The Maruti Suzuki R3 MPV has all of a sudden become a hot topic. It is not the first attempt by Indian largest automaker to produce an MPV carrier but the concept was so eye grabbing that everybody was waiting to see the production version. Now with the pictures of the production version out, we can confidently say it lacks the stunning looks of the concept version. From the pictures, it is apparent that the Maruti R3 is a stretched Ritz (the R3 is indeed based on a stretched Ritz platform). When viewed from the side, the Maruti R3 lacks the length of the Innova, which makes it so comfortable for the passengers. The rear profile showcases the LXi badge, which could be targeted towards the Taxi segment.
The car pictured here is the petrol version, which is powered by a 1.4-liter K14 motor. This new engine might make it to the next generation SX4 and produces 95 bhp of power. The diesel motor on the R3 will be from the SX4, using VGT to produce 90 bhp of power and 200 Nm of torque. The LXi variant of the R3 thankfully gets both side rear view mirrors but Maruti Suzuki does not plan to offer body colored mirrors or door handles. Further more, there are no half wheel covers or fog lamps either. There is an intergrated rear spoiler with stop lamp though and we expect the R3 range to start at Rs. 8 lakhs, when it goes on sale later this year.
Source – CarWale
