Honda Urban SUV versus XA Alpha

In Indian markets till a few years ago buyers’ choice was limited to Tata Safari, Mahindra Scorpio and Toyota Innova which has changed due to entry of new models by Maruti Suzuki, Ford and Renault. Existing compact SUV’s like Ford’s Ecosport and Renault’s Duster are already giving Scorpio, Toyota and Safari a run for their money due to attractive pricing, performance and mileage. Honda Motors is already testing its latest Honda Urban SUV to be launched in international markets.

This model was first showcased in January 2013 at the Motor Show in Detroit, US. From the pictures available online, car enthusiasts have reported that actual SUV is very much similar to the car shown in Detroit. Based on elongated body platform of its Jazz model, Honda is expected to make miniscule changes in interior and exterior details in models of Honda Urban SUV to be sold in global markets. Maruti Suzuki till date has manufactured only hatchbacks and sedan cars but has plans to introduce nearly four utility vehicles in the next two to 5 years of which the Maruti XA Alpha is ready for launch. The introduction of these two SUV’s will heat up competition in global markets for compact SUV.

Comparisons between Honda Urban SUV Vs Maruti Suzuki XA Alpha

Engine and Performance Specifications – The Maruti Suzuki XA Alpha built on Maruti Swift’s platform will be a five seater with width of 1900 mm and be a four wheel drive. It will have both 1.4 liter KSeries petrol engine and 1.3 liter DDiS diesel engine options. The Honda Urban SUV car will have the same 1.5 liter diesel engine as its cousin the Honda Amaze saloon along with a petrol engine. In current scenario of rising fuel prices both Maruti XA Alpha and Honda Urban are likely to provide mileage of 10 -12 kmpl on highways due to strong engines.

Exterior Specifications – Maruti Suzuki XA Alpha showcased at Delhi has a bold façade with 5 aperture grille lined in chrome with Suzuki logo embossed in steel. Hawk eyed front lamps are accentuated with brawny hood giving it a bold profile. Honda Urban SUV has a wide body built on Jazz platform though its rear curved body is similar to Maruti’s Alpha XA. Both cars have rear spoilers and curved roofs which bend forward.

Interior Specification – The Honda Urban SUV’s body is based on its Jazz model therefore its interiors are expected to be a crossover between Jazz and Hodna’s Fit car. The Maruti XA Alpha has spacious interiors with foldable seats in second row and power steering with power windows. Both these SUV’s have a wide dashboard with dual tone interiors.

Price Range – Maruti Suzuki has manufactured this car to take on competition from Ford, Mahindra, Nissan and Toyota therefore will market the Maruti XA Alpha in price range of INR 8 – 10 lakhs.  Though no official declarations have been made as yet the Honda Urban will most likely be priced below INR 12 – 13 lakhs due to larger body and sleeker appearance.

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