New travel option for the joint families
MaruTi suzuki are developing a new MPV, which, they hope, will capture the imagination of Indian car buyers.
After experimenting with the Versa and the recently launched Eeco, Maruti now appreciate the potential of a bigger and better MPV and have developed the R III based on a radical concept showcased at the Auto Expo 2010.
The new R III will share the Ritz hatchback platform, but will feature three rows of seats to accommodate seven persons in the regular version and six in the top-end one. This MPV may emerge as a competitor for the Mahindra Xylo and Toyota Innova. As in these cars, the boot will be generous enough only when the last row of seats is folded down. While the car looks as if it has got the premium factor, we feel that it might be powered by the K-series petrol engine while the diesel variant will sport the DDiS motor, which could make it feel a little underpowered. After all, a big people carrier is never expected to be light and with passengers on board, we don’t see it winning any traffic light drags.
On the design front, the car seems to have borrowed headlamps from the new Swift while the tail-lights look suspiciously similar to the ones on the Hyundai Getz. The rest looks pretty much designed to make sure everyone knows its role as an MPV at first glance. Going by their history, Maruti Suzuki might have another winner in their hands, provided they get the price right.
