Suzuki XA Concept Unveiled at New Delhi Auto Expo

Danny Choy
by Danny Choy

Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest auto company, is set to unveil the new XAα concept car at the 2012 New Delhi Auto Expo.

While earlier reports suggested that the new concept will eventually replace Maruti Suzuki’s highly successful Jimny SUV, Maruti Suzuki managing director and CEO Shinzo Nakanishi explained that, “the Concept XAα is designed for a market of customers with a young urban lifestyle.” While the Jimny is sold to the masses as a cheap, practical, and rugged offroader, the XAα aims to be a chic, urban lifestyle SUV for the younger generation.

A production version of the XAα will be launched next year but details are scarce. Maruti Suzuki has confirmed that two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive options will be available with a petrol or diesel engine. As a tax break is given to smaller vehicles, the length of the XAα will likely be less than 157 inches.

Maruti Suzuki will also unveil a second SUV called the Ertiga. The automaker aims to introduce the new products in quick succession to take advantage of India’s growing market and to remain as the leading automaker for the country.

Nakanishi says, “India is set to become one of the top automobile markets of the world. This may become evident as early as the next Delhi Auto Expo. Maruti Suzuki will lead India’s automobile growth and evolution by strengthening its compact car portfolio, entering new segments, and creating new product categories across fuel options.”

GALLERY: Maruti Suzuki XAα Concept

Danny Choy
Danny Choy

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