Maruti Suzuki is looking towards new launches to reinvigorate its dwindling sales figures and the New Delhi Auto Expo could not have come at a better time. At this monumentous event, the company is expected to showcase a plethora of vehicles, including one that will be powered by a sub-660 cc engine, called Maruti Suzuki Palette. This small car, termed a kei in the Japanese market, will be unveiled along with a sibling at the auto show in January 2012, Suzuki MR Wagon.
The upcoming Maruti Suzuki Palette will be a refreshing change from the standard affair offered by the largest car manufacturer of India. With its unconventional looks, spacious interiors and excellent fuel economy, the car should be able to draw visitors. The engine is well received in the Japanese market and the company will be counting on this car to stimulate its sales chart in the near future. Though Maruti Suzuki is not expected to launch the vehicles right away, the two small cars will be showcased to gather audience response for them. However, auto experts believe that one of the cars will be launched in the domestic market by the end of 2014.
Engine and Specifications of Maruti Suzuki Palette
The upcoming Maruti Suzuki Palette will be sporting a small 660 cc engine that runs on petrol. The small engine may make some think that this car will be positioned in India as a Nano killer, but the company denies this altogether. Talking about the capacity of this 3 cylinder engine, it can be expected to churn out 54 bhp power at 6500 rpm at 63 Nm torque at 4000 rpm. A turbocharged version of the engine that produces 64 bhp power may or may not available in the Indian market if the car is launched in the country.
Performance of Maruti Suzuki Palette
Performance is one of the first thoughts in the minds of buyers looking for a hatchback and the upcoming Maruti Suzuki Palette proves to be a stalwart in that regard. The small capacity engine is able to render excellent fuel economy of 32 kmpl, which is simply astounding and may help the company in attracting many buyers. With power steering mechanism, drivers will be able to direct the car on the most traffic laden roads with utmost ease while the front disk and rear drum brakes will give them total control. The five speed manual speed transmission system will help drivers in shifting gears smoothly.
Interior, Exterior & Safety of Maruti Suzuki Palette
At first look, the Japanese version of Maruti Suzuki Palette seems quite unique due to its huge body. This vehicle stands 3395 mm long, 1475 mm wide and 1735 mm tall, quite big for a car with a sub-800 cc engine. The exteriors of the car are characterised by body coloured bumpers, Outside Rear View Mirrors (ORVMs) and door handles. The fascia looks quite peppy with the slanted headlamps and standard grille with Maruti logo. The car may also have alloy wheels when launched in India.
In terms of interiors, the car is characterised by only one word – huge. This vehicle is assimilated with power windows, remote central locking, fuel filler and boot, and rake type steering adjustment. For passengers' entertainment, the car will have a high fidelity music system, which will make long drives bearable. Conveniently placed steering-mounted controls, plush leather seats, electric door mirrors on both sides and folding rear seats are also available in the car.
Passenger safety is gaining more and more popularity in the Indian auto sector and the upcoming Maruti Suzuki Palette will be laden some sophisticated safety arrangements. It is expected to boast of dual passenger airbags, fog lamps, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), rear seatbelts and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Fact Sheet:
| Make | Maruti Suzuki |
| Model | Palette |
| Fuel Types | Petrol |
| Price Range | Rs. 4-5 lacs |
| Key Specifications |
Make
|
Maruti Suzuki
|
Model
|
Palette
|
Fuel Types
|
Petrol
|
Price Range
|
Rs. 4-5 lacs
|
Key specifications
|
660 cc, 54 bhp/64 bhp at 6500 rpm, 63 Nm at 4000 rpm
32 kmpl fuel economy
Dual airbags, ABS, EBD
|
|
