The launch season continues as three new models will be introduced this month and they are Mahindra Y400, Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Rolls Royce Cullinan
SUV trend is getting hotter by each month as manufacturers are introducing either new models or launching updates to improve sales. 2019 is also going to be an exciting year as new global manufacturers are coming to India and the first model from them are SUVs.
But 2018 is not yet over and in November, three brand new models including two SUVs are going to be introduced in India and they are new Mahindra Y400, Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Rolls Royce Cullinan. They appeal for different price ranges in different segments and here is a detailed look at them:
1. Mahindra Y400
Mahindra is going to introduce its flagship SUV on November 19 and it is codenamed as Y400, which is based on the new generation SsangYong Rexton and the global launch took place last year. The company showcased Y400 as a concept model at the 2018 Auto Expo and since then the prototypes have been spotted across the country.
The design of Y400 is exactly similar to the new Rexton but Mahindra has made some changes to exterior like new grille along with updated front and rear bumper to make it inline with other products in the portfolio. The Y400 gets a monocoque frame and it will be the second model in the lineup to get this as the earlier model was XUV500.
The exterior design is attractive and gives a premium feel for the SUV, this theme continues to the interior as it looks completely different from any other Mahindra models. The centre console is dominated to by 9.2-inch touch screen system and the company has given digital instrument cluster for a modern look.
The Y400 is loaded with features like dual-zone climate control, leather seats, AC vents in the second and third row, cruise control, automatic headlamps, rain sensing wipers, sunroof and more. The safety features include 7 airbags, ABS, EBD, Electronic Stability Program, radar-based advanced braking systems and more.
The flagship SUV is powered by 2.2 L diesel engine producing 187 hp of power and 420 Nm of torque. The seven-speed automatic gearbox is sourced from Mercedes and power is sent to all four wheels. The Y400 is going to compete against Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour.
2. New Maruti Suzuki Ertiga
The second generation Ertiga made its global debut at the 2018 Indonesian International Motor Show and the company has begun sales of the new model in some Asian markets. The new Ertiga is based on Heartect platform and it helps the MPV to shed some weight, which improves performance and efficiency compared to its predecessor.
Suzuki has also given an all-new design theme for Ertiga as it takes design elements of other popular models as the projector headlamps cluster is similar to new Innova Crysta while the tail lamp design comes from Volvo models. The front gets new grille along with an updated front and rear bumper with new tail lamps gives a grown-up look for the MPV.
Like the exterior, the interior gives a premium feel as dashboard design took some inspirations from Audi models. The centre console has been completely redesigned and the meter console is also new. The dimensions have increased but the wheelbase remains the same. To increase interior space, Suzuki reduced boot volume by 32 litres.
The Ertiga is packed with features like touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, climate control, push-button start, keyless entry, automatic headlamps, rain sensing wipers, AC vents on all rows, alloy wheels, reverse camera with parking sensors, four airbags, ABS, EBD, speed alert and more.
The new 1.5 L petrol engine debuted in Ciaz will also power Ertiga as it produces 105 hp of power and 138 Nm of torque. The diesel will remain the same 1.3 L fiat sourced unit with 89 hp and 200 Nm, but it will be replaced by a new engine in 2019. These engines will be mated to same 5-speed manual and 4 speed auto with petrol. Maruti will launch the new Ertiga on November 21 in India.
3. Rolls Royce Cullinan
Rolls Royce officially revealed its first SUV Cullinan earlier this year and it will be officially introduced in India by the end of this month. The Ultra expensive SUV is expected to be priced around Rs. 8.5 Crore, which make it the most expensive SUV on sale in India and the company is expecting good numbers.
The design of Cullinan is different from other SUV models as the front continues the same look of other models as it is designed for high profile customers, who give more importance for comfort. The interior design of Cullinan is exactly similar to Phantom and it is the first Rolls Royce model to come with a touchscreen infotainment system.
The company also offers lots of customizing options for Cullinan and if you tick all the boxes in the options list then the price could go upwards of around 10 crores. But the company will offer features like rear seat entertainment system as standard on Indian model as it is optional in International versions.
The Cullinan is powered by 6.75-litre, twin-turbocharged V12 engine producing 571 bhp of power and 850 Nm of torque. The power is sent to all four wheels, which is again a first for Rolls Royce via 8 speed automatic gearbox. The SUV also comes with self-levelling air-suspension as it is designed to give excellent comfort for passengers.