After the mammoth success in the US and Japan, Maruti Suzuki’s Kizashi would find its entry to India next year. The car is the mid-range of sports and sedan and would cost Rs10 lakhs. It is expected to arrest the attention at the Auto Expo in Delhi next month and the feedback will decide the exact launch in India. Industry viewers feel that Kizashi may hit as the alternative for Verona (GM Daewoo). Technically, the car will have 2.4lit Euro IV engine to be deemed as a big sedan.
Kizashi may be a counter to Audi A4 (Rs29lakh), Acura TSX (Rs13.4 lakh) Toyota Corolla (Rs9 lakh) Honda Civic (Rs11 lakh) and Ford Focus (Rs7.6lakh). in the US it costs $18999 and is designed with standard keyless ignition, rear seat vents, leather –wrapped steering wheels, and rear side airbags. It is fit to run 10-11 km/lit. extra accessories like rain-sensing wipers, backup camera with ultrasonic sensors, and navigation are bundled for $27000.
Maruti is not a good runner with big sedans, as its past experience reveal- Baleno and SX4 but much is expected from this Kizashi. The new one is sporty in outlook and wheels measure 21-inch. This will be one among the 17 vehicles that Maruti will display in the Auto Expo. Eeco, 1200cc 5-7 seater and five-door car will be at the display @Rs4 lakh.
The refined version of Wagon R and the Swift will also be at the Expo since these two models are slated for new forms in another two years. Maruti intends to retain its 50% share in the Indian market to keep its rivals – Tata, Ford and GM, Hyundai and Honda- at a distance. Any new investments will be let known after the Expo.