Maruti Suzuki, according to multiple reports, has decided to build the R3 MPV, shown as a concept at the Auto Expo in January this year. India’s largest car manufacturer found little success with its first MPV “Versa.” The re-engineered “Maruti Eeco” introduced earlier this year at almost a fraction of the Versa’s cost has got of to a very brisk start.
Encouraged by the success, Maruti will compete with the likes of the mini Xylo, Chevrolet’s Wuling vans and the junior Innova when it comes out next year. Based on the elongated SX4 platform, naturally it will share many vital components which should lower costs and development time.
Now the interesting bit is the R3 could come with VW’s diesel engines. For cars like the Swift and Ritz, Maruti uses the Fiat 1.3-Multi-jet engine. Due to unavailability of extra engines at the manufacturing site, Suzuki could use the 1.6-liter diesel engine that will feature on the VW Vento.
The 1.6-litre common rail diesel engine makes 105 bhp, which should be sufficient to power this seven seater. The 1.2-liter K-Series engine and the 1.6-litter VVT engine that powers the SX4 could be the petrol options. The former was designed for cars of smaller sizes, and it wouldn’t make the R3 a very engaging drive. The latter could be transplanted with ease, saving time, since its home is the engine bay of the SX4.
Maruti is yet to finalize details for this vehicle as it waits for the customer feedback to be processed.
Suzuki could take the Indian-engineered R3 MPV to markets like Brazil where it could produce it in VW plants. The Suzuki R3 knocked-down kits from the Manesar/Gurgaon plant could be exported to European and Latin American countries where it will be assembled.
The Creative version gets a bouquet of equipment to keep it fresh
A new variant of the Fiat Punto is launched in Brazil, in fact two new variants — the Punto Creative I and the Punto Creative II.
According to the Brazilian blogger, a new Punto with 1.6 ltr 16 valve flex engine is being tested in Brazil but the Creative I and II are the variants of the existing 1.4 ltr SAFIRE version.
MP3 CD radio, electric rear panel, knife type key, alloy wheels, rear spoiler and creative stickers are the goodies added to the Creative I.
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The Suzuki Swift was strangely given a boot in India. So many of my friends did not like its looks once it was launched. The rear tried to replicate the 7 Series while the lines on the side was reminiscent of a Bentley, which was not very convincing. I remember quizzing everyone about the Dzire and some even quit speaking to me when they came to know I liked the Dzire’s looks.
But look at what magnitude of success this car has tasted. It has outdone all its classmates and the predictions of mine in college, selling almost two times the number its nearest competitor managed. Many controversial designs have done well in India. The Mahindra Xylo and the earlier Honda City are also good examples in this case.
The new Chevrolet Spark is a type of car one likes to see, stay as a hatch. It surprisingly holds back most of the concept’s lines, which is a good thing. Even the existing model remained as a hatch through its entire life.
Now news is out that in the future, a sedan variant of the stunning Spark will come out of the Brazilian production line.
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It was only a matter of time before we received confirmation. Our friend in Brazil, Marlos Vidal, says Tata Nanos are running around Fiat’s largest production production plant in Betim, Brazil.
Marlos explains the car that is doing rounds, is a prototype, and its specifications might be different to the Indian car. The car might be sold as a Tata, or Fiat could use the Nano’s base to station its own mini car.
If the former is the case, Tata has showcased the Nano Europa concept with different bumpers and interiors, so this could be one such derivative.
We’ll have to wait and see how this story unfolds.
Our friends in Argentina inform us that Renualt-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn, has addressed members of the international media and expressed interest in setting up a plant in Brazil that will roll out the ULC (Ultra Low Cost car). Renault aims to sell more affordable cars to increase its presence in the country.
Meanwhile in India, Bajaj has not yet made up its mind on how to position the product since the company has learnt a thing or two fighting a losing battle in the 100cc segment of motorcycles in India. It does not want to repeat the same mistake by competing in a segment that is dominated by another brand where opportunities are less for a relatively new entrant.
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Doesn’t this car look exactly the same as the face-lifted Chevrolet Aveo sedan we brought you earlier? It’s a no-frills version, and get this, the Chevrolet Sail would come to India in the future.
For GM, things have turned out to be more exciting for its overseas operations after it filed for bankruptcy in its home country. Especially emerging markets, as GM ordered them all to develop their future models and bring in the cash. More importantly, GM does not want to develop cars that are region specific, but can be sold all over the world.
Before GM filed for bankruptcy, the company was dealing with several projects all around the world. One of them was Project Viva, a small car that would, at first, be sold only in South America. This sort of move is becoming increasingly common.
Apparently, European cars are always too expensive to be sold as they are in emerging countries, hence the Fiat Palio, Volkswagen Gol, Chevrolet Celta and Vectra (in Brazil, also known in other countries as Astra Sedan), among others were developed specifically as low cost cars for emerging markets.
With the bankruptcy situation, GM has to seize all its resources and Project Viva may be sold not only in South America, but all over the world, including other emerging countries, such as India, and USA, where it will be built and is supposed to face the new Ford Fiesta.
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Micheal Boneham, President and Managing Director of Ford India stated the entry-level Ford, developed for emerging markets like Brazil and India will cost close to 4 lakh rupees (roughly $8,000). The car will be produced in both hatchback and sedan forms from next year onwards in Ford’s Chennai facility.
