Maruti Suzuki XA-Alpha

The concept car at the Auto Expo seemed to have been put together in a hurry, but we expect Maruti to present a more sorted design in the coming months. The XA-Alpha is based on the Swift platform and is Maruti Suzuki's take on the small SUV market. The XA Alpha is positioned as an "Urban" and "Wild" SUV. The wraparound tail lamps are high-set and the floating grill gives the overall concept a rather unique look. Also, an important feature of the design is the floating roof, which looks similar to the Swift's roofline.

We're guessing the current 1.4L 94bhp K-Series engines will be used in the car. The 1.3L 90bhp variable geometry turbo-diesel doing service in the SX4 may be used as well.

The XA Alpha is a monocoque construction SUV. It will be primarily two-wheel driven (front wheel driven, that is) and all-wheel drive will be an option. The AWD is expected to be a real time AWD unit.

The XA-Alpha will measure no more than 4 metres when it hits production, hence qualifying for excise benefits which the other small SUV's won't. Hence, expect it to be aggressively priced as compared to the competition.

We believe Maruti Suzuki is currently developing this car and it should be available in the latter part of 2013 or 2014.

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