India?s SUV sales had slowed down before the long-awaited Toyota Fortuner was launched?which clocked over 2,000 bookings. India?s SUV?s are in three groups with entry level vehicles like the Scorpio and Safari in the Rs 10 lakh price range, a mid-range of sophisticated offroaders like the CR-V, Captiva, Endeavour, Pagero, Montero, Vitara and Xtrail in the roughly Rs 20 lakh range, and the expensive imports like the BMW X5, Mercedes M Class, Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne, Toyota Land Cruiser and Hummer costing over Rs 50 lakh.

The new Fortuner, priced aggressively at Rs 18.5 lakh is a formidable product with a peppy 2,600-cc 171 HP diesel engine and a unique permanent 4-wheel drive. But unlike most 4WDs, it?s surprisingly easy on fuel consumption as the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) tests show. As it has been built on the Innova platform, it has substantially similar comfort, and as the gearbox for the entire Toyota range is made in India, the vehicle has a high local content to keep the tax element far lower than any rival. In terms of road presence, that every urban cowboy must have, it doesn?t disappoint. It will tempt some buyers to move up from the cheaper range and also be good enough to attract buyers who can afford twice the price.

God bless competition! The Ford Endeavour that had commanded a big share of the Indian SUV market has quickly responded to the Fortuner with two well-priced new models. The bigger 158 HP 3,000-cc model has better torque for lugging power and has ?on-the-fly? 4WD allowing the driver to instantly switch from economical 2-wheel drive to 4-wheel drive whenever needed. This model has a 5-speed automatic and ABS and is priced a whisker below Rs 18 lakh. There is also another model with a 2,500-cc engine just under Rs 16 lakh. The Endeavour has now replaced its boxy lights with more contemporary curvy wrap around headlights. Both models have a commanding presence on the road and the best second row seat comfort in their class.

The Chevrolet Captiva is a very comfortable and competent vehicle with a smaller 2,000 cc diesel engine but its price in the Rs 21-22 lakh range is now out of line, so we can expect a model upgradition or price adjustments soon. The Honda CR-V is the other major brand and a most comfortable vehicle though its petrol plant makes it rather expensive to run. Its price in the Rs 22-24 lakh range will also come under pressure.

Mitsubishi?s slightly dated Pajero and Montero are quite competent offroaders with good diesel mills but may need price adjustment as well. Maruti?s smart new Grand Vitara now has a peppy 163 HP petrol engine and is priced about Rs 18-19 lakh, but will need a diesel mill before it can make a real dent on the market.

All these SUVs offer the comfort and prestige of a luxury saloon, they also have a big and masculine road presence. The New Fortuner will stimulate more interest among Indian SUV buyers who can expect a lot of action in the months to come.