New D segmenter coming up from suzuki [possibly India bound] - Concept pics on Pg. 3

[Ram]

Originally Posted by 1100D

Why a D segmenter for that matter, I actually wish for a RWD B+ segmenter (that too in hatch form - even if its a few generations old)

Name an older generation rear-wheel-drive B+ segmenter of your wishes.
And why a hatch?

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Suzuki has just released pictures of the Kizashi concept, which will be their first premium sedan. The concept will be seen in the flesh at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month, and it marks a new beginning for the Japanese carmaker.

So where does the car fit in the bigger scheme of things, especially India? Its Indian innings might bear fruit in 2009 and could be priced in the region of Rs 10 to 12 lakh. By then the current Honda Civic would be more than two years old and a new Toyota Corolla might have hit Indian shores.

But can Suzuki pull it off? It might be too early to predict, but for someone like Suzuki that is beginning its life in the segment as an underdog, it has all to gain and nothing to lose.

Source: BSMotoring

[ashutoshb]

• D segment car by 2009-10
• Swift sedan next year; Petrol & Diesel
• New compact car in 2006
• Esteem to die

Post-SX4, Maruti plans competitor for Honda Civic by 2009-10

New Delhi, Aug 26 (PTI)

After setting out to play the bigger game with its latest sedan SX4, the country's largest carmaker Maruti Udyog is planning to launch a bigger car by 2009-10 that will take on the likes of Honda Civic.

Moreover, the company will be driving into sunset one of its oldest models, Esteem. A sedan version of runaway success 'Swift' is coming in its place by next year.

According to vendor sources, MUL has already sounded its major
component suppliers to gear up for a "big car" project, which will be launched by 2009-10.

Incidentally, the company is also scheduled to launch a new compact car in 2009, which primarily would cater to the European market, but plans are to launch it in the domestic market as well.

MUL officials declined to comment on its future plans. Industry sources, however, said the "big car" from the MUL stable will compete with the likes of Honda Civic, one of the most successful models in the fast growing A4 segment, and others such as Toyota Corolla and Skoda Octavia Rider that
come in a price bracket of Rs 10-12 lakh.

MUL's plan to play the bigger game is buoyed by the success of its SX4 sedan, which successfully made a dent in the segment led by Honda Siel Cars India's 'City' model.

Globally also, Maruti's parent company Suzuki Motor Corp has sought an image makeover from being a successful small car maker to a firm with competence in big cars as well.

The sources also said MUL has decided to bring the curtains down on Esteem, 13 years after it was launched with a 1.3 litre petrol engine.

The new Swift sedan is expected in both petrol and diesel engine variants, they said.

The sources, however, said the company would continue to provide service support to its Esteem model, as it had done in the past with its models that have been phased out.

Although Esteem is still in demand, specially from fleet operators, the company decided to bring in the Swift sedan considering competition in the mid-sized sedan segment, including Tata Motor's new generation Indigo series to be launched next year, the sources added.

[ported_head]

Threads merged.

Interesting. But I'd like to see how well consumers will take to a Civic competitor to start rattling within the first 6 months.

[Eddy]

Correction: New compact car in 2009

[iraghava]

Well good news about the Esteem phase-out, it's grown a bit too long in the tooth. As for the Civic competitor, it's going to be a tough sell & yes, like Porty mentioned quality has to be spot on.

[BUSA]

Hope MUL do another SX4 on Honda

[abdul 65 amg]

The new Suzuki will be the size of a Camry right, I guess it will use a new platform.The Swift, SX4 chassis is too small.then they need to use a bigger plateform.

[ravibhat]

I feel whatever MUL/Suzuki do their outer dimensions impress but inside its cramped story in every segment. Only positive aspect is price point which make indian buyer happy with MUL cars. I assume samething about
this D Segment car.

MUL knows Indian mind best and launch with more attractive features with less price so Indian like me can afford luxury vehicle in less price. This trick will click only in small segments upto Esteem.

Regards,

Ravi.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by abdul 65 amg

The new Suzuki will be the size of a Camry right, I guess it will use a new platform.The Swift, SX4 chassis is too small.then they need to use a bigger plateform.

The first post says it would be based on the 'Teana' platform. Thats big for the segment they are looking to price it! Suzuki plays VFM card once more?

OR... media does it again?

[theMAG]

Originally Posted by ported_head

But I'd like to see how well consumers will take to a Civic competitor to start rattling within the first 6 months.

I expect Maruti to conduct free training sessions on how to stick foam and thick tape on the insides of interior panels. Khattar will then appear in a CNBC interview and tell the anchor abt this - Maruti's unique initiative towards enhancing an Indian D-segment owner's satisfaction thru this DIY.

[sathya_nars]

This time MUL should focus more on build quality, interiors quality, etc. SX4's VFM overrode lack of interior & build quality, but same game doesn't work in D segment.

[shuvc]

Originally Posted by sathya_nars

This time MUL should focus more on build quality, interiors quality, etc. SX4's VFM overrode lack of interior & build quality, but same game doesn't work in D segment.

It just might if they give Accord like specs for Civic prices.

[sathya_nars]

Originally Posted by shuvc

It just might if they give Accord like specs for Civic prices.

And may be with build & other quality of C segment car !

Anyway, MUL should be appreciated for coming up with cars of good specs/price. Since it is of D segment, they should look at quality of materials used.

[gopinathann]

Before Maruti start launching different segment cars, first they should think whether they can deliver the car. Till now Swift Petrol, Diesel, and SX4 has more than a month delivery issues.