Report - Maruti to exhibit "Something Interesting" at Auto Expo; A-Star, SX4 replacements likely

R C Bhargava, Chairman of Maruti Suzuki, told Economic Times that the carmaker will exhibit "something interesting" at the upcoming Auto Expo in February 2014. However, Bhargava did not go into the specifics of the product(s) that would be showcased.

We have long speculated that Maruti could show the next generation models of the A-Star and the SX4 at the upcoming Auto Expo. Pre-production prototypes of both cars have been caught testing in India many a time, and Suzuki has also shown a concept version of the next generation A-Star (known as the Alto in many international markets) at the Thailand Motor Show last month.

Dubbed the Concept A:Wind, the small global hatchback has been announced to enter production in Thailand next year. The concept A:Wind measured 3,600 mm in length, 1,600 mm in width, 1,540 mm in height and came with a 2,425 mm wheelbase. Suzuki announced that it was powered by a 996 cc engine paired to a CVT gearbox, while the production version is expected to use the same 1.0-liter K-Series engine powering the current model.

The SX4-successor on the other hand draws its inspiration from the Suzuki Authentics concept that was shown at this year's Auto Shanghai. The sedan has already been exposed sans camouflage, and is expected with a 1.4-liter K-Series petrol engine and the 1.3-liter Fiat-sourced MultiJet diesel engine.

Could these be the "interesting" models Maruti has in store for us?