Auto Expo 2010: Suzuki shows off tidy R3 MPV concept [w/video]

Maruti Suzuki has unveiled its latest concept car, the R3 MPV inside New Delhi's Auto Expo 2010. Despite its small footprint, the Indian-designed vehicle actually secrets six individual seats.

MSi has yet to detail what platform underpins the R3, let alone what powertrain is inside the concept (if any), but the concept is said to provide a very good look at a forthcoming Indian-market model that could hit the country's roads within two years. Some sources are suggesting that the people mover could be motivated by anything from a Fiat-sourced 1.3-liter diesel to Suzuki's own 1.2- or 1.4-liter gasoline engines. To our eyes, it looks eerily similar to the just-previewed next-generation Opel Meriva, could the R3 be a holdover twin from the days when General Motors and Suzuki were working together more closely?

It isn't altogether clear if Maruti Suzuki will offer a production version of the R3 concept beyond India's borders, as the marque already owns upwards of 50-percent of the fast-growing market and could potentially do adequate volume just within the country's borders, especially if a bit of platform sharing is involved. Still, we can see something like the R3 playing well in the European marketplace. Do you think it would go over well in the States? Click on our high-res galleries below (thanks to Shrawan Raja for the live shots!), then make the jump to watch a video of its unveiling in New Delhi and check out the car's official press release.

[Sources: Maruti Suzuki; Youtube; IndianAutosBlog | Live Images: Shrawan Raja]

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PRESS RELEASE

Suzuki Announces Exhibits for Auto Expo 2010 in New Delhi

Suzuki Motor Corporation is pleased to announce that its Indian automobile production subsidiary, Maruti Suzuki India, will be exhibiting the following vehicles at Auto Expo 2010 in New Delhi (to be held from 5 to 11 January 2010*):
Concept model: R3

The Indian market is changing rapidly and consumer lifestyles evolving fast.
To cater to one such market need, Maruti Suzuki has developed a concept car, R3.
The Concept R3 model is a Compact Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) for such people.
Designed by Maruti Suzuki India's Research and Development Department, it combines compact dimensions with a stylish profiling.
The Concept compact MPV accommodates six people in three rows.
Reference exhibits (eco-vehicles): SX4 Hybrid and Eeco Electric Vehicle

Maruti Suzuki India is taking part in an Indian government project that promotes hybrid and electric vehicles.
It will be exhibiting two prototype vehicles that Maruti Suzuki has developed for the project: the SX4 Hybrid and the Eeco (Every+) Electric Vehicle.
Production models and other reference exhibits

Maruti Suzuki India will be showing 16 other automobiles including ten production models (13 units in total) and two reference exhibits: the Kizashi and SX4 Hatchback (three units in total).

Maruti Suzuki pavilion will also be highlighting Suzuki's two-wheel leadership by showing nine motorcycles: the Hayabusa, Intruder, and other large models; the Thai-produced Skydrive 125 scooter; and the Burgman Fuel Cell Scooter, which was last seen at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show.