Archive for the ‘Maruti Suzuki’ Category

Waiting period balloons for the super-hit Maruti EECO

The Maruti EECO is serving as a great alternative to the Omni buyer

Things are going as per plan in camp Maruti.

The Maruti Eeco seems to have done what the Versa failed to do trying years for Maruti Suzuki. Maruti Eeco customers have to deal with 3-4 months waiting to drive home their EECO as per reports in the media.

The EECO has a vast amount of cabin space and good amount of power. Though being a re-engineered Versa, the customer isn’t bothered about its underpinnings or origin. In fact most of the customers are Omni owners, the company reveals.

Maruti Suzuki spokesperson -

The product has received overwhelming customer response for its attractive power, good air-conditioning, looks and high utility value All these features along with attractive prices have got us many more buyers than what we had planned. This has resulted in a shortfall in supply as compared to the huge demand and we are now trying to increase production so as to match the demand scenario.

In some cases customers have to wait almost 6 months to get their car.

Maruti is reacting to the situation by increasing production as quickly as possible. They forecast about 3,000 units sale in these first few months.

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Entry posted on March 12th, 2010 and filed under Maruti Suzuki

New Maruti Wagon R to be priced at 3.3 lakh rupees?

new Wagon RThe new Wagon R could be the above model. Or it could be the latest generation from Japan

There’s a lot of commotion on the upcoming Maruti Wagon R which is capable of meeting BS4 standards. One publication says it will be a revamped version of the existing model with a K-Series engine while another claims its an entirely new car with a 3-cylinder engine from a new family of YP3 powertrains.

The new Wagon R is expected in the next few weeks and speculations on the price tag have already started. Motoroids is reporting the prices to be 3.3 lakh rupees and upwards.

There has been no comment from Maruti’s camp about the price or the nature of the facelift. If not now, we expect Maruti to launch the latest generation Wagon R in India as that is better in every way compared to the presently running model.

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Entry posted on March 2nd, 2010 and filed under Maruti Suzuki

A-Star recalled to arrest fuel leakage problem

Suzuki A-Star – fuel system forces recall

Joining the recall wagon is our own Maruti Suzuki and the problem is with the A-Star manufactured in India. IAB earlier carried a post in December 09 of the same problem in Netherlands (Suzuki A-Star facing lethal fuel systems).

The company has recalled about 100,000 cars manufactured between November 2008 and August 2009. It has identified a fault in the fuel pump gasket and O lining. These faults potentially cause a fuel leakage in case the fuel tank is filled to the brim beyond the auto cut off position. Yes, the sure shot way to avoid this problem is to never fill up your fuel tank to the brim, but now with the recall issued, we suggest you get the fault corrected should you get a notice from Maruti Suzuki.

The company has already sent out letters to customers who might face this problem and about 50,000 cars have been corrected since November 2009. This includes cars from India and overseas markets. That’s being very proactive and customer oriented. Kudos to Maruti Suzuki and team.

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Entry posted on February 24th, 2010 and filed under Maruti Suzuki

Rendering – Maruti R3 MPV production model

The Maruti R3 MPV could be a stylish vehicle with diesel and electric powertrains

Photoshop man SRK is back to pace delivering drawings of vehicles years away from production lines. The latest creation of his – Maruti R3 MPV concept showcased at last month’s Auto Expo.

The Maruti R3 concept is a work of Indian engineers who have conceptualized it entirely using their imagination. The production model which could travel Indian roads by 2012-13 would also have cent percent Indian content. It would be the smallest MPV on Indian roads according to the management and according to recent reports, it could be sold without the “Suzuki” badges.

We can’t speculate on drivetrains as it is way too early in the game. We can safely expect Maruti to offer an electric powertrain similar to the one on the Maruti EECO. Hybrids and diesels could also be added to the equation at a later date. For a start, diesel engine with CRDI, turbocharger and a 5-speed transmission is our prediction.

SRK feels the doors need to open facing each other as it would be a unique touch. The addition of fog lamps, realistic bumpers, rear view mirrors and a Kizashi-inspired headlamp lend it a production-friendly design. The Suzuki A-Star was a big let down, as much of the concept’s features failed to translate into the production model. With the Maruti R3, one can only hope that most of it is carried over.

click through to view higher resolution rendering and R3 concept image slideshow

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Entry posted on February 15th, 2010 and filed under Maruti Suzuki, Renderings

Suzuki Alto, Wagon R to get 2, 3-cylinder engines?

New 3-cylinder engine promises to pull down costs and deliver better fuel economy

We thought this was a joke. Until we read it on a reliable newspaper.

