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Maruti XA Alpha concept SUV launched at Auto Expo 2012

Maruti has literally kicked off the excitement at the Auto Expo 2012 with the unveiling of a compact SUV Maruti XA Alpha concept car. Where people were anxiously waiting for something familiar and heard off recently, there appeared the Maruti XA Alpha concept SUV. However in the auto corridors, an SUV by Maruti was in the offing. With the Maruti XA Alpha, Maruti enters the segment that is fast catching up pace in India. Though people have to wait for another a year to see something concrete coming out of Maruti’s stable. If the features are taken into account Maruti XA Alpha price will land somewhere near Rs 8 lakh.

Stressing on Maruti India’s outlook towards new launched, Maruti Suzuki Managing Director and CEO Shinzo Nakanishi reportedly said that all further launches and introduction of new technology will depend on the choice of the customers.

The sporty, spacious yet fuel efficient and affordable compact SUV Maruti XA Alpha will be powered by the K Series engine and the multijet engine that all powers some of the existing Maruti cars in India. It is a product of the joint efforts of Maruti India and Suzuki Motor Corp.

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Landing an SUV in the market seems to be a smart choice by Maruti as the market for these power machines is currently 14 percent and is increasing further. Besides, Maruti still has inadequate representation in this segment and there is only Maruti Gypsy and Maruti Grand Vitara available in India.

The Maruti XA Alpha will be slightly shorter than a fully grown SUV and will have the benefits of being under four meter car but it will be high on performance and safety. It is expected to be a five seater and could easily transform the compact SUV segment that is fast catching up pace and is currently dominated by Premier Rio only.

On display at the show are Suzuki’s bestsellers MR Wagon, Palette, Solio and SX4 hatchback for public view and seeking comments and opinions on the aspects of design, features and pricing. These vehicles demonstrate Suzuki’s unique strength to pack values of superior technology and high-end features into compact cars. They also highlight Suzuki’s capabilities to offer optimum space in compact dimensions’. Based on consumers’ feedback and insights on design, technology and pricing, the Company will decide on any possibility of their introduction in India.

The Maruti Suzuki range of regular production models is displayed in interesting interpretations and accessorized forms like Maruti Swift Concept - Night Rider; Maruti A-star - Cabriolet two-seater convertible; Maruti Estilo – Dreamliner; Maruti Wagon R - Urbane and Omni - Cuppa Joy.