Suzuki has revealed a new concept car for the Indian market at the New Delhi Auto Expo. The prototype, named the R3, is a 6-seater MPV which could turn into an Indian-market production model.
It has been designed by Suzuki’s Indian counterpart, a company which they own: Maruti Suzuki. No details on the R3’s platform have been revealed yet and nor did they tell us what engine they have used for the concept (if it isn’t just a shell, that is). The road version of this prototype might make it into production in 2 years time but nothing is certain. Speculations say that Maruti might be attracted to use Fiat’s 1.3-liter diesel engine rather than Suzuki’s own 1.2 or 1.4 petrol units.
Details are so scarce, we don’t even know if it will reach a final form. They just claim it’s what the Indian market needs. Presumably, it will make it into production as a cheap MPV with all the extravagant concept stuff taken out, of course. That futuristic dashboard, steering wheel and seats are bound to be thrown away if a road version were to be released.
I must confess I am surprised by the design Maruti chose for this car. It’s very pleasant to the eye, even though those rear-hinged doors at the back remind us of another recently launched MPV, don’t they? Despite the similarities, I still like it and if they will retain at least the main idea of the shape, it might turn into a neat-looking car. If the R3 gets the green light for mass production remains to be seen, until then we have to do with the small amount of information Maruti has released.
Press Release:
5 January 2010
Suzuki Announces Exhibits for Auto Expo 2010 in New DelhiSuzuki 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: R3The 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 VehicleMaruti 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 exhibitsMaruti 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.
Source: Autoblog