The SUV is on a roll in India. Will it conquer the passenger vehicle market?
To cater to the growing demand, the market is awash with products across price points which claim to provide SUV features, but may not necessarily provide the SUV experience of an off-roader.
Synopsis
SUVs are the darling of both manufacturers and customers. Apart from the potential for large volumes, SUVs are high on margins. Consumers are meanwhile spoilt for choice, with at least 84 models available and prices starting at Rs 5.5 lakh.
The craze for SUVs in India could be seen in the way Maruti Suzuki has refashioned its Ignis. In 2017, it was launched as a premium hatchback that was “None of a Kind”, but three years down the line, at the Auto Expo 2020, a facelifted Ignis was unveiled — its front end sported a faux skid plate, a new grille and a bumper. The transformation of the hatchback into a “compact urban SUV” was complete. As the clamour for SUVs has gone up, the
