Maruti Suzuki spotted testing the Solio in India

The Suzuki Solio is a mini MPV sold in the Japanese market. It is the Wagon R’s Japanese cousin and is sold in the European and Australian market as well. CarWale reader Lakshay Arora spotted the current gen Solio being tested on the streets of South Delhi. 

Maruti Suzuki showcased the Solio in India back in 2012 at the Auto Expo. The show car was a seven-seater but the car spotted here is a sub-four metre five-seater. However, as it can be seen in the images, the tested vehicle has sliding doors for the rear passengers like in the Japanese market. The cabin is spacious and modern while the styling is according to the Japanese liking which might not sate the Indian tastebuds.

The Solio is slightly bigger in dimensions compared to the Indian-spec Wagon R. Based on the new Heartech platform, it is powered by a 1.2-litre K12 engine just like the Swift in the Japanese market producing 91bhp and 118Nm. It comes with a hybrid variant as well as a five-speed AMT transmission as standard. Additionally, the two hybrid variants can also be had with a CVT automatic gearbox with a choice of an all-wheel-drive as well. 

Maruti Suzuki has no plans of introducing the Solio in India anytime soon. However, we know that the current gen Wagon R is due for a generation update. Maruti might be testing the Solio as a benchmark for the new Wagon R or it could also be a part testing for any of the upcoming Maruti product under the Solio body. Whatever be the case, more details will be revealed in the months to come. Keep watching this space for in-depth details on the Indian car market.