Growing to clock 54,850 units in February 2021 as against the sale of 27,273 units in the corresponding month last year, the compact SUV segment has come to include the participation of almost all the manufacturers in the country today. The Kushaq marks the latest entry, and clearly the most exciting in terms of what it has to offer. A part of the segment that arguably is the most trending as far as passenger vehicles are concerned, the Kushaq is indicative of the direction in which the segment of compact SUVs is heading in. It is was until recently led by Maruti Brezza, a compact SUV segment that shares its platform as well as the assembly line with the Toyota Urban Cruiser. Said to have grown at the expense of mid-size sedans (including compact sedans) and premium hatchbacks, the compact SUV segment consists of no less than 11 offerings today. They are proof of the fact that they are not missed by any manufacturer. Overtaking the Maruti Brezza as the most selling compact SUV in April 2021, the Hyundai Venue has demonstrated how manufacturers like Hyundai, which began by selling high-end SUVs like Terracan and Santa Fe in India, are warming up to the trend of compact SUVs that is unique to India. Clearly so, when one understands that the Renault Duster was born out of the highly popular Renault Clio as a cost-effective crossover in Europe. It soon challenged more premium offerings there like the Skoda Yeti. Highlighting Indian automobile buyers’ psyche of cost consciousness, the compact SUVs like Kushaq are highlighting new growth prospects, technologies and features.
Tech and price trends
Considering the starting price of Brezza and Venue at INR 7.39 lakh and INR 6.92 lakh approximately, the Kushaq, at a starting price of Rs.10.5 lakh is certain to appear costly. Zac Hollis, Skoda’s director of Sales, Service & Marketing, has informed through a tweet that even the basic ‘Active’ variant carries a significant additional equipment over its competitors (see the comparison chart). The Kushaq is being offered with a TSI technology engine right at the basic level, he has added. Being offered with a cylinder deactivation technology that shuts two out of the four cylinders by sensing the load (via the accelerator pedal input) to ensure superior fuel efficiency and lower carbon footprint, the Kushaq reflects a technology trend that is taking shape among compact SUVs as new products join the fray. So, if the Renault Duster and one or two other vehicles in the compact SUV segment offer a turbo-petrol engine like the Kushaq does, right at the basic level, a majority offer a MPI engine. The technology trend concerning compact SUVs ironically also highlights a stress on petrol engines. The BSVI emission norms and decreasing price gap between petrol and diesel are said to be the reasons. Presenting the superior drive-ability and fuel efficiency of diesel are the turbo-petrol (also termed as Gasoline Direct Injection) models and variants. In the Kushaq, Skoda has termed the technology coinage as TSI.
If the compact SUV offerings like the Kushaq, Brezza, Toyota Urban Cruiser, Duster and many others highlight a rising trend of petrol only variants in-line with the reasons mentioned above, an amount of technological exploration is on in the area of transmissions. As urban buyers warm up to compact SUVs and make a shift over from sedans and hatchbacks, almost every model being offered on the market is available with an option of an automatic gearbox. The highlight of this trend is the mushrooming of dual-clutch automated transmissions that support sporty and agile driving experience. As the first product to spring from Volkswagen Group’s India 2.0 project (see box), the Kushaq, is available with a choice of the much acclaimed DSG automated transmission. Apart from just one or two vehicles in its segment offering a CVT ‘auto’ transmission, and what could be termed as conventional ‘torque convertor’-based auto-box, many compact SUVs are offering their version of DSG automated transmission by calling them as DCT (Dual-Clutch Transmission). Most basic trims in the segment are offered with a 5- or 6-speed manual transmission.
Feature trends
Almost all the compact SUVs being offered in India are front-wheel drive with the engine and trans-axle located transversely at the front. The only four-wheel drive compact SUV, Duster, has already lost its arrangement to power both the axles. A look at the powertrain arrangement of the compact SUVs and their monocoque body construction, and it will be clear that they could be described as front-wheel hatchbacks with ‘lift-up’ suspension, an appropriate body style, and bigger dia. wheels and higher ground clearance. Most compact SUVs are equipped with McPherson strut suspension at the front and a twist beam axle at the rear. The Kushaq is no exception. It is keen to set itself apart from the Korean, Japanese and homegrown offerings like the Mahindra XUV300 with safety, quality, design and technology, according to Hollis. Offering TSI engines and DSG transmission, which were until now found on more premium offerings, the Kushaq, reflects its technological composition and the fact that it is the first vehicle to roll-out of the India-centric project set up with an investment of Euro-one billion, in its price positioning. The compact SUV with the lowest starting price – the Hyundai Venue at Rs.6.92 lakh approximately, offers a 1.2-litre MPI petrol engine at the basic level. It is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox.
