While sedans and hatchbacks dominate the Indian car scene, little attention is paid to the station wagons leave alone sportswagon. A few that were launched in India are Baleno wagon, Palio Adventure, Octavia combi, Indigo Marina. Apart from the Marina, very few of made it to considerable number of Indian homes.
The situation is reverse in western European countries like France and Germany where the ever more practical Wagon is the king. Thanks to its car like handling characteristics, huge boot space and great fuel economy (as compared to SUVs), people like owing a wagon. In fact, they like their wagons to be sporty, they send out a message to the society by driving one.
Noticing the demand, GM has started working on its popular Cruze sedan to convert it into a wagon. LeftLaneNews reports that this Cruze Sportswagon could make its debut as early as Geneva Motor show next year with a 1.6 or 1.8L petrol engine or a 2.0 turbodiesel. GM could release an RS version of this sportswagon just like they did with the Sonic RS.
History has not been kind to station wagons in India. But things have changed now with the growing economy and aspiration. Who would have thought that compact SUVs like Ford Ecosport and Renault Duster will head to India? If things are changing, then does that mean that we still have no appetite for station wagons?
To put is simply - Should GM India launch a station wagon version of the Cruze in India?
Source: LeftLaneNews.com & KGP Photography
