Maruti’s new R III mini-MPV spied

Here are the first spy pictures of Maruti’s new people mover. Shot in Rajasthan, probably undergoing hot weather testing, Maruti’s latest baby is not a regular Suzuki model sold in other markets but one that has been designed and engineered in India for the Indian market. Based on a stretched Ritz platform, this new Maruti features three rows of seats, four regular doors and is likely to have a seating capacity of between six to seven passengers, depending on the configuration.

The design is not what we had expected. Maruti had shown the RIII MPV concept at the Auto Expo in 2010, but this car looks almost nothing like it. Yes, the large triangular headlights spillover the fenders in a similar manner, but apart from that the MPV and the R III concept have nothing in common. The design however is immediately recognizable as a Suzuki and the nose, with its large headlamps and horizontal slot like grille, in fact is very similar to the Ritz. The wide inlet under the bumper and the nacelles for fogs however are very different.

Look closely at the pictures and other details come into view. A corrugated roof has been used to increase strength, the rear windscreen wraps itself around the back for that ‘pillar-less’ look and the tiny tail-lamps seem to have been designed with cost rather than visibility in mind.

Look at the nose and you can the vertically aligned intercooler in the chin of the car, which of course means there will be a diesel version. And you can expect a more powerful version of the K-Series engine to power this car as well. Maruti could also do a CNG version of this car. What remains to be seen however is if it can keep the three rows of seats with the gas tank in place.

Due to the stretched wheelbase, this car is not likely to duck into the sub four meter small car class, and Maruti will be looking at a more premium customer with this car. So the interiors are expected to be as well specified as a Swift or Ritz and this will be a feature rich model as well. Bootspace on this Maruti for the extended family however won’t be great.

Maruti is currently looking at building a new plant to expand its capacity, and that's something it will need when this car is launched towards the latter half of this year.