| ·
 Eight
full-size seats
·Rs 6-8 lakh price tag
·1.5 and 1.6-litre petrol engines, 1.3 Multijet diesel
lakh
Suzuki's
forward-looking mini people-mover, the APV, recently launched at the Jakarta
motor show, is expected to be introduced in the Indian market in the not-so-distant
future. Currently manufactured in Indonesia, Suzuki's APV plans include
a number of ASEAN countries as well, and India is on that list.
Half-a-metre longer than Maruti's Versa and 18cm wider, the much larger
APV is likely to be sold in India primarily as an eight-seater. The cheeky
styling of the APV seems to be based on the VW Microbus concept. The long
lamps that straddle the bonnet and the fenders, the protruding wheel arches
and the high-mounted bonnet make it look like something more than just
a van. The kink in the lower part of the doors prevents the APV from looking
slab-sided, and even the chrome strip above the grille looks cool. The
rear is also more hatch than van, with the clear-lens tail-lamps mounted
midway up the body and the brushed aluminium tailgate strip over the number-plate
adding a touch of class.
Interior dimensions
are an important factor for people who buy MUVs, and the APV will have substantially
more than the Versa. While not as large as the bigger Toyota Innova, it
will seat eight in relative comfort.
The design of the dash is more saloon car too. A strong central console
that looks similar to that on the Corolla, and Vitara-like silver-ringed
dials with sporty red needles look neat. The details and the vents however
are a reminder that this is a entry-level car, and even the faux-wood centre-console
can't hide this.
Sold in Indonesia with a choice of 1.5-litre and 1.6-litre 16-valve motors,
Maruti is however likely to leverage motors currently used in its range
in India. The 1.3-litre engine from the Versa/Esteem and the 1.6 from the
Baleno are likely to be the sources of power. But it's the new 1.3-litre
Fiat Multi-jet diesel, the one Maruti will make in its own plant, that could
to be the star performer. One that is perfectly suited to the utilitarian
nature of product with its efficiency, this common rail diesel has bags
of torque and incredible driveability, perfect if you want to drive with
eight passengers.
The front suspension is the familiar MacPherson strut and coil spring layout,
while the rear suspension consists of basic leaf springs on a rigid axle,
meaning ride at the rear is likely to be compromised.
Brakes are discs in front and drums at the rear, and steering is by rack-and-pinion.
Ride height is a bad-road-friendly 175mm, almost identical to the Scorpio
and Qualis, and this will prove to be a boon on our potholed roads, even
when loaded to the maximum.
The MUV market in India is going from strength to strength - witness the
fact that the introduction of the Chevrolet Tavera in July this year didn't
drastically affect sales of the Mahindra Scorpio, the Toyota Qualis or the
Tata Sumo. Figures show that rather than cutting into their market share,
the Chevy has, in fact, helped add to the volumes sold in this segment.
Maruti wants a slice of this pie, and with the diesel APV has the car with
which it can finally crack the segment. But it must be competitively priced,
somewhere not too far off from Rs 6 lakh. Decent passenger-carrying capacity,
some great motors, mildly attractive - the APV could be just what you are
looking for in a car. And if Maruti can provide better value than the Innova,
similar load-carrying capacity for less, could it harry the Toyota ? We
think it could.l
|
| Suzuki
apv
How much?
Price Rs 6-8 lakh (est)
How big?
Length 4155mm
Width 1655mm
Height 1855mm
Kerb weight 1225kg
Wheelbase 2625mm
Engine
Layout In-line, 4cyl, turbo-diesel, 1.3L
Installation Front, longitudinal, rear-wheel drive
Gearbox
Type 5-speed manual
Suspension
Front MacPherson strut
Rear Rigid axle, leaf spring
Steering
Type Rack & pinion
Brakes
Front Ventilated discs
Rear Drums |
|
| WHAT
TO EXPECT
A modern-day Versa with more style and space
Captions:
>>
APV's
styling based on VW Microbus concept; good ride height means it can handle
worst of roads.
>>
Smaller
than the Innova, APV will be an eight-seater for India.
>>
Local
motors will power APV.
>>
Functional
Interiors a la Suzuki. |
November 2004
