With SUVs being the favoured body-style of most Indian car buyers over the last decade, many OEMs have been forced to introduce SUVs or models which look like SUVs in the past few years. This has penetrated into the small car segment as well with Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter being labelled as micro SUVs.
With Punch ranking in the top three for the highest-selling passenger vehicle models consistently for the last year or so, manufacturers believe there is significant profit in the entry-level segments. This has apparently forced Maruti Suzuki to look at bringing more SUVs in the sub-4 metre segment.
While the Indo-Japanese carmaker already has Jimny, Brezza, and Fronx in this space, it feels there is room for more. Recently, a boxy car was spotted testing in and around Delhi NCR donning the Suzuki badge. It carries a unique and quirky design which reminds us of both the WagonR and Jimny. The test mule was completely uncamouflaged, so almost every visual detail is out in the open.
Suzuki Hustler details
This model is the Suzuki Hustler, a typical Japanese Kei car which was launched in its home market back in 2014. It measures 3.3 metre in length and has a wheelbase of 2.4 metre, putting it in the same size league as MG Comet EV or Maruti Alto. However, if the company has to bring this product to India, it will have to be larger than the current iteration in almost every aspect.
Like the original 3-door Jimny, Maruti– the Indian arm of Suzuki— might want to introduce a slightly longer and more practical alternative to the Japan-spec Hustler which will cater to the larger section of Indian car buyers. An enhanced length will result in more interior space especially for rear seat passengers and larger boot.
Coming to its design, the Hustler has a boxy profile with tall pillars and a flat roofline. The squarish wheel arches with thick claddings are filled up by 15-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels, giving it a nice stance. It gets a flat tailgate at the rear with a large glass pane. Although not visible in the latest spy images, highlights at the front include round headlights and sleek radiator grille in between, both of which are laced in chrome.
Other visual highlights from the Hustler are chunky front and rear bumpers, pull-type door handles and roof rails, lending a muscular appeal to the micro UV. