Two years ago, in 2008 we began noticing the change in the Indian car industry. Over 40 models were lined up for launch at an auto show that year and, for the very first time one was given the assurance of being able to see 35 SUVs in 2 years. Never before did the Indian consumer have so many options as far as SUVs were concerned. A year before that, in 2007, 3.5 Lakh SUVs were sold in India. That was indeed astounding and the SUV market has only grown since then.

The Indian roads have welcomed not just entry-level utility vehicles like the Mahindra Bolero and Tata Sumo Grande but also classy SUVs like the VW Tiguan and BMW X5. As the Indian economy takes a turn for the better, the lifestyle is also changing and traveling and weekend getaways have become common. What better vehicle can one have than an SUV for such family trips?

The city crowd that had been wanting something different than the usual sedans has been very happy since the coming in of the Honda CR-V. With its chic looks and cozy interiors the big monstrous car has attracted almost every Indian. In India, the SUV is available with two engines, a 2.0-litre i-VTEC that delivers 141 bhp and a 2.4-litre i-VTEC that stirs up 161 bhp. Then we also have other SUV cars in India like the Nissan X-Trail and Mitsubishi Pajero. But these haven’t been strong contenders for the Honda CR-V. The Chevrolet Captiva, though, looks full of promises for the SUV fanatics in India.

When it comes to SUV cars, there cannot be anything like Mahindra and Tata. The two auto makers are leaders in the segment with an entire array of SUVs just right for the Indian crowd and the humpy bumpy roads in India. The Mahindra Scorpio for example, with its stylish boxy frame is enough proof to prove the success of an Indian car maker in the SUV segment. When this particular car made its entry it was a hit in no time and created a wave of gusto among the Indian professionals. The car has its own class.

The Tata Safari is another SUV that has earned wide popularity even in petite towns. Following the Safari’s success, Tata Motors successfully uncovered the Sumo Grande at the Delhi Auto Expo which was again a great craze among the Indians. With its eye-catching features and spacious interiors, the Grande has certainly lived up to its grand name.

Next, we have the Suzuki Grand Vitara, Hyundai Tucson and the Ford Endeavour having their own place as stately vehicles in the minds of Indians and their car porches. The Volvo too, looking at the rest, finally launched its XC-90 for the class-loving SUV buyers. For those possessing an even higher exclusive taste, the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, the BMW X5, the Audi Q7, and the Porsche Cayenne SUVs are going to suffice.