Indian auto giant Maruti Suzuki is preparing to launch a new mini sports utility vehicle (SUV) in the country, a segment where it has no presence so far. The new mini SUV is expected to be developed on the lines of Suzuki’s Jimny, which is currently available in the Japanese market. The new Maruti SUV will be rolled-out as a four-door, diesel engine powered vehicle, unlike the Jimny which is a two-door vehicle and sports a petrol engine.
As per a recent statement given by a senior official of the company, “We're looking at how to strengthen our portfolio and are identifying new gaps. We're actively looking at the small SUV space. This will have to be a four-door diesel model, as petrol two-door SUV will not click with the Indian consumer. We're working on an almost new concept for this.”
The SUV segment is currently the fastest growing segment of vehicles in India as it grew over 70 percent this year. The popular vehicles of this segment include Tata Safari, Mahindra Scorpio, and Toyota Fortuner.
Moreover, the company is planning to add as many as seven new cars in its Indian portfolio in coming two years. The upcoming cars of the company include a new small car in Alto’s segment; an MPV based on RIII concept, Maruti Kizashi, Maruti SX4 Diesel, and upgraded versions of Maruti Swift and Swift Dzire.
The Suzuki Jimny
