Suzuki Alto Lapin (Maruti Alto Lapin) patented in India - Report

24/03/2016 - 13:21 | ,   | Aravind Jayachandran

Not confirmed for launch.

A patent sketch of a compact Maruti hatchback, which appears to be the JDM-spec Suzuki Alto Lapin, has been leaked by Motor Octane, suggesting that Maruti has patented the retro hatchback in India.

Maruti Alto Lapin patented in India
The car in the patent sketch appears to be the JDM-spec Suzuki Alto Lapin.

However, don't mistake the patent for a confirmation of launch. Manufacturers usually trademark designs and names so that rival companies do not copy them in the near future. As for the Maruti Alto Lapin, it's unclear if the Indian market is open to an hatchback that is neither contemporary nor exciting to look at, although Motor Octane reports that Maruti is working on a new exterior design.

In Japan, the Suzuki Alto Lapin is sold as a kei car. It is powered by a 660 cc 3-cylinder DOHC engine with VVT (Variable Valve Timing) technology. Mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), it makes a maximum power of 54 bhp and maximum torque of 34 Nm. The powertrain is capable of returning up to 26 kmpl in the 2WD mode and 25.2 kmpl in 4WD mode.

Suzuki Alto Lapin Chocolat at the 2014 Thailand International Motor Expo
In Japan, the Suzuki Alto Lapin is sold as a kei car. It is powered by a 660 cc 3-cylinder DOHC engine with VVT.

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Should the Alto Lapin make it into India, it could feature the tried-and-tested 0.8-liter petrol engine from the Maruti Alto. It will certainly not get the optional AWD system from the JDM-spec Suzuki Alto Lapin.

This falls inline with reports suggesting that Maruti is mulling over a new hatchback that will slot in the entry-level segment. It will be part of the 15 new product launches that Maruti has in the pipeline until the end of the decade.

[Source: Motor Octane]

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