Monday, August 12, 2013
By John Andrew
Mercedes-Benz GLA Crossover : Speculated to Hit Indian Roads in 2014
The launch of E63 AMG, A class and B class sports car in hatchback segment and GL Class sport utility vehicle by the German car legend Mercedes Benz, is evident of the fact that the German giant is in aggressive mood to dominate Indian car market by launching low priced cars in market during the coming years. These speculations from industry experts got strengthen with recent announcement from company sources revealing that company speculates to launch GLA crossover in Indian market sometimes during next year.
As far as the features of GLA crossover are concerned although not much has been disclosed by the company sources, but according to speculations of car experts GLA will be launched in both petrol and diesel variants. Moving ahead the petrol variant will be empowered with 1.6 litre turbocharged engine supported by seven speed dual clutch automatic gearbox. Whereas the diesel variable will be enriched with 1.8 k litre power train engine. According to sources the standard variant of car will be introduced with wheel drive system whereas the higher versions will be empowered with wheel drive.
It would be important to mention that GLA crossover was unveiled during the Shanghai Motor Show earlier this years, and sources of company had indicated that the same car may launched in Indian market. And now going through the shift towards sports utility vehicles in Indian car market at jet dynamic speed, company has started working hard towards attaining this objective. The architecture of GLA crossover can be regarded as the perfect match of MFA platform from Mercedes Benz followed by design of Mercedes A class hatchback in segment of sports car. If believed on rumors then by end of 2013 company may launch GLA crossover in the international car market.
It is speculated that this move from Mercedes Benz will strengthen its competition with its German rivals Audi and BMW existing in Indian car market. As an impact of tough competition in Indian market each auto manufacturer is trying to introduce new car variants in market. According to sources the new Mercedes Benz GLA crossover will have to face strong competition from BMW X1, Volvo V 40 cross country and Audi Q3. One thing which needs to be mentioned here is that although company has not spoken anything about its price, but according to industry experts company may launch it with price tag of Rs 25 lakhs. However this price tag is also a speculation the real picture will be clear only at the time of launch.
