Maruti plans for new 800cc cars

DHAKA: Maruti Suzuki India is gearing up to introduce by the end of this year a new 800cc car that is likely to be more fuel efficient, but also more expensive, than its existing best-selling model Alto.

According to sources close to the development, the company will start commercial production of the car at its Gurgaon facility from July or August and will launch it by Diwali, reports NDTV.

‘Although this will be an 800cc car, technologically it will be more advanced than the existing two 800cc models. It’ll be more fuel efficient, and hence will also be more expensive than M800 and Alto’, a source said.

It is understood that Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) has upgraded the existing engine and platform of the Alto instead of a complete overhaul in order to reduce development costs.

As per the company’s official website, the prices of M800 varies between Rs 2.05 lakh and Rs 2.30 lakh, while that of Alto stands at Rs 2.40-3.43 lakh.

A 1,000cc variant of the Alto is priced at Rs 3.14-3.31 lakh. All the prices are for ex-showroom, Delhi.

When contacted, a MSI spokesperson declined to comment ‘on any future model development’.

Sources said the company has already done the test productions at various stages of development and is now gearing up to roll out the vehicle commercially.

‘The commercial production of the car will start from July or August and it will be launched by Diwali. This will be produced at the Gurgaon facility’, a source said NDTV report adds.

BDST: 2017 HRS, JUN 26, 2012

Edited by Robab Rosan, Cultural Affairs Editor