Financial Express reports Maruti Suzuki is working on a family of engines that will replace the 800cc and 1,100cc on the Alto and Wagon R respectively. The new engines, which are cheaper to make, will drive down the cost of the models.

The new engine is codenamed YP3 and will come in two variants – 2-cylinders and 3-cylinders.

The YP3 will be Maruti’s second big launch after it unveiled the KB Series engine on the A-Star in 2008. Currently F8D engines are used on the Alto and Wagon R. The Alto will get the 2-cylinder engine while the faclifted Wagon R will get 3 cylinders.

According to this report, Maruti has already started sourcing components for YP3, and the engines will be installed to the cars by the end of this year.

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Entry posted on February 2nd, 2010 and filed under Maruti Suzuki

Maruti to launch Suzuki Cervo in India with bigger engine?

The Suzuki Cervo was spotted testing in India a while back

Is Maruti Suzuki seriously planning to launch Cervo in India this year? There is a high possibility given a Cervo was spotted testing in India a few months ago. Maruti has not ruled out the possibility of the Cervo in India. It could introduce it with a locally sourced 1.0-liter K-Series engine. This car could be placed just above the Alto in the Indian stable.

The Suzuki Cervo originally comes with a 660cc engine that outputs 54bhp of power and 64Nm of torque. The vehicle could be a perfect modern-day Suzuki small car. With the same engine tuned in favor of fuel economy, it could be the best replacement for the Maruti 800 in Indian metros. The big question is whether or not Suzuki can price it so aggressively.

The Cervo looks like a smaller Chevrolet Beat with hints of Honda Jazz’s design. The company has remained mum about the car’s prospects in India. Who knows, an official comment could be awaiting us in the next turn.

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Entry posted on February 2nd, 2010 and filed under Maruti Suzuki

Record sales for Maruti Suzuki Swift in December 2009

Suzuki_SwiftThe Suzuki Swift hangs on as the best seller in its segment

Maruti Suzuki Swift recorded its highest sales ever in the month of December 2009. 10,900 customers bought a Swift in that 31 day period!

That’s the best month thus far for the hot selling hatchback which debuted in May 2005.

The Swift has never been undone by its competitors in these five years. Cars like Punto, Vista, Getz, Fabia and i20 have come no where near the Swift in consistency. With the lighter and torquey 1.2-liter K-Series engine under the bonnet since recently, the Swift could continue its dream run for another five years.

The Swift received its diesel heart in the form of the 1.3-liter Multi-jet engine in January 2007. Easily available spares and low maintenance cost increase the appeal of this hatchback which was primarily meant for Europe.

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Entry posted on January 19th, 2010 and filed under Maruti Suzuki

Future Suzuki – Cheaper Alto, Jimny, SX4 diesel engine, compact MUV R3

Suzuki_R3_MPV_ConceptThe Suzuki R3 will be India’s smallest MPV and developed wholly by Maruti engineers

Speaking to the Economic Times recently, Shinzo Nakanishi MD and CEO of Maruti Suzuki has divulged information regarding the Japanese major’s future plans for the Indian market.

Nakanishi says the Jimny SUV is an option they are considering since the Gypsy has worn out. The small volumes discouraged Maruti from assembling the Vitara in India.

The R3 MPV showcased during the Auto Expo will be the smallest MUV in India and wholly developed by Maruti. It will be positioned in a new segment, and new segments will help Maruti retain market share in India.

The company is also working closely with its suppliers to make the entry level Alto cheaper. We expect the new Alto to be launched in the next two months with a 1.0-liter K-Series engine.

Nakanishi has been pursuing engineers in Maruti to develop a suitable diesel engine for the SX4. Apart from this, Suzuki has also been developing diesel engines in Japan.

Nakanishi saan could also look at smaller engines in VW TDI lineup for the SX4 in the future now that the partnership is on.

click through for R3 Concept Slideshow

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Entry posted on January 18th, 2010 and filed under Maruti Suzuki

Maruti Suzuki Swift gets new 1.2 K-Series engine

Suzuki_Swift_Limited 25- 2The new Suzuki Swift with a 1.2-liter K-Series engine offers better torque and fuel efficiency

In the wake of stringent emission norms that come into effect from April 2010, Maruti Suzuki, Autocar reports has unleashed the 1.2-liter Swift. This is the same engine that powers the Maruti Suzuki Ritz.

The new engine outputs 84bhp and 11.5kgm of max torque and is coupled to an improved gearbox. The outgoing 1.3-liter powerplant produced 87bhp and 11.3kgm torque.

The K-Series engine is better refined and the company claims it has a fuel efficiency of 17.9kpl, a 2kpl improvement over the previous model. As this claim belongs to Suzuki, it needs verification.

Maruti Suzuki will not hike the price of the Swift. It however will marginally increase prices of some other models.

