As the Indian economy is taking a turn for the better, More and more people are emphasizing on
quality with utility. Traveling and
outings during weekends is also becoming a growing trend. Sport Utility Vehicles come to the
rescue and support these changes in everyday people’s lifestyles. Here is listing of the Top 10
SUVs :
Tata Safari
he SUV was first released in 1998 with a 2.0 litre Turbo Diesel engine
The Safari was extensively modified in August 2005, which included the addition of a new 3-litre DiCOR engine along with modified interiors and exteriors. This 3-litre engine is the first diesel engine from tata motors with common rail technology. A 2-litre petrol engine [MPFi] was also added to the range that same year. It was this modified version that won the Motor Forum's Car of the Year for 2007, in the SUV category. Voted by the users, it beat out rivals such as the land rover freelander and honda CR-V
In October 2007 Tata unveiled the 2.2-litre Safari DiCOR which had an increased power output of 143 PS (105 KW). But it was shortly replaced by the more advanced DiCOR 2.2 VTT (Variable Turbine Technology) engine which had a power output of 140 PS (103 kW) at 4000 rpm and a Torque output of 320 N·m (236 ft·lbf) at 1700 rpm. It is widely regarded as the best engine used by Tata Motors
Launched in 1998 in Turbo Diesel form, the Safari had 87 PS (64 kW) power. It came with a synchromesh forward five-speed gearbox, with a 4X4 option. However, it was regarded to be grossly underpowered, and had a lot of body roll.
The new Tata Safari DiCOR (DiCOR standing for "Direct Injection Common Rail engine") is powered by a 3000 cc inline-four cylinder engine that develops 116 PS (85 kW) at 3000 rpm and 300 N·m (221 ft·lbf) of torque between 1600 and 2000 rpm. The engine is taken from the Tata 407, a truck manufactured by Tata Motors. The new engine is mated to a five-speed gearbox, with a new, sporty gear lever.
2007 revision
Tata displayed the Euro 4 compliant 2.2-litre DiCOR engine with 140 PS (103 kW) and 320 N·m (236 ft·lbf) of torque at the 2006 Bologna Motor Show. It was launched on October 5, 2007. It has some improved interior features like two-tone upholstery and leather seats. The high end version of the Safari comes with full safety features like airbags and ABS with EBD. Additional features like rear AC vents, reversing camera, DVD player with LCD screens in the front seats headrests and dimming lights too are also available as an option.four wheel drive options are available on EX, GX and VX variants.
India's leading automotive portal Car wale recently did a series of off-road trails on a Tata Safari DiCOR 2.2 4×4. The only modifications done to the Safari were removal of running boards and addition 15 inch rims shod with 235/75 R 15 Radial tyres. The off-road performance of the Safari was highly praised by them.
Driving impressions
The main issue with the Safari is that it is quite a heavy vehicle; it tilts the scales at 2,115 kg (4,660 lb) (kerb); adding an extra 110 kg (240 lb) for the 4WD variant. The consequence of that is though the engine specifications sound great on paper — 320 N·m (240 lb·ft) of torque at 1600 rpm — it is not a great leap in terms of outright performance. With the DiCOR engine, the 4WD Safari is substantially quicker than the scorpio or innova also with a lighter engine under the hood it feels more agile.
The car has been described as slow, unrefined and "pedestrian" when used on the roads, although its off-road performance has been given praise by some reviewers. European reviews have also drawn attention to the standard of the interior and the original engine being underpowered, sluggish, noisy and idling poorly when cold. With respect to its power and handling, British television program "fifth gear" referred to the Safari as having "about as much finesse as a three-legged giraffe".
Specifications
Specifications of the Tata Safari 2.2 DiCOR
| Top speed | 152 km/h (95 mph) (160 km/h as per user manual) |
| 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) | 16.2 s |
| Engine Type | 2.2 L VTT DiCOR |
| Displacement | 2179 cc |
| Power | 140 PS (100 kW; 140 hp) @ 4000 rpm |
| Torque | 320 N·m (240 lb·ft) @1700 rpm |
| Valve Mechanism | DOHC |
| Cylinder Configuration | Inline 4 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Fuel System | Common Rail direct injection with Variable Turbine Turbo(VTT) |
| Minimum Turning Radius | 6 metres |
| Wheelsize | 6.5Jx16 |
| Tyres | 235/70 R 16, 105 S |
| Ground Clearance | 205 mm / 8.07 inches |
SECOND GENERATION
An entire new Safari is due to be launched in 2011. The 2011 Tata Safari will be based on its sibling Aria's"X2" platform which has a stronger hydro-formed chassis sections. The new model will also have lots of space and will be loaded with features such Dual Mass Flywheel (DMF), ABS, EBD, ESP, SRS Airbags, Climate Control etc. As far as engine is concerned, speculation are that Tata will be using its proven 2.2L VTT DICOR, that is being used in current generation Safari, to this model as well.
