Maruti Suzuki plans to showcase 17 production and concept models at the 2010 Delhi Auto Expo. Of all the models, the most expected are the new small car,new Wagon-R,new Swift and Kizashi. To our surprise, Maruti has announced it will a MPV concept called R III. Maruti has already models like Omni and recently unveiled EECO in the people mover segment, but Maruti wants a bigger pie. Maruti R III concept based model will be in the segment of Mahindra Xylo and Tata Sumo Grande.R III concept is based on the extended SX4 platform and will be built on monocoque platform. R III based model if produced will be powered by Maruti’s successful KB series petrol engine. Maruti has only the 1.3L mutlijet but whether it would be sufficient to pull 7 seater will be a question. But the Suzuki’s recent stake sale to Volkswagen gives a cue to us. R III concept based model may run on Volkswagen diesel engine. Production of R III concept might take between 18-24 months. Till then, let’s keep our fingers crossed.