BackAuto makers bet on small crossovers
Car makers in India are experimenting with a variety of body types spun off the compant sedan and SUV platforms
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Encouraged by the success of compact sedans and sports utility vehicles (SUV), car makers in India are experimenting with a variety of body types spun off the same platforms.
With these so-called concept crossovers, typically built on hatchback platforms with some features of an SUV, car makers are eyeing a niche market and see a way to keep potential buyers interested until an entirely new model is rolled in.
At the ongoing Delhi Auto Expo, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd displayed the SX4 cross, Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd took the wraps off the Etios Cross, and Nissan Motor India Pvt. Ltd, which is making an entry into the small compact mass car market with its Datsun brand, showcased the crossover Datsun-Redi-Go.
Seeking to attract young upwardly mobile buyers in the age group of 25-35 years, the Etios Cross is based on Toyota’s Liva hatchback. Toyota plans to launch the car in May. The Redi-Go and the SX4 Cross are at the concept stage.
According to C.V. Raman, executive director, engineering, at Maruti Suzuki, the need to showcase such vehicles is borne out by the dynamic behaviour of buyers.
“There is a move from a family car to a single owner car to two and three cars per family, and the requirement has been changing from a daily commute to a weekend, leisure car," he said.
People are looking at aggressive styling, he said, adding that by showcasing the SX4 Cross, Maruti wants to “see whether the crossover as a body style is appreciated."
Suzuki Motor Corp., Maruti’s Japanese parent, has been selling the Sx4 Cross in Europe, said Raman.
Volkswagen India Pvt. Ltd also showcased a cross of its flagship hatchback Polo, a model it has been selling for a few months. Mahesh Kodumudi, president and managing director at Volkswagen India, said the Polo cross is a low-volume model.
“I personally feel that you can’t eye-wash the customer. They know that it’s just a pepped-up hatchback."
Kumar Kandaswami, senior director at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India Pvt. Ltd, said while the crossovers have interesting style combing the features of an SUV and a hatchback, they are unlikely to sell in large numbers.
It would just help them address an additional niche. Such models have not been a huge success in the past, he added.
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