2012 New Delhi Auto Expo: Suzuki XA Alpha Concept
By Andrew, 06 Jan, 2012. 0 Comments
Suzuki XA Alpha Concept
The Suzuki XA Alpha, a new compact SUV concept, was seen at the Delhi motor show under the exhibit of Suzuki’s Indian subsidiary, Maruti Suzuki. In an Autocar interview, Maruti’s chief engineer IV Rao said that the Suzuki XA Alpha may begin production in 2014. The XA Alpha is aimed at young rich Asians. The model is built on the new Suzuki Swift platform and running gear. It has a length of 4000mm, making it qualify for India’s lower rate of excise duty for small cars. Maruti engineers did the styling while development was overseen by Suzuki engineers.
Bringing the prototype from paper to concept took nine months. What makes this bold design similar to other Suzuki vehicles is the trace of Swift in the fighter jet canopy-like window line. The front gets a high-set ‘five-block grille’ and stylishly detailed, hawk-eyed headlights. The XA Alpha gets a macho appeal from the heavy duty cladding for the lower portion of the front bumper. When viewed on the side, the XA appears to be halfway between a Range Rover Evoque and Kia Soul. It also features short front and rear overhangs. The appearance of this concept is enhanced by the huge 255/50 R19 rims but it’s not likely to be carried over to the production model.
The concept features oversized wheel arches and a thick C-pillar. There are smart L-shaped tail lights at the rear-end that have the small rear windscreen. Its detailing is the same in the front since it is visible on the trapezoidal theme of the rear bumper. The look is completed by a brake light that comes from the centre of the roof as well as short roof rails. It’s likely that Maruti’s production XA Alpha will be available a range of K-Series petrol engines and 1.3-litre DDIS diesel engine. Maruti said that a four-wheel-drive version of the XA Alpha will be offered as well. This system is expected to be developed from the unit used in the Swift. [source: Autocar]
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