NEW DELHI — After closely watching the success of the Toyota Innova, Maruti is planning to launch an MPV in India but in a segment below the Innova. The R III concept to be unveiled early next month at Auto Expo 2010 here is a compact MPV with three rows of seats.
Built on a stretched Suzuki SX4 platform, the production version of the R III is expected to be built on a monocoque chassis and hence will be more carlike in its driving characteristics than a typical body-on-frame design.
It would be safe to assume that gasoline power will be offered via a Suzuki K-series power plant, which is fast becoming Maruti's staple engine family. Engine displacements are likely to vary between 1.2 and 1.4 liters.
A diesel engine option is a must, and it's likely that the popular Fiat 1.3-liter Multijet will be employed. However, VW's recent purchase of a 20-percent stake in Suzuki raises the possibility that engines from the German carmaker will find their way under the R III's hood.
The RIII is currently only in the concept stage, and it will take at least another 18-24 months to make it a showroom reality, once the green light for production is given.
Inside Line says: The R III is part of Maruti's strategy to explore more profitable segments of the market and lessen its reliance on the small car sector where it is totally dominant. — Hormazd Sorabjee, Correspondent
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