Maruti to launch all new mini-MPV called R///

Maruti have announced a very ambitious project aimed at creating a new MPV which would slot in under the Innova. Innovatively christened the R///, the name is catchy for a start and mimics the ///M logo used by BMW’s Motorsport division. This will be an all new vehicle and not a facelift of an earlier model. Read on for more details.

Could it look like the SX4 hatchback?

The R/// will be unveiled at the Auto Expo and it is expected to be packaged brilliantly making good use of every inch of space available. To be built on a stretched SX4 platform, it will come with 3-rows and innovative packaging. Maruti has cleverly decided to do a mini-MPV, a segment that is empty at the moment rather than competing with the Innova which is quite unshakeable.

It will be a monocoque MPV and will be car-like in its driving dynamics. We are not sure if the taxi market will accept a vehicle that is not a body on frame design. It will have high ground clearance and decent width considering the platform it is based on. Also, Maruti could use its brilliant 1.2L K-series engine and 1.3 VVT (all new engine being developed for next-gen Swift). If Maruti needs to win the competition, then a diesel engine is mandatory and this could be provided byt he excellent 1.3MJT with a boosted output. However, the possibility of VW’s diesels cannot be ruled out from the new VW-Suzuki partnership.

Before you guys get too excited, listen to this – The R/// is still in concept stage and will take atleast 18-24 months to make it to the showrooms. In that time frame, it will compete with the under development Ford Fiesta based MUV, Nissan’s MUV based on the Micra platform (rumoured) and the modified for India Toyota Avanza. So get ready for some real competition. India is the next biggest destination for Automobiles. Zoom India!

The RIII is currently only in the concept stage and it would take another 18-24 months to make it a showroom reality, once the green light for production is given. The RIII is also part of Maruti’s strategy to explore more profitable segments of the market and lessen its reliance on the small car sector where it is totally dominant.

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