Maruti launching the Swift Sedan shortly

NEW DELHI: 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.
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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

Courtesy:Economics Times
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