At long last, we’ve seen the Maruti R3 through the form of spy shots posted a few weeks back. As any fan of Maruti Suzuki will know, the two-tone interiors are heavily inspired (or shall we say copied?) from the new Swift which is expected during Diwali.
The R3, though even with three rows of seats, is not the biggest and baddest MPV on the circuit. It will be smaller than Innova with compact petrol and diesel engines. The R3 will rely on Fiat power to take it places. The 1.3-liter Multijet engine with a VGT is the engine we’re expecting on this 7-9 lakh rupee car.
The production model will not be called R3. The R3 will boast of features like steering-mounted audio controls, CD player and power windows. Gear lever, door locks, steering wheel, dashboard, plastic door trim, arm rest, rear view mirror and the hand brake have been stolen from the new Swift’s inventory.
The transition from concept to production has been a tough journey for the R3 as the futuristic and funky styling has lost its way. The creativity and liveliness of the concept has been drowned and what we’re going to see is a MPV that blends the design of the new Swift, Kizashi’s grille and Ritz.
Will Maruti introduce the R3 as an Omni revival at the Auto Expo where it was shown in the concept form two years ago?
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[...] reader car_crazy1400 has posted spyshots of the Maruti R3′s rear. We’ve shown you a speculative rendering along with an interior snap on a previous occasion. The R3 is based on an existing platform [...]
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Well, I have just returned from London and I drove the new Jetta, the Tiguan and an amazing 7 seater MPV called Touran at the VW showroom in Slough. The Jetta was so-so but the Tiguan and the Touran simply bowled me over by the feel, finish and the power. The Touran if introduced in India at Innova or even 10% higher than Innova prices would become the number one in its segment. Solid build – not the tin can feel of Innova, fantastic seating system, a feeling of safety and a great 1.6l TDi engine.I was told the 2.0l TDi was even better.
I think VW India should aim squarely at the large MPV 7-8 seater market instead of wasting time on Passat, and on the UP series for the B segment. I saw more VW in UK than Toyotas or Skodas (actually I saw none)
Wake up VW there is a great market for you in India. If they ever want to test the Touran in India – I will happily do it for them for free…
I don’t think the Touran or Caddy will come to India. If they build a MPV, they might do a India-specific one to start with like Vento.
An MPV based on the Vento would be a bit tight for 3 in the middle row. The Innova does well because it is comfortable seating for 3 in the middle row. The CR-V is based on Civic and not City (Vento equivalent)so a decent MPV from VW should be based on Jetta?
I hope the Maruti3 is bigger and wider than the ECC0/Versa
I think Touran is Chrysler Town & Country marketed as VW Touran in US also, i think Honda Odyssey is the best in that class.
You previous note on R3 mentions about the length (more than 4 m). Any news on the width of the car ? Does it look narrow and longish or well balanced ?
well we are not sure about that. The width is likely to be extended as well. We have to wait for confirmation, so hang on a bit longer.
what is omni revival? R3 was never meant for omni revival.
yeah, it was never meant to be. Since the Omni has been here for decades in the best selling vehicles, I thought Maruti would be interested in doing a 21st century Omni. It’s just our imagination or wish.
Actually I have been waiting for a car like this. As I have written in one of the blogs a year ago, that I am waiting for bigger Wagon R with a diesel engine to replace my current swift as i was very happy with my Wagaon R in terms of utility that even swift.
Now the information about R3 is a kind of not so comfortable as it is a 7 seater.
Will this new Maruti be a better alternative than SX4 or dezire ? for an upgrade ?