SUVs and MUVs that rocked India in 2010

Photographs: Reuters CarDekho.com

Sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and multi utility vehicles (MUVs) may not have found an admirer in the country's environment minister, but they have been successful in alluring car buyers across the country who are buying them more than ever before.

Despite the disparaging 'Socially Useless Vehicle' comment from the environment minister, as many as three new SUVs and crossovers found their way into Indian showrooms this year.

These gas guzzlers, as many of them are called, caught the fancy of Indian car buyers and the segment grew manifold in 2010.

So, let's take a look at the 10 most popular SUVs and MUVs in the country, according to data assembled by Cardekho.com throughout the year.

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SUVs and MUVs that rocked India in 2010

Toyota Innova

For now the limelight may be on Toyota's recently launched sedan Etios but a new, face-lifted Innova is on the cards.

The car comes in both petrol and diesel engine. The 1998cc, 16-Valve DOHC WTi petrol engine produces 132PS power at 5600rpm and 181NM torque at 4000rpm and is compatible with CNG.

The 2494cc, 16-Valve DOHC diesel engine generates 102PS power at 3600rpm and 200NM torque at 1400 - 3400rpm.

Price: Innova comes at a price of Rs 7,94,470 to Rs 11,72,760.

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SUVs and MUVs that rocked India in 2010

Mahindra Scorpio

Words like powerful, comfortable and stylish define the Mahindra Scorpio that comes with a SZ 2600 plus DI diesel engine capable of generating 109 bhp power and 26 kgm torque.

Scorpio has Renault's 116 bhp petrol engine. The Scorpio is a lifestyle SUV with decent off roading capacity and offers a comfortable ride, pleasing style, good safety features and decent interiors.

Price: The car is priced between Rs 7,60,000 and Rs 10,57,340.

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SUVs and MUVs that rocked India in 2010

Tata Aria

This eight-seater luxurious MUV build on the roadster concept comes with a 2.2L, DICOR (Direct Injection Common Rail) engine (same as Tata Safari).

The engine produces 140bhp power at 4000rpm with 320Nm torque at 1700-2700rpm. It has a plethora of new and advanced features including disc type coupled with ABS and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) system.

The ESP is being offered for the first time in any Tata car. Aria's power steering, efficient braking system with ESP and standard ground clearance ensure hassle free driving.

Price: The car is priced at Rs 12,86,034 to Rs 15,45,128.

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SUVs and MUVs that rocked India in 2010

Tata Safari

This popular SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) by one of country's biggest car makers possesses sporty looks and advanced interior and exterior features.

Tata Safari's 2.2L, 16V diesel engine produces 140hp at 4000 rpm and 320Nm torque. Safari comes with a day-night visibility instrumental panel, leather seats and power windows.

Safety features like airbags, ABS (Antilock Brake System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution) and reverse guide system are also present.

Price: It is priced competitively at Rs 7,70,761 to Rs 11,65,824.

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SUVs and MUVs that rocked India in 2010

Skoda Yeti

This compact SUV by Skoda is powered by a 2.0 TDI common rail diesel engine, which also powers two of its siblings - Superb and Laura.

The engine generates 140 bhp of max power and 32.4 kgm of peak torque at 1750 rpm. It takes the Yeti from 0 to 100 kmph in 10.8 seconds and helps it touch a top speed mark of 190 kmph.

Price: The car has been priced between Rs 15,40,324 and Rs 16,62,721 (ex-showroom, New Delhi).

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SUVs and MUVs that rocked India in 2010

Mahindra Xylo

This C + category vehicle by Mahindra comes with a CRDe technology. The car has a diesel engine with a 2500cc displacement generating 110 bhp at 3200 rpm and 28.3 kgm torque at 1700 rpm.

It has a seating capacity of eight passengers and a minimum turning radius of 5.60 mts. Mahindra Xylo has front disk breaks and rear brakes are drum type.

It has a five gear manual transmission along with body colour bumpers, tachometer, alloys, ORVM indicators, climate controlled AC, power windows, remote controlled central locking, remote operated fuel filler, rear wiper and rear defogger.

Price: The car is priced at Rs 6,47,118 to Rs 8,16,262.

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SUVs and MUVs that rocked India in 2010

Mahindra Bolero

This powerful vehicle from Mahindra's stable makes your drive easier on the bumpy roads of India. Mahindra Bolero has a 2498 cc diesel engine which sets it apart from other cars.

The car has a 5-speed transmission, which makes it a fuel efficient car. The car has features like antisubmarine seats, air conditioners, power steering and four-speaker music system, etc.

Price: Mahindra has priced Bolero between Rs 4,74,710 and Rs 5,98,350.

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SUVs and MUVs that rocked India in 2010

Toyota Fortuner

The big and bulky SUV is in great demand across the country and the company has been staring at a huge backlog for a long time.

It comes equipped with a 2982 cc Common Rail Diesel Engine that churns out 163 PS(160 BHP) of power and 35 kgm of torque, aided by a Variable Geometry Turbocharger(VGT). The choice of transmission is limited to a four-speed auto and a five speed manual transmission.

The suspension is stiff but it soaks up the jerks and bumps very easily without rattling your bones. The ride and handling is at par with competition.

The Fortuner is a true blue SUV unlike most of its counterparts, which are soft-roaders and offer a car like feel.

The huge tyres (Bridgestone Dueler HT 265/65 - R17) offer a decent grip on the road and should offer good off road capability to the giant. Safety features haven't been compromised with ESP, EBD and traction control on offer.

Price: The Fortuner has been priced at Rs 19,64,320 to Rs 19,64,320 (ex-showroom Delhi).

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SUVs and MUVs that rocked India in 2010

Ford Endeavour

It is available with two different capacities engine that are a 2.5L Duratorq engine and 3.0L Duratorq engine.

Two out of its three variants are powered by the 2.5L, 2499cc, Duratorq TDCi diesel engine with Direct Injection Common Rail fuel injection system and VGT (Variable Geometry Turbocharger) that enhances the overall engine performance with fuel efficiency.

This 2.5L, 2499cc power-plant delivers 143PS of maximum power at 3500rpm with 330Nm of maximum torque at 1800rpm that results high engine performance with good acceleration.

Price: The car is priced at Rs 16,25,000 to Rs 18,69,000.

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SUVs and MUVs that rocked India in 2010

Hyundai Santa Fe

The Indian car market got two versions of the Hyundai Santa Fe - the 4X2 (two wheel drive) version that has been priced at Rs 20.95 lakh and the 4x4 (four wheel drive) version priced at Rs 22.95 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi).

It comes with the benefit of a CRDI (Common Rail Direct Injection) fuel system that is bound to deliver excellent engine performance and a better fuel efficiency thanks to the Euro V engine. The car has 4 cylinders and 16 valves with DOHC (Double Over Head Camshafts), which is already a success.

The 2.2L engine is teamed with a six-speed manual transmission gearbox that produces an impressive power of 197 PS, peak power at 3800 rpm and belts out 420Nm of torque between 1800-2500 rpm.

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