VG Ramakrishnan, managing director, Avanteum Advisors LLP, said: “That’s an area that they have worked hard for and it makes sense if they want to protect their hold on it. The focus on the premium segment allows them to focus on profitability and the consumer shift towards the higher segment. Further, with manufacturing of new KTM models, the exports are also expected to pick up. However, these markets are very different, and we will have to see how this pans out in the near future.”

Chakan – Bajaj Auto’s R&D lab

Rajiv Bajaj, managing director, Bajaj Auto has often referred to the Chakan plant as a research and development laboratory. The plant has occupied strategic importance within Bajaj Auto as it houses the production setup of KTM motorcycles. According to three different sources in the know of the development at the plant, the company is busy upgrading the facility for the production of Husqvarna motorcycles. It can be recalled that Stefan Pierer, CEO, KTM Motorcycles, had already stated during one of the product launches in India, that the company was looking at bringing the models under the Husqvarna brand to the local markets as well.

If a source working on the project is to be believed, the company plans to launch the Husqvarna brand with its product in Q1-Q2, 2017. “Bajaj Auto has shifted the manufacturing of Pulsar motorcycles from the Chakan plant. The facility is being readied for the production of Husqvarna motorcycles. It is following a timeline of March-April 2017 for a commercial rollout of the model(s) under this brand in India,” disclosed a source from the company, who wished to stay anonymous. Analysts speak Giving his perspective on the company, Abdul Majeed, partner, automotive, Price Waterhouse (PWC India), said: “FY15-16 was a challenging year for all two-wheeler companies in India. The export markets were also affected because the economies, which are key markets where two-wheelers are exported, are dependent on oil revenues. Since global oil prices are down, export orders are also down. For Nigeria, a key market for Bajaj Auto, this is not great news at all. For Bajaj Auto, which has its distribution network in place and has the knowledge of Indian consumers, the right products with right pricing will define its prospects in 2016 and 2017. They are not in scooters, so obviously they need to be aggressive on the motorcycles, be it the 110cc, 125cc, 150cc or 250cc class. The company will have to very clearly understand the changing customer preferences in order to continue tapping growth. I believe that Bajaj Auto will see benefits coming from the new launch (V15 model) in the coming months. Whether they will be able to sustain is all about how the word of mouth gets spread and how the product meets the aspirations of its customers.”

On the possibility of a more premium model under the Avenger brand and competing against the likes of Royal Enfield, Majeed added: “It is a brand that is well accepted in the market because of the great features on offer, the looks and other factors. I estimate that the Avenger brand should do well in 2016-17 and hold on to a good growth on its name plate as the company has worked hard on various factors that lead to product packaging. To unsettle Royal Enfield, you need to have a very strong product with a very good pricing. People buy RE bikes because these can be used for pleasure riding as well as daily commutes. Any upcoming product(s) have to be better than what is already there in the market. 

Therefore, bringing the right product to the market would be the key. They should be able to put a good fight in the market in 2016-17 against the potential rivals (Harley Davidson, Royal Enfield).” 

Expectations from Bajaj V15 While unveiling the V15 in Delhi recently, Bajaj said: “In order to address a problem, we believe a right strategy would be to look for a solution for bigger scale. To address the problems of 125cc, we went to find the answers in the 150cc class.” It is understood that with the V15 model, the company is looking at potential buyers not just from the 150cc class. Further to keep it competitively priced, the company has priced the V15 at Rs 62,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

In this context, Ramakrishnan said, “The Discover brand could not make a dent in the commuter motorcycle segment. The company therefore needed a new narrative to make an impact among the potential customers. The narrative would be a part of this aggressive push (referring to the overall product strategy). You cannot discard the volume segment in its entirety. There are different ways to address the same elements, probably address them with slightly premium level. An effective analogy here could be that of the premium hatchbacks. A premium hatchback costs almost the same as an entry level sedan. However, they are selling a lot in the local markets. Therefore, it is not wrong to understand that there could be a premium end within the commuter motorcycle segment as well.” 

Talking about the expectations from the V15 model and the margins of Bajaj Auto, Arun Agarwal, auto analyst, Kotak Securities, said: “Last year it launched a number of models in the commuter bike category which helped grab substantial market share. Margins are overall good for the company despite all challenges they have been able to hold on to the 20 percent EBIDTA. In terms of garnering sales volumes, the key would be the V15 motorcycle this year. We need to see how the V15 performs over the next one year. It could boost the volumes for the company substantially, and if the product is right then it should be able to hold on its own as well even in the foreseeable future. Looking from a long-term perspective we need to understand where exactly the volumes are there in the market.”

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