When it comes to features, none of the compact SUVs on offer, including the Kushaq, is immune to the fact there is a direct bearing of price. The basic variants get what could be termed as ‘essential’ features whereas the top-end variants get a variety of ‘bells and whistles. Put together all the them and they include voice command, LED headlamps and tail lamps, rear view monitor, airbags, ABS and EBD, electronic parking brake, air purifier, start/stop, telematics, sunroof, TPMS, ESC, rear parking sensors, VSM, hill-start assist, cruise control, keyless entry, rear parking camera, touchscreen infotainment system and others. A look at the features offered by the compact SUVs, and a clear trend is evident in terms of technology. This technology pertains to an ability to stay connected with an increasingly smarter use of telematics. Many compact SUVs offer satellite navigation, tracking and connectivity features that are unique to their manufacturers. Ford, for example, offers the SYNC connectivity technology on the EcoSport. What makes it interesting is that a lot of software work relating to the connectivity features and various other functions of these compact SUVs has happened in India. If the Brezza’s local content amounts to 98 percent, that of the Kushaq is 93 percent.
Summing up
Emerging as a hot-bed of style and technology (the Tata Nexon is also available as an electric compact SUV and the MG Hector as a hybrid compact SUV), the trend pertaining to compact SUVs is getting clearer and clearer with every new product introduction. It is underlying quality, safety, comfort, localisation (read as Atmanirbhar Bharat) and an ability to control costs.
On the occasion of Onam festival, Renault India Private Limited (RIPL) has announced festive offers in the form of discounts and benefits of up to INR 75,000 on its range of vehicles sold in the state of Kerala. It has also announced additional loyalty benefits for its vehicle buyers in the respective state.
The RIPL dealership in Kerala has achieved a rear feat of delivering a total of 200 vehicles in a day during the festival period, which is 20 August 2023 to 31 August 2023. The Onam festival offers from the company are applicable till 31 August 2023.
Sudhir Malhotra, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Renault India Private Limited (RIPL), said, "Onam is a festival that resonates with the spirit of togetherness and celebration. At Renault, we believe in becoming an integral part of our customers' joyful moments. The remarkable achievement of our dealer, who delivered 200 vehicles in a single day, is a testament to our brand's strength and our commitment to providing exceptional experiences to our customers. With our special festive offers, we aim to add more delight to this festive season and bring our customers closer to their dream of owning a Renault vehicle.”
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Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd has launched yet another compact SUV called the XUV 3XO. Conceptualised at the Mahindra India Design Studio (MIDS) in Mumbai and engineered (and developed) at the Mahindra Research Valley (MRV) near Chennai, the new vehicle combines standout design, premium interiors, comfortable ride, cutting-edge technology, thrilling performance and unmatched safety.
With the base model priced at INR 749,000 ex-showroom, the XUV 3XO is made at the company’s facility in Nashik with the use of advanced manufacturing processes to ensure a high-quality job. To commence deliveries from 26 May 2024, the vehicle is fitted with 17-inch wheels. It has a water wading depth of 350 mm.
Laced with 35 standard safety features including six airbags, ESC with Hill Hold Control (HHC) and disc brakes on all four wheels, the XUV 3XO is built to meet the highest B-NCAP safety rating. Powered by a 1.2-litre TDGI (turbo-petrol) engine that does 230 Nm torque and a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine that does 300 Nm, the compact SUV is offered with a 6-speed auto transmission.
Capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 kmph in 4.5 seconds on the turbo-petrol model, the XUV 3XO is equipped with a multi-tuned valve concentric land technology (MTV-CL). This technology – being offered by OE suspension parts suppliers Monroe and Tennaco – enables a uniquely broad range of tuning options in terms of vehicles dynamics.