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Entry posted on January 16th, 2010 and filed under Maruti Suzuki

Maruti Suzuki EECO launched in Mumbai – 73 images, info and more

Maruti_EECOThe EECO was not designed to be a looker. Its space and price make it versatile

‘Happiness Family Size’ is the punchline for Maruti Suzuki’s newest offering to the Indian family – the EECO launched at the Auto Expo last week, was unveiled in Mumbai today evening.

Based on the Versa’s platform, the EECO doesn’t look very good. But for its price, you don’t get cars which offer more interior volume. The BS4 complaint 1.2-liter K-Series petrol engine produces 73bhp and 101Nm of torque at 3,000RPM.

Available in three variants 5 seater base, 5 seater AC and 7 seater, the only thing we can’t understand is why Maruti doesn’t offer Air-conditioning on the 7 seater variant. It does offer crumple zones and side impact beam which improves its safety ratings.

Looking beyond all that, the EECO has comfortable seats and ample leg/head room. What Suzuki calls as the Diagonal Shift Assistance (DSA) makes gear shifting easier. The EECO comes in seven colors.

The highest scoring area of the EECO is its price tag (Ex Showroom Mumbai) – Rs. 2,73,934 for the base model, Rs. 3,03,934 for the 5 Seater AC and Rs. 290021 for the 7 seater Eeco gives it a golden chance to regain some lost ground and achieve what the Versa couldn’t.

click through for images and press release

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Entry posted on January 13th, 2010 and filed under Maruti Suzuki

Maruti to launch new Swift, Wagon R and refreshed, cheaper Alto

Suzuki_AltoThe new Maruti Suzuki Alto would come with a K-Series engine and reduced asking price

We are aware of the toned down Alto and spruced up Wagon R, but what we would like to see Suzuki unveil this year is the all-new Suzuki Swift which Suzuki has been conducting test runs in Europe.

Reports in the print media state the company is working hard to retain maximum market share by introducing a cheaper variant of the Alto. The reigned down Alto will have much of its features and comfort subtracted. It could be priced in close proximity to some of the Tata Nano variants, adds the report.

The new Alto will come with the K-Series engine. The displacement is not clear.

The new Wagon R is expected to come with either the 1.0-liter or the 1.2-liter engine and a cosmetic alteration.

All the above variants will conform to BS 4 emission norms.

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Entry posted on January 12th, 2010 and filed under Maruti Suzuki

Spied – Facelifted Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

2011-Wagon-R-India-12011-Wagon-R-India-2

The Wagon R from Suzuki is the best selling Maruti after the Alto. Through these years, the drive for such high volumes has not been due to its power or pickup. Forget diesel, we have not seen powerful petrol engines on this hatchback and what we’re about to get this Auto Expo is exactly that.

Thanks to Overdrive magazine, we’re able to understand how the facelifted Wagon R will look like. We’re not sure if Maruti began work on this model before the Estilo facelift was launched. If so then Maruti placed all the eggs in one basket.

Lucky for them the Estilo facelift clicked.

One need not be a car enthusiast to spot Wagon R’s resemblance to the new Estilo. With the same 1.0-liter 3-cylinder K-Series engine, the Wagon R is expected to be quicker and quirky. Swept back headlamps, circular indicator housing and chrome finishing spruce up looks.

We don’t expect the interiors to be entirely different. The ride and handling should stay the same just like they did on the revamped Estilo. We’re happy with the outcome of the new Wagon R, but we sincerely wished to see the JDM Wagon R which looks modern.

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Entry posted on January 2nd, 2010 and filed under Auto Expo 2010, Maruti Suzuki, Spy pictures

Maruti Suzuki R3 concept shown at Auto Expo; Xylo, Innova, Indicruz on alert

Maruti-suzuki-R3-conceptCould the R3 be a stylish Versa ready for powerful diesel engines?

Maruti Suzuki India is all set to unveil ‘Concept R3? a compact multi-purpose vehicle at the forthcoming Auto Expo 2010.

The 6-seater MPV concept has totally been the work of Indian engineers who have slogged nine months to see the project through.

The vehicle generated out of this concept could be the right candidate for the diesel engines. Suzuki could use the R3 to curb the rising popularity of vehicles like Toyota Innova, Mahindra Xylo, and the Tata Indicruz which also makes its debut at the show.

The Suzuki Eeco could replace the aging Omni which will give more clearance for the R3’s price band. Suzuki’s product line-up in India is cluttered and we should avoid making any guesses beyond this level. The Auto Expo holds answers to these type of question so we expect clarity once the Eeco is on air.

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Entry posted on December 28th, 2009 and filed under Auto Expo 2010, Maruti Suzuki