| Two years ago, in 2008 we began noticing the | | | | for the SUV fanatics in India. |
| change in the Indian car industry. Over 40 models | | | | When it comes to SUV cars, there cannot be |
| were lined up for launch at an auto show that year | | | | anything like Mahindra and Tata. The two auto |
| and, for the very first time one was given the | | | | makers are leaders in the segment with an entire |
| assurance of being able to see 35 SUVs in 2 years. | | | | array of SUVs just right for the Indian crowd and |
| Never before did the Indian consumer have so many | | | | the humpy bumpy roads in India. The Mahindra |
| options as far as SUVs were concerned. A year | | | | Scorpio for example, with its stylish boxy frame is |
| before that, in 2007, 3.5 Lakh SUVs were sold in | | | | enough proof to prove the success of an Indian car |
| India. That was indeed astounding and the SUV | | | | maker in the SUV segment. When this particular car |
| market has only grown since then. | | | | made its entry it was a hit in no time and created a |
| The Indian roads have welcomed not just entry-level | | | | wave of gusto among the Indian professionals. The |
| utility vehicles like the Mahindra Bolero and Tata Sumo | | | | car has its own class. |
| Grande but also classy SUVs like the VW Tiguan and | | | | The Tata Safari is another SUV that has earned wide |
| BMW X5. As the Indian economy takes a turn for | | | | popularity even in petite towns. Following the Safari's |
| the better, the lifestyle is also changing and traveling | | | | success, Tata Motors successfully uncovered the |
| and weekend getaways have become common. | | | | Sumo Grande at the Delhi Auto Expo which was |
| What better vehicle can one have than an SUV for | | | | again a great craze among the Indians. With its |
| such family trips? | | | | eye-catching features and spacious interiors, the |
| The city crowd that had been wanting something | | | | Grande has certainly lived up to its grand name. |
| different than the usual sedans has been very happy | | | | Next, we have the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, |
| since the coming in of the Honda CR-V. With its chic | | | | Hyundai Tucson and the Ford Endeavour having their |
| looks and cozy interiors the big monstrous car has | | | | own place as stately vehicles in the minds of Indians |
| attracted almost every Indian. In India, the SUV is | | | | and their car porches. The Volvo too, looking at the |
| available with two engines, a 2.0-litre i-VTEC that | | | | rest, finally launched its XC-90 for the class-loving |
| delivers 141 bhp and a 2.4-litre i-VTEC that stirs up | | | | SUV buyers. For those possessing an even higher |
| 161 bhp. Then we also have other SUV cars in India | | | | exclusive taste, the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, the |
| like the Nissan X-Trail and Mitsubishi Pajero. But these | | | | BMW X5, the Audi Q7, and the Porsche Cayenne |
| haven't been strong contenders for the Honda CR-V. | | | | SUVs are going to suffice. |
| The Chevrolet Captiva, though, looks full of promises | | | | |