It will have an upgraded G76-Mark II gearbox.
The car is expected to be lighter than the outgoing model to make it more fuel efficient. With European markets in mind, the car has been developed to comply by the EURONCAP safety norms.
The all new Tata Merlin itself has the same engine as its predecessor; the well-known and highly successful 2.2 l DiCOR turbocharged diesel engine that is based on the Direct Injection Common Rail (DICOR) technology and comes well equipped and accompanied with a highly fuel efficient 16 valve DOHC platform.
Sources recently told CarDekho.com that Tata Motors is unlikely to conduct the launch of the Safari Merlin in 2011. From where it stands now, a debut or showcasing of the Safari replacement is not in the vicinity. Tata has the option of making a splash at the Auto Expo in January 2012, but showcasing the new model can lead to the death of sales of the existing Safari.
Mahindra Scorpio
he Mahindra Scorpio is a SUV manufactured by Mahindra and Mahindra limited, the flagship company of the Mahindra Group. It was the first SUV from the company built for the global market. The Scorpio has been successfully accepted in international markets across the globe, and will shortly be launched in the US.
The Scorpio was conceptualized and designed by the in-house integrated design and manufacturing (IDAM) team of M&M. The car has been the recipient of three prestigious awards: the "Car of the Year" award from Business Standard Motoring; the "Best SUV of the Year" by BBC world wheels ; and the "Best Car of the Year" award, again, from BBC world wheels.
Prior to the mid-nineties, M&M was an automobile assembly company. The company manufactured Willys Jeeps and its minor modified versions (modifications carried out in India). In 1996, the company planned to enter the SUV segment with a new product which could compete globally. Since M & M didn't have the technical know-how to make a new age product, they devised a whole new concept among Indian auto companies. Roping in new executives such as Dr. Pawan Goenka and Alan Durante who had worked in the auto industry in western countries, the company broke the rule that says automakers must design, engineer and test their own vehicles (spending millions of dollars in the process).
The new Mahindra Scorpio SUV had all of its major systems designed directly by suppliers with the only input from Mahindra being design, performance specifications and program cost. Design and engineering of systems was done by suppliers, as was testing, validation and materials selection. Sourcing and engineering locations were also chosen by suppliers. The parts were later assembled in a Mahindra plant under the Mahindra Badge (as Mahindra is a well known brand in India in the MUV segment). Using this method the company was able to build a from scratch a new vehicle with virtually 100 percent supplier involvement from concept to reality for Rs 600 crore ($120 million), including improvements to the plant. The project took 5 years to move from concept to final product. The cost was estimated in 2002 to be Rs 550 crore.
The Mahindra Scorpio was launched in India in 2002. Soon after the success of the Scorpio, Mahindra launched an upgraded Scorpio with plush seats and rear centre arm rest, dual tone exterior colour and various minor changes.
In April 2006, the company launched an upgraded Scorpio – dubbing it the 'All-New' Scorpio.
At the Auto Expo 2006, Delhi, Mahindra also showcased their future plans on the Scorpio model by showcasing a Hybrid Scorpio with CRDe engine and a Scorpio based on a pick-up truck. The Hybrid, the first such vehicle developed in India was developed by Arun Jaura, a former Ford employee. His senior, Dr. Pawan Goenka, a former GM engineer currently heads Mahindra's automotive division and looks after the overall Scorpio project.
In June 2007, Mahindra launched a pick-up version in India known as the Scorpio getaway. Recently, M & M has launched a face lifted version of the model.
In November 2007, Mahindra launched a teaser campaign for their new Scorpio Model, the m_Hawk on their official website.
On April 14, 2008, Mahindra revealed a concept of a diesel-electric hybrid version of their Scorpio SUV at the 2008 SAE World Congress.
21st Sep 2008 Mahindra launched their latest Scorpio with 6 speed Automatic transmission gears.
