27.Mercedes-Benz M-class
With the SUV market becoming livelier by the day Mercedes-Benz are also expected to make a splash in this segment in 2011. They will unveil the ML SUV in 2011 in the international market and it is expected to come to India soon thereafter, by the second quarter of 2011. The biggest change in the new ML will be the introduction of hybrid technology which utilises electric motors to assist the wheels. It will also be lighter and sleeker than the current ML. The price is expected to remain close to the current car. However, with the introduction of hybrid system it might go up.
28.Mercedes-Benz SLK
The new SLK has been discussed in our earlier issues and this time it’s just a quick summary. The new SLK is what the press call an SLS-inspired machine and that is true to some extent as the interior of the car reminds you of the SLS AMG. But that is where it ends. The new SLK has been revamped for 2011. The new car is sleeker and has a sharper design compared to the current model. It will be available in the market by the end of 2011 and will come with the magic roof that changes from opaque to transparent in minutes. Apart from that an array of engines will be on offer, though we might just get the petrol V8.
29.Mahindra MUV
India’s biggest utility vehicle maker, Mahindra, are expected to launch a hacked down version of their Xylo MUV in the first quarter of this year. It looks similar to the Xylo with dimensions somewhat like the Premier Rio. Its seating capacity will be reduced to five instead of the Xylo’s seven as the wheelbase is shorter. With a length of upto four metres, the vehicle will attract only a 10 per cent excise duty instead of 22 per cent as levied on vehicles longer than four metres, making it cheaper for the buyer. The MUV will be have a 1.5-litre diesel engine and will be priced between Rs 5-7 lakh.
30.Mahindra Ssangyong Korando
Mahindra will also launch the Korando along with the Rexton. The Korando was in production during 1983-2006 after which it was discontinued. However, it was recently re-introduced as a 2010 model. The acquisition is also somewhat responsible for this revival. This big SUV uses a two-litre diesel engine that develops 177 PS of power and is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. It will come with two-wheel and four-wheel drive options. The prices are not known and the launch is expected along with the Rexton is the second quarter of 2011.
31.Mahindra Ssangyong Rexton
Mahindra Ssangyong RextonThe recent acquisition of Ssangyong by Mahindra has resulted in the Indian manufacturer bringing in two of the big SUVs offered by Ssangyong into the international market. The first is the Rexton, which was developed in co-operation with Mercedes and thus carries elements that are very similar to Merc SUVs. The front end of the Rexton looks very similar to that of the Mercedes ML as both the vehicles share the same platform. The engine used in the Rexton was also developed by Mercedes and Ssangyong manufactures the same engine under licence from Mercedes-Benz. The Rexton is equipped with a 2.7-litre diesel engine developing 165 PS of power and 340 Nm of torque. It is expected to come to India by the second quarter of 2011.
