Suzuki may launch replacement for Alto and Ritz; AWD Swift in the pipeline

Suzuki is likely to launch a replacement for the Alto (A-Star in India) and Splash (Ritz in India) hatchback by 2014 according to a report from Autocar UK. The report also suggests that it will launch smaller version of the SX4 hatchback as well as some major changes for the Swift line up including an AWD version and one with a special body kit.

The Alto (A-Star in India) and Splash (Ritz in India) replacement will be the Japanese automaker’s new budget offerings for the European market. The car will be built in Thailand and is expected to be exported to many countries from there. We are sure to get this vehicle as both the A-Star and the Ritz are not bigger sellers for Maruti Suzuki. However, given their reputation for rarely discontinuing vehicles, it is likely that this vehicle will be just added to the Indian line-up.  

The next major development is that a smaller vehicle will developed for entry into the B-Segment and will compete with cars like the Nissan Note MPV and the Toyota Verso-both are compact MPV’s roughly the size of the Eritga. Since they already have the Ertiga in that segment doing quite well, it is unlikely that we will get this vehicle. 

The smaller SX4 will be roughly around 4.5 meters in length and will have, as the report puts it, edgier styling but will share engines and most likely interiors. This vehicle will mostly be a crossover will surely come to India due to the growing demand for such cars here.  

Finally, the Swift hatchback will get three major updates as a part of mid-lift facelift. The first and second are expected to be an AWD option and special body kit for the standard car. The third is that the Swift Sport will be offered in a five door model, providing some hope that we may see it on our roads in the near future.  

Source: Autocar UK