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-   -   Suzuki plans SUV at Rs 7 lakh (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian-car-scene/6997-suzuki-plans-suv-rs-7-lakh.html)

http://in.rediff.com/money/2005/aug/09motor.htm

Soon after launching the Swift, Maruti Udyog appears to be gearing up to create a new market segment in India by launching a mini sports-utility vehicle that is likely to be priced under Rs 7 lakh.

So far, only multi-utility vehicles -- seen as poor cousins to SUVs -- are available at this price.

Japanese newspaper Nihon Keizai Shimbun on Monday reported that a possible mini-SUV from the Suzuki stable, costing as little as $15,000, will be developed by Suzuki Motor Corporation, and made in India, Japan, China and Hungary.

The product is expected to be developed at a cost of $447 million (Rs 2,012 crore) and have a two-litre engine. Its worldwide sales target is likely to be set at 200,000 units.

The mini-SUV from Suzuki will target customers who already have sub-compact cars and are looking for a change.

Maruti's Director (Marketing & Sales) Kinji Saito, however, refused to comment. "We have not been informed about it yet," he said. Saito added that the market for SUVs in India was not very big.

Reports from Japan said the planned new mini-SUV was part of Suzuki's five-year plan (ending 2010) that aims at adding 700,000 units to its sales from the present 2.6 million units.

SUV sales in India have been dormant with total volumes barely crossing 1,000 units a month. Maruti sells its premium SUV, the Grand Vitara, in India at a little over Rs 19 lakh (Rs 1.9 million).

Thats great, hope Suzuki will make a good one. It will be a success for sure here in India.

this should be interesting ... but I am really aprehensive of the mini-SUV's ...especially the Japaneese mini-SUV's ...

any more details on this ?

But I think instead of launching a new mini-SUV, if Maruti (suzuki) facelifted there ultimate 4WD all-rounder machine "Gypsy-king" with major facelift changes including more comfort, more space, more CC, more bhps, and some better luxury inside it then it would be a great launch. :)

But if it a totally new mini launch then I can imagine 7 lacs mini-SUV from MARUTI,
>plastic will smell same like it is in all cars of Maruti (except gand vitara, as i have no idea about that)
>build quality ? a big question.

I am not against Maruti , I appreciate them as they make cars which are really suitable (mainly financially suitable and FE cars) for indians. But they also make compromise on interiror, build quality,safety feature etc etc. So keeping this prev exp from Maruti in mind I have commented...... Please do not mind all Maruti owners. If anyone did mind I am really sorry for my words.

so I think if Maruti is definitely thinking about this mini-SUV in india it should not be a derivative or integration of it's currently extisting models in india. or a I said first, major FACELIFT in GYPSY would be better idea.

thanks,
Hemant

I agree with Hemant here.. Just put in a CRDI engine in the Gypsy, increase the BHP and mileage.. Improve the handling by putting in a P/S.. And for god's sake do something about the rear suspension.. Its just too hard.. You don't have to do anything more than that.. The GYPSY will just rock..

Manish

Unless you put 4 doors, all steel body and 5 forward facing seats the Gypsy will never be a mainstream vehicle.

Mahindra did it with the Armada/Bolero.....no reason Maruti cant.

I agree 4 Doors , All steel body is definitely a must to sell in todays time ... the 2 Door thing will just not do ..even if everything else is just fine ...

Practicality rules first in India ...

In the earlier time the Gypsy cause we were a natio starved of an off-roader or something even closer to a SUV or a MUV/ MPV etc ...

Mini SUV for India = Suzuki Ignis? With 4X4? If yes, it may go the way of the Ford Fusion...

As per this months' Overdrive, Suzuki is not planning the SX4 for India. But the SX4 will be the basis for a FWD notchback which will be the replacement for the Baleno.

Is it the Jimny they are talking bout? It was displayed in Auto Expo a yr or 2 back. Its launch was delayed due to "hot cake" Swift. It may not replace Gypsy cox its really mini and 2 door. The rear seats looks like can hols kids only. But if enuf power is given it may make a wonderful SWB off - roaderm not a SUV.

Google for Suzuki Jimny

Is this the same SUV which Fiat and Suzuki co-developed?

the Suzuki Vitara sold in Malaysia / Singapore (other S.A. markets ??) is actually a good vehicle for the price. it is available in 3 and 5 door versions. (??) Something like that is JUST RIGHT for the Indian market.

Plonk in the JTD as and when it becomes available (around 2007 ??) and MUL has a runaway winner on its hands.

The Grand Vitara is a huge mistake as far as I am concerned.

unless maruti shows good fe figures ppl will not go for its higer end vehicles bc they look too delicate for the indian taste, we need the lokk of an elephant like tata safari to appeal to india

Well, even the king of the jungle gives way to an elephant, same holds good with safari...;)
If suzuki wants to sell a 7 lac SUV, it needs to be comparable to the scorpio.
Indian buyers are shrewder and wiser than they appear.

Is this the vehicle Suzuki is reportedly sharing with FIAT