Maruti's product lineup has seen constant changes in the last two-three years. The Wagon R, Dzire and Swift have been replaced, while variants and new product inclusions have always given Maruti's marketing team something to cheer on.
These updates were crucial to maintain its lead over rival companies, as well as keep the new entrants from chipping away at its share of the pie.
The current scenario with the lockdown at the Manesar plant might be the worst period in the company's 30 year history, but there is no doubting that the company will be in negotiations to restart operations without extended delays.
After the restart, the next international product, in a segment which they are yet to create a demand in, will inch closer to launch. Although we don't expect to see Maruti introduce the next generation SX4 until late 2013 or 2014, spied here by AutoBlog.it reader Walter Vayr in Turin, it is nevertheless an important launch or a challenge to its dealers to sell a sedan to the Honda, Nissan or Volkswagen customer. The SX4 is perhaps the only diesel Maruti that sells with offers and discounts.
Seen here is the crossover/hatch version of the 2014 Suzuki SX4, which in the current generation was shown at the 2010 Delhi Auto Expo. Test mules of the sedan version are likely to come out in 2013. Suzuki currently have two body styles of the SX4 and we'll have to wait to find out if they are interested in doing an SUV, coupe or wagon to expand their product offering. We'll also have to wait a bit longer to understand if the hatch version makes it to India.
The second generation SX4 will be wider and longer. It will be powered by a 1.6L Multijet engine. AutoBlog.it is reporting that the new SX4, in the crossover form, will have strong off-roading skills, greatly enhanced interior space and a bigger trunk. Some of these improvements should be carried over to the sedan. We'd like to see Maruti offer a bigger diesel engine on the SX4, like the 1.5 K9K unit on the new SX4.
[Source - Walter Vayr of AutoBlog.it]
