The Esteem has finally
run out of steam. Maruti Udyog is all set to launch a new sedan based on the
Swift platform in January next year, to replace one of its most successful
models. And that is not all. India’s largest carmaker has put together an
exciting array of models such as, the small car Splash, the SUV Jimny as well as
a ‘big’ car (read Kizashi Concept) to take on the likes of the Honda Civic and
Skoda Octavia.
A source close to the company confirmed that production
of the Esteem has already been stopped. But when contacted this is what a
company spokesperson had to say: “The production of the Esteem is going to
continue for the next 3-4 months. But Esteem owners can rest easy, as we would
continue to provide service and spare parts to support the model, as always done
in the past with other models that have been phased out.”
A top Maruti
official said, “We will be launching the Swift Sedan shortly.” The new sedan
will be priced lower than the SX4 and is touted to come in two variants, a
new-generation 1.3-litre multi–jet diesel engine and in a 1.3-litre petrol
variant.
The diesel variant will give Maruti the edge to fight the likes
of the Indica and Indigo twins from Tata Motors and also take the fight to
Hyundai’s diesel variants. Also according to well-placed sources, Maruti has
asked its vendors to get ready to supply components for its big car project.
The concept car called the Kizashi was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor
Show 2007 and it is also supposed to be displayed at the Tokyo Motor Show next
month. When launched it will compete with cars in the A4 segment, which has the
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Skoda Octavia Rider coming in the price bracket
of Rs10-12 lakh.
The company’s plan to go to the next level is driven by
the success of the SX4, which has made the Honda’s City a bit jittery. The big
car foray is also in step with the global plans of Maruti’s parent company,
Suzuki Motor Corp, which desperately wants an image makeover from a successful
small carmaker to a manufacturer with competence in bigger cars as well. The
company is also scheduled to launch a new compact car (read Splash) in 2009.
A company source said, “The Splash is going to take a little time.” The
cheeky Splash comes with three-engine options-a 65 bhp, 1,000cc three-cylinder
petrol, a 85 bhp 1,400cc four-cylinder petrol and a 75 bhp 1,300cc four-cylinder
turbo diesel.