The SUV Era
autoX|September 2017
What we’ve assembled here are a collection of the most in-demand machines in the Indian market today. And it’s no surprise that they’re all variants on the SUV-theme.
Abhishek Chaliha
The SUV Era

Tata Motors appears to be riding this surge in demand for utility vehicles with aplomb – with the Hexa, and now the brand-new Nexon. The Creta continues to set the sales charts alight, but it’ll face far stiffer competition from the Jeep than it could possibly ever have imagined.

In the sub ten-lakh playing field, meanwhile, the Maruti-Suzuki Vitara Brezza simply isn’t taking its foot off the gas. At the same time, the sales of the Honda WR-V appear to be consistently on the rise. So, despite how impressive it looks, can the upcoming Tata Nexon actually shake up the compact SUV segment?

On that note, let’s get cracking...

There’s a new ‘Jeep’ in town

Every once in a while, an extraordinary personality comes along. This aspect is valid in every walk of life, whether it be in regards to sportsmen and women, world leaders, musicians, actors, and so on. These kinds of people have such strong personas that they overpower their respective field by their sheer presence.

This is exactly what Jeep is attempting to do here with the Compass. In an SUV crazed nation, it’s ironic that we don’t really have a proper, usable, and comfortable 4x4 in the twenty-lakh range – until now! So, it seems that Jeep’s all-new Compass is in a league of its own right from the get-go. Or is it? You see, while the Compass comes with the legendary Jeep badge, and despite its bold 4x4 badge, it comes only with a torque-on-demand all-wheel drive system – unlike the bigger Jeeps that feature proper full-time four-wheel drive systems.

This story is from the September 2017 edition of autoX.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the September 2017 edition of autoX.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM AUTOXView All
ALL TO PLAY FOR
autoX

ALL TO PLAY FOR

As the competition behind Max heats up, the backmarkers start making strides.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2023
OFF THE BUCKET LIST
autoX

OFF THE BUCKET LIST

What is it like to watch the greatest show on two wheels at what is, arguably, the greatest MotoGP racetrack?

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2023
DRIVING Nirvana
autoX

DRIVING Nirvana

The Hyundai Verna has stepped out of its shell to offer enthusiasts a taste of real driving pleasure. So, exactly how good is it?

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2023
Wander DUST
autoX

Wander DUST

The Jimny is the quintessential goanywhere car, but can it aspire to match the status of its spiritual ancestor - the iconic Gypsy?

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2023
The Great Ocean Road Tirp
autoX

The Great Ocean Road Tirp

Shivank says he witnessed an extraordinary event of a painting springing to life while he rode a motorcycle at breakneck speeds. Hard to fathom, we know, but let's hear him explain...

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2023
BEST OF 2023
autoX

BEST OF 2023

40 contenders. 10 winners. Let the games begin....

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 2023
PREMIUM RESURGENCE
autoX

PREMIUM RESURGENCE

The 2023 Safari and Harrier facelift bring in more style, more features and a better driving experience. But, is it enough? We find out if these changes actually make them better products.

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2023
ON THE MONEY
autoX

ON THE MONEY

The Magnite now gets an AMT with its NA engine, finally showcasing its true value to new buyers. Here's how.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2023
X FACTOR
autoX

X FACTOR

The Scrambler 400X promises to offer what the Speed 400 seems to lack - that coveted X factor. But is that enough for it to be favoured over its twin?

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2023
Coming In 6 Months - 7 Cars & A Motorcycle
autoX

Coming In 6 Months - 7 Cars & A Motorcycle

BMW is known to provide true driver's cars to its customers, and has demonstrated this once again by launching the new M2 with a manual transmission. We sit down with Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India, as he explains their philosophy of giving customers what they want.

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2023