Maruti Suzuki Solio

Showcased for the first time in India at the 2012 New Delhi Auto Expo, the Maruti Suzuki Solio is a popular hatchback model already present in Japan. Unlike siblings Palette and MR Wagon, the Solio comes with a relatively bigger 1.2 L engine that sets it apart from the two Kei models. It is already sold in Suzuki’s home country as the next generation WagonR, which is quite popular in the Indian automotive market. The USP of the car is the ‘fun ride’ it offers in a surprisingly spacious frame and high fuel economy.

In Japan, Solio holds the distinction of being the highest selling model of Suzuki Motor Corporation (excluding Kei cars). Therefore, the sales prospects of this car in India, a market dominated by small, fuel efficient hatchbacks, seem good. However, the looks of the vehicle may turn off many buyers in the local market, who may not approve of the boxy body. Speculation is rife that the Solio will be launched as the new WagonR in the domestic market and will be based on the platform on which the wildly popular Swift was developed.

Engines & Specifications of Maruti Suzuki Solio

Codenamed Yk8 by the Japanese manufacturer, the car is equipped with a 1.2 L K-series petrol engine, which is ideally suited for the uneven Indian roads. The 1242 cc, 4 cylinder MPFI motor is capable of producing 90 bhp of peak power at 6000 rpm and 118 Nm of maximum torque at 4800 rpm. This petrol unit is supplemented with the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT/automatic) gearbox for smooth gearshifts.

Performance of Maruti Suzuki Solio

Maruti Suzuki has developed the Solio model keeping in mind optimum comfort in a package that offers decent fuel efficiency. The car is said to be capable of delivering fuel efficiency of 23 to 24 kmpl on Japanese roads. So, Indian buyers optimistic about the launch of this model in the country can expect similar mileage figures. They can also look forward to two drive options that enhance the performance of the model – 2WD and 4WD. MacPherson struts in the front and coil springs in the rear will ensure that the car absorbs the shocks on the rough Indian terrain quite easily.

Exterior, Interior & Safety Features of Maruti Suzuki Solio

The Solio is a subcompact hatchback model that belongs to the Kei family of cars sold in Japan. Therefore, its dimensions are generous despite the presence of a small engine. The car sold in the homeland of Suzuki is 3750 mm in length, 1685 mm in width and 1660 mm in height. These suggest that the car is bigger than the WagonR sold in India, so buyers can look forward to more interior space. In terms of exterior features, the company has made unbridled use of chrome in the front fascia of the vehicle, while the same can be seen at the rear on the headlight assembly design; the overall look of the car is quite boxy.

The interiors of Maruti Suzuki Solio are quite spacious, which will certainly appeal to the demographic that the manufacturer is targeting in India. Its tall boy design ensures that tall passengers enjoy sufficient headroom in the vehicle. 50:50 rear seat split configuration helps accommodate two rear passengers with utmost ease, while the ample luggage space will appeal to frequent travellers. Some of the safety features of the car include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), smart key system, keyless entry, SRS airbags and anti-theft mechanism.