HOT ON THE HEELS of Honda’s New Small Concept, Suzuki has thrown another small car contender into the booming Indian compact segment in the form of the R3 MPV concept.
The new concept is (as usual) sparse on details, but we could expect to see any one of Suzuki’s 1.2 or 1.4 litre engines, a Fiat 1.4 or even an offering from the Volkswagen stable, which now owns a considerable stake.
Given Maruti’s 50% market stake in India, the vehicle is expected to do well within the country, but may also find it’s way to Europe.
Maruit Suzuki R3 MPV Concept
PRESS RELEASE
Suzuki Announces Exhibits for Auto Expo 2010 in New Delhi
Suzuki Motor Corporation is pleased to announce that its Indian automobile production subsidiary, Maruti Suzuki India, will be exhibiting the following vehicles at Auto Expo 2010 in New Delhi (to be held from 5 to 11 January 2010*):
Concept model: R3
The Indian market is changing rapidly and consumer lifestyles evolving fast.
To cater to one such market need, Maruti Suzuki has developed a concept car, R3.
The Concept R3 model is a Compact Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) for such people.
Designed by Maruti Suzuki India’s Research and Development Department, it combines compact dimensions with a stylish profiling.
The Concept compact MPV accommodates six people in three rows.
Reference exhibits (eco-vehicles): SX4 Hybrid and Eeco Electric Vehicle
Maruti Suzuki India is taking part in an Indian government project that promotes hybrid and electric vehicles.
It will be exhibiting two prototype vehicles that Maruti Suzuki has developed for the project: the SX4 Hybrid and the Eeco (Every+) Electric Vehicle.
Production models and other reference exhibits
Maruti Suzuki India will be showing 16 other automobiles including ten production models (13 units in total) and two reference exhibits: the Kizashi and SX4 Hatchback (three units in total).
Maruti Suzuki pavilion will also be highlighting Suzuki’s two-wheel leadership by showing nine motorcycles: the Hayabusa, Intruder, and other large models; the Thai-produced Skydrive 125 scooter; and the Burgman Fuel Cell Scooter, which was last seen at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show.