The MTV-CL technology helps to enhance damper performance by providing a more precisely defined blend of ride, handling and NVH. The XUV 3XO is the second vehicle to get this technology after the Scorpio N.
Fitted with a MacPherson strut fully independent front suspension and a twist beam semi-independent rear suspension, the compact SUV is quite refined and spacious for its size.
Claimed to have the best-in-class wheelbase, occupant space and legroom, the compact SUV offers 364-litre boot space at the rear. This could be further enhanced by folding both or either of the 60:40 rear seat.
Available with first-in-the-segment ‘Skyroof’, dual zone climate control and 65-watt USB-C charging, as per the company sources, the XUV 3XO comes with an electronic parking brake (with auto hold), three smart steering modes, Level 2 ADAS and Twin HD Screens – a 26.03 cm screen for infotainment and a 26.03 cm screen for instrumentation. In terms of convenience, there’s wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay, and built-in Alexa. The Harman Kardon premium audio system consists of an amplifier and sub-woofer. There’s 360-degree surround view system with blind view monitor too.
Speaking at the launch of the XUV 3XO, Veejay Nakra, President – Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, said, "With the launch of the XUV 3XO, starting at an attractive price of INR 749,000, Mahindra is redefining what an SUV can be. Engineered to deliver 'Everything you want and more,' the XUV 3XO is designed to cater to a broad spectrum of customers. From those upgrading from a hatchback to their first SUV to luxury seekers looking for high-end features at a competitive price, the XUV 3XO offers a unique blend of innovation, safety, comfort, and performance. Each variant is a strategic response to the nuanced needs of different customer segments, effectively making each variant a disruptor in its segment."
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Mazda CX-30 And Five Other Models Get Top Safety Pick+ Ratings
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- June 12, 2020
The IIHS evaluates a variety of crashworthiness tests including driver-side and passenger-side small overlap and moderate overlap frontal crashes, a side crash, a roof strength test and a head restraint and seat test that simulates a rear impact. In addition, headlight performance and frontal crash prevention by means of auto-braking and forward collision warning systems are evaluated.
For the Mazda CX-30, its strong Top Safety Pick rating in the US tests adds to a series of impressive global safety assessment results. In Europe, the CX-30 achieved a maximum five-star rating by Euro NCAP, while the Australian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP) also awarded Mazda’s new SUV the maximum five-star rating. Both safety bodies scored Mazda’s newest SUV with an exceptional 99 percent score in the Adult Occupant category - making it the first vehicle to ever achieve this near-perfect score. It also earned maximum points for frontal full-width impact, as well as the maximum for both barrier and pole side impacts.
In the United States, Mazda was the manufacturer who received the most 2020 Top Safety Pick+ awards, a result that is a testament to the company’s overarching safety philosophy focusing on three key factors: the adoption of the very latest Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture, which features a high-rigidity, impact-absorbing yet lightweight body shell; a wide range of advanced i-Activsense safety technologies which help drivers identify potential risks and reduce the likelihood of damage or injury; and high standards of pedestrian protection performance.
The Mazda CX-30’s active and passive safety performance, is complemented by its driver-focused dynamics that deliver linear, responsive and predictable acceleration, braking, handling, and steering. Involving, safe, comfortable and refined, the car’s advanced safety technologies reduce the potential for accidents without compromising Mazda’s traditional fun-to-drive character.
In addition to its 99 percent Adult Occupant score, the CX-30’s Euro NCAP performance included Child Occupant score of 86 percent, full marks in Child Restraint System installation checks and for child protection in the lateral impact test. Vulnerable Road User (pedestrian safety) tests achieved a score of 80 percent, with maximum points for pedestrian leg and pelvis area protection. A score of 77 percent in the Safety Assist category recognizes the efficiency of the new Mazda CX-30’s comprehensive suite of i-Activsense safety features. Michiel van Ratingen, Secretary-General of Euro NCAP, said, “Congratulations to Mazda for another almost-perfect score in adult occupant safety”.
Revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in 2019, the Mazda CX-30 enters a new market segment for Mazda, slotting into the company’s award-winning SUV range below the larger CX-5. The second model in the company’s next generation line-up, like the Mazda3, it features Skyactiv-X spark-controlled compression ignition engine. Combining the bold stance of an SUV with the sleek profile of a coupe, its styling is a sophisticated evolution of Mazda’s KODO design philosophy, while it’s spacious and versatile cabin ensures it has the practicality and comfort demanded by customers in this popular sector. (MT)
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Hyundai Motor India is all set to add a new member to its SUV family as it recently unveiled the official images of the Alcazar. According to the Korean manufacturer, this new three-row SUV will be a natural upgrade for Creta owners. Going by its name, Alcazar, which means castle or fortress in Spanish, is set to offer plush comfort lavishly. No doubt the Creta continues to be the best-selling SUV in its segment, but Hyundai feels the Alcazar will add more versatility and flexibility by offering a 6- or 7-seater SUV in the lap of luxury.
At the unveiling of the Alcazar, S S Kim, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India Ltd, said, “With a deep-rooted understanding of our customer’s aspirations, our R&D centre has invested countless man-hours to ensure every aspect of Hyundai Alcazar exudes magnificence. And combined with our premium and superior manufacturing capabilities and rich heritage of ‘Make in India’, we have crafted the perfect masterpiece of grandeur. Hyundai Alcazar is well set to enter a new segment, marking Hyundai’s genesis into uncharted territories. With bold new moves, we are on a conquest of redefining benchmarks to exceed the aspirations of our customers.”
Even though the Alcazar’s based on the Creta, it gets a 2,760 mm wheelbase, which is 150 mm longer, and this additional space allows it to accommodate the third row. As a matter of fact, the Alcazar boasts of having the longest wheelbase in the segment beating the Mahindra XUV500, MG Hector Plus and the Tata Safari.
At a glance, there’s no getting away from the fact that the Alcazar looks like a stretched Creta, but once you take a closer look, there’s a lot more than meets the eye. The first thing that will catch your attention is the new chrome-studded front grille. The lower part of the grille, which also houses the number plate, gets a thick silver-finish rim that runs all the way to the headlamp cluster splitting the LED headlights and the DRLs. The front bumper is slightly tweaked from the Creta and sports a new set of fog lamps. With faux skid plates in front and rear, the Alcazar does try to flex its SUV image. As the Alcazar is 6- or a 7-seater, it has a massive quarter glass for the third-row passengers.
Coming to the side silhouette, Alcazar’s extended length becomes quite evident with its longer rear overhang. Hyundai has given the new SUV quite a muscular stance with bulging wheel arches and deeply etched bodylines starting from the headlight across the doors and ending at the rear lamps. For practical purposes, it also comes with a side step for making entering and exiting the cabin easier for the passengers. Apart from this, the Alcazar gets a new set of dual-tone 18-inch alloy wheels like the Safari and the XUV500, but bigger than Hector Plus and the Creta.
The Alcazar’s rear profile is completely different from the Creta as it sports a clean and simple design with wrap-around elongated C-shaped taillights.
Even though Hyundai hasn’t revealed much about the Alcazar’s cabin, the second row will either come with Captain seats with floor-mounted armrest, a first in the segment, or a three-seater bench. Both the seats can slide forward or back for additional space. The third row, on the other hand, comes with 50:50 split seats that can be completely folded to make more boot space. With the third row up, the Alcazar offers a decent space of 180 litres, which is again more than Hector Plus, Safari and the XUV500. The third-row passengers will also get dedicated air conditioner vents. Expect the Alcazar to retain all the features from the Creta like a 10.25-inch touchscreen unit, Bose music system, ventilated front seats, Blue Link car connectivity, panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charger and much more.
The Alcazar will be powered by a 2-litre petrol engine like the Elantra and the Tucson and the tried-and-tested 1.5-litre diesel, which is seen in the Creta. The petrol motor will churn out 157 bhp and 192 Nm of torque. It gets an additional 7 bhp more than the Elantra and Tucson. The diesel variant, on the other hand, produces 113 bhp and 250 Nm of torque. Both the powertrains will be mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The Alcazar will also boast of multiple drive mode selection—Eco, City and Sport.
After a span of two decades in India, Hyundai has managed to sell over one million ‘Made in India’ SUVs in both domestic and export markets, which began with the Tucson, Santa Fe, Terracan and now the torch has been passed on to the Creta and the Venue. No doubt the new Alcazar will further strengthen the Korean manufacturer’s position in the SUV market. (MT)
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