MPVs are big in the Indonesian car market, like how entry-level hatchbacks dominate the Indian car market. The IIMS 2013 saw 3 MPV concepts being unveiled, Datsun Go+, Honda Mobilio and at the end of the show, the WagonR 3 Rows. The WagonR 3 Rows concept is an MPV that is a stretched version of the WagonR hatchback.
The stretching of the WagonR hatchback’s body, with the styling and wheelbase being retained has resulted in Suzuki being able to accommodate another row of seats. The extra row of seats that seems fit only for midget makes the WagonR 3 Rows concept MPV a 7 seater. Suzuki Indonesia is playing cards close to its chest and isn’t revealing whether the WagonR 3 Rows MPV concept has a production future. But since Suzuki doesn’t have a direct rival to the low cost Datsun Go+ MPV, the WagonR 3 Rows concept might just get the production sign off. Suzuki already sells the Ertiga MPV in Indonesia, with the CKD kits for the same being exported out of India. Since Maruti Suzuki will be Suzuki’s major exporter, it could go ahead to build the WagonR 3 Rows MPV in India.
Many MPVs that sell in the Indonesian market are also sold in the Indian car market. Two examples include the Toyota Innova and the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. The Datsun Go+ will also be launched in India next year. So, the compact MPV based on the Maruti Suzuki WagonR looks like an intelligent option for India. Oh yes, the WagonR MPV doesn’t look very safe and might not even be a car that’s very comfortable. But then, it can be priced just about Rs. 40,000 more than the hatchback version and for this reason at least, it’ll sell and sell well in India. Practicality and affordability beat safety and performance in India and this is why we have cars like the Alto K10 and WagonR selling here in the first place.
source: https://goo.gl/aUTcaQ - Motoroids
