[DragonHawk]

Originally Posted by abhishek46

No offence to your enthusiasm, but, weird does not sell in India.

Rather than this, they could simply launch the Jimny.

On the funny side, if an ugly car like S-Presso can sell like a hot cake then why not this weirdo. Like Mr. Bhargava from Maruti has said, they can sell anything which they produce. So you never know.

However, having said that IMO this looks cute than weird and it can be an instant hit among ladies and also especially among people who are looking for beater car for doing city errands.

[veedub89]

I think its way too Japanese to work anywhere else in the world.
With no offence to the Japanese culture, they are bit different, let's say.

The Indian sensibilities will most likely not respond to this. Plus MSIL already has so many small cars in its portfolio. I don't think it will be an easy job to shoehorn this vehicle in.

[SenPai_GTi]

This one has received mixed reactions to it, agreed.

But just think about it, it looks like a perfect go kart and I'm sure it would handle like a go kart too. If launched in India, this could become the poor man's track day vehicle. With the dearth of cheap and fun track day vehicles(not everyone can afford a Polo TSI), this could just be the package that we need. Also considering the factor that its a Maruti, servicing and parts will be cheap.

And since this is a JDM, it would be mod friendly too.

[Mat095]

It’s nice and funky!

I have always liked the idea of retro styled hatchbacks. Pair it with the nice K10 engine or the K12 and you have yourself a retro pocket-rocket, something that would truly standout from the crowd.

Kei cars are a huge hit in Japan and I’ve always wondered why don’t we have them here in India. As for the concerns regarding the sales figures of such car, I think it’s pretty evident now that we Indians don’t have a problem with quirky designs (S-Presso, Creta, Ignis etc.).

My only concern is where would Maruti position this in the current lineup?

P.S: Also, is it weird that I already figured it’ll be a Nexa product if it ever comes to our shores?

[Apex1815]

Japanese love Boxy design cars. During my visit official to Japan I observed that cars (mainly Hatchbacks) in Japan are Boxy + Cartoonish (looks).
These cars are called as "Kei" cars in Japan and offer very good utility in terms of space because of boxy design.

Their day to day lifestyle (signs/hoardings/safety instructions/daily use items) involve so much animated/cartoon depiction and is reflected in Kei car designs as well.
However such cars will not attract customers in India because Indians prefer more simplistic/mature/sober/masculine looks in the cars.

Please refer the website (https://www.daihatsu.com/company/car_model/car_jp.html) of one of the Japanese car company DAIHATSU. Most of the DAIHATSU cars look like this (boxy/cartoonistic).
FYI, Few Indian cars have some (not exactly) reflection of typical Japanese car Eg Wagon R & S-Presso, Fiat 500 etc.

[Miel]

Originally Posted by Ashutosh

This can be a welcome change to the current lineup of MSIL in India.

This can surely be a welcome change to MSIL's current lineup. But what would be the market this model is to address? In this size, it cannot aim for anything beyond the "Kitna Deti Hain" market. In other words, if this is to address the Alto, S-Presso, and even Celerio market, then sure. But will it garner enough numbers to justify launching it?

Originally Posted by rajshenoy

The problem with our market is, we expect such a small car to sell cheap.

Very few of us would love to see such a form factor with say 1.2K series (and Auto, 4WD ??) and say goodies like ABS, 6 air bags, All 4 disc etc.

If they strip all that, we already have the Alto 800 which can meet the "kitna deti hai" criteria

Spot on!

[landcruiser123]

This is just one more of the Kei cars (under 660cc small cars) - a quirk that is limited to Japan only. We Indians have our sub 4m cars!

Barring Nano/Reva/E2O, India hasn’t seen a small car (Kei car equivalent) in 4 decades of Suzuki. Highly doubt this’ll come to India in 2021 when the market wants to everyone wants a bigger car. Besides, I doubt it can make it up some steep roads in Bangalore.

[vishwas]

Awesome looking car. It can eat the Mini's (minuscule) market for breakfast.

[ankit.livedrive]

Originally Posted by Ashutosh

a Japan exclusive model called Lapin Mode, an hatchback with a retro design

The shape and looks remind me of ORA R1, which was showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo.

[Ashutosh]

Originally Posted by GTO

It's small, cute and a hit with the ladies in Japan. Knowing how Maruti doesn't mind overlapping its own products, I don't see why not. Further, with all cheap hatchbacks becoming more or less the same (engine size, dimensions, interior space, equipment), the need to differentiate is important. Maruti even patented it in India.

So, this model may have a chance to appear in India, for filing a patent shows intent.

One of my obsession back in 2000s was Lancer EVO Wagon.
My naive self even called a dealership regarding import procedures
Mitsubishi did itself a great injustice by diluting the Lancer brand.