Toyota Fortuner
The Toyota Fortuner, also known as the Toyota SW4, is a medium-sized SUV based on theToyota Hilux. Originally assembled only in Thailand, but later also in Indonesia and other countries, the Fortuner is built on the well-established platform of theToyota hilux pickup truck. It features three rows of seats and is available in rear-wheel drive or four wheel drive among others. The Fortuner is part of Toyota's IMV project in Thailand, which also includes the Toyota Hilux and the. The vehicle was designed by toyota technical centre. A number of engine options are available depending on the country of sale, including a 2.7 L 2TR-FE and 4.0 L 1GR-FE V6 petrol with 2.5 L 2KD-FTV and 3.0 L 1KD-FTV diesel models.
Trim levels are G and G Luxury forrear wheel drive diesel and gasoline, and V for 4×4 Diesel and gasoline. The common rail turbo intercooled diesel has functional scoop on its hood.
In 2007 Toyota Thailand dropped the 4×4 gasoline model and replaced it with a two-wheel drive gasoline version.
This car was the best selling in its category (SUV/PPV) in the Phillipines and currently thailand.Toyota launched the Fortuner inIndia in 2009. It is assembled at the Bidadi, Karnataka plant of Toyota kirloskar motor private limited from imported CKD kits. The much anticipated SUV has been a runaway success for Toyota. The Fortuner was initially supposed to be launched in 2005, but Toyota took time to bring it to India. The Toyota Fortuner has clocked over 10,000 units so far in sales, and has become the best seller in its segment. The company had increased production to more than 950 vehicles per month from the initial 500 units per month, but is still finding it difficult to meet demand. Within 9 months of its release in India, Toyota Fortuner broke sales records and Pre delivery stats. In May 2010, Toyota suspended bookings for Fortuner SUV. The company said its suspension of bookings will continue till the waiting period reduces to three months.
There is only one variant sold in India of the Fortuner, which is the 3.0 L Common Rail Turbo Diesel engine, with leather upholstery and climatronic as standard. Though the waiting period has come down to 3 months now, it is still selling at a premium, white being the most preferred color of choice.
Toyota Innova
The Toyota Innova is a Toyota-designed compact MPV i.e. being less than 4,600 mm (181.1 in) in length as per the European system of size classification, produced in Indonesia under supervision by Toyota astra motor since 2003. As with toyota kijang, which it replaced, the Toyota Innova is produced and first marketed in 2004 in Indonesia. Toyota Innova is part of Toyota's IMV program together with the the Fortuner SUV. Its official name in Indonesia is Toyota Kijang Innova, while for other countries it is simply Innova.
Powering the Innova is either a gasoline 2.0 liter 136 PS (100 kW) 1TR-FE VVT-i, a 2.7 liter (2TR-FE) version of the same, or a 2.5 liter 102 PS (75 kW) 2KD-FTV D4-D . Trim levels are J, E, G, and V. The 2.7 liter is only for the V, with automatic transmission. The Innova features a live rear axle and it is of front engined, rear wheel drive configuration. The newly added V variant adds ABS, leather seats and captain chairs.
The Innova is also sold in India (replacing Toyota Qualis).
t has a new engine, different from the older Kijang gasoline engine. Unfortunately, while the new engine produces more power (2,000 cc) it is only capable of 6-8 kilometres on a litre of petrol (14.1-18.8 mpg-US). But after the minor change in 2007, the engine is now equipped with a closed loop combustion system, and based on information from the Auto Bild Indonesia test, it is now capable of 11-12 kilometres on one litre of petrol (about 27.0 mpg-US).
In the Indian auto market Toyota Innova is available with twelve variants. Three variants of Toyota Innova come with a petrol engine option which is powered by 2.0L, 1998cc, 1TR-FE, Gasoline, 4 Inline Cylinder petrol engine with EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection). The EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) technology enhances the fuel efficiency and performance of the vehicle. This engine delivers high engine performance and produces 132 PS of maximum power at 5600rpm with 181 Nm of maximum torque at 4000rpm.
The diesel variants of Toyota Innova are powered by 2.5L, 2494cc, 2KD-FTV, diesel engine with Turbocharger, 4 Inline Cylinder and with Common-Rail Direct Injection fuel supply system. This diesel engine produces 102 PS of maximum power at 3600rpm and 200 Nm of maximum torque at 1400~3400rpm.
Maruti Gypsy
It is manufactured in India by Maruti suzuki. It was introduced in the Indian market in December 1985 with the 970 cc F 10 A Suzuki engine and while sales were never very high it became very popular with law enforcement. It was codenamed MG410, which stood for "Maruti Gypsy 4 cylinder 1.0 litre engine". Initially, it was only available as a soft-top; but a bolt on hardtop was later introduced to the public after the aftermarket hardtops became popular. It instantly replaced premier padmini as the quintessential Indian rally car due to its performance, reliability, tunability and the go-anywhere capability. The carburetted F10A engine made 45 bhp (34 kW; 46 PS) and was mated to a 4 speed gearbox. The 4WD transfer case had 2 speeds. It had a freewheeling mechanism on the front axles made by Asin to unlock the front axles from the hub when 4WD is not used; It reduced rolling resistance, thereby improving fuel efficiency. However, many owners of the Gypsy who constantly complained about the poor fuel consumption never knew about this novel feature.
The two major complaints of the vehicle in the civilian market were poor fuel consumption and poor ride quality especially in the rear seats. The suspension was indeed harsh with live axles and leaf springs all around. It features almost no creature comforts, like power-windows and power-assisted steering.
In July 1993, Maruti introduced the "widetrack Gypsy" codenamed MG410W replacing the MG410. Both front and rear track of the wheels are increased by 90mm (from 1,210 mm (47.6 in) to 1,300 mm (51.2 in) for front wheels and from 1,220 mm (48.0 in) to 1,310 mm (51.6 in) for rear wheels) and these Gypsys are instantly recognizable by the pronounced painted fender flares. This is to mitigate an international allegation that Suzuki SUVs are very susceptible to rollover. Maruti eliminated the aisin freewheeling hub on this model since it was sparingly used by MG410 owners. In April 1995, a catalytic converter was fitted to the Gypsys sold in the metro cities to comply with newly introduced emission standards.
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is acompact station wagon, now called crossover, manufactured since 1995 byHonda. It was loosely derived from the Honda Civic to satisfy a public demand for a sport-utility vehicle from Honda. There are discrepancies as to what "CR-V" stands for, with Honda sources in different markets citing different meanings. The most common meaning being "Civic Recreation Vehicle" since it is built on the Honda Civic Platform. Though Honda sales literature in UK reportedly makes references to "Compact Recreational Vehicle", other Honda references (including the official Honda Japan CR-V Fact Book and Honda Worldwide) cite "Comfortable Runabout Vehicle". It is produced in both 4 WD and front wheel drive, with availability differing by market.
In 2005, the CR-V received a mid-cycle refresh. The 2005 CR-V was now equipped with 16 inch wheels, the earlier models had 15 inch wheels. Visual changes included new taillights and headlights with clear indicators. The new headlights now have two separate H1 bulbs for low beams and high beams, the previous setup used H4 single bulb for both low and high beams. The taillights now used clear lenses instead of amber for the turning indicators. The grille was also changed; it had two horizontal bars instead of one. The front bumper design was slightly changed, it now has round fog lights compared to the previous rectangle fog lights and in addition to the lower grill there are two horizontal bars instead of one. The rear bumper reflectors were longer and narrower.
On the inside of the car, the EX trim received upgrades which included steering wheel-mounted audio controls and an outside temperature monitor. The stereo system was also XM satellite radio ready (USA but not Canada). All CR-V models also had revised rear seat headrests, which had been redesigned to reduce rear view blockage.
Mechanically, the 2005 model was also changed. A major change included a drive-by-wire throttle for all CR-Vs. The all-wheel drive system was improved; it had been tuned to activate faster in low traction situations. US market models were equipped with a five-speed automatic, as opposed to the previous four-speed automatic.
For the 2010 model year, the CR-V receives modest style, powertrain, and equipment changes. The exterior changes include a redesigned front fascia with a new horizontal-slat chrome grille and honeycomb-designed lower front grille, new front bumper, and revised taillights. The rear bumper is also redesigned, as well as new five split-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels for EX and EX-L models. The interior gains minor changes, such as improved seat fabrics, and wider driver & front-passenger armrests. The audio head unit controls are altered and the information display backlighting in the gauges is blue instead of the previous black. USB audio input is standard in the EX-L trim while hands-free Bluetooth connectivity is exclusive to the EX-L trim equipped with navigation system.
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