The new generation Suzuki Vitara has been patented in India as well despite not being on sale, but could be launched later in the decade.
The new generation Suzuki Vitara made a grand debut at the Paris Motor Show last year but with sales limited to only the international markets. Developed from the iV-4 concept, the Vitara is a five-seater that could make its India debut in the future. Keeping its options open, Maruti Suzuki has filed a patent for the Vitara in the country, ensuring that the model makes it to Indian shores without any hassles.
Rivaling the likes of the Renault Captur, Nissan Juke and Opel Mokka in the European markets, the Suzuki Vitara gets an urban front fascia with a twin-slat grille, silver skid plates, projector headlamps and LED DRLs. The SUV gets a smart looking profile with accentuated wheel arches but does not have the same brawny appearance otherwise seen on other SUVs. In terms of powertrain, the Vitara uses 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines producing 120 HP respectively with transmission options comprising of a 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic for the petrol, as well as a 6-speed manual for the diesel engine sending power to the front or all wheels.
While there have been reports of the Suzuki Vitara making it to India later in this decade, the automaker has not really confirmed any of its plans regarding the SUV. That said, if the Vitara does make it to the country, the model will be fending off competition against the Mahindra XUV500, Skoda Yeti, Hyundai Creta and the likes. The SUV will be positioned above the S-Cross in Maruti’s lineup.
The other patent filing you see here is the Honda N-Box Slash (N/) and is a Kei car sold in the Japanese market. The boxy profile helps maximise interior space from the small car’s dimensions and is designed to meet Japan’s small car norms. Kei cars are essentially mini vehicles with smaller engine capacities but with high equipment on board. The fifth model in the N Series, the N-Box Slash comes with a host of tech including sound mapping system, start-stop button, electric parking brake, mode switching steering and much more. Power comes from a 660cc petrol motor available in naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions and is available in both front wheel drive and all-wheel configurations.
In case you missed it, check out our take on the curious case of patent filings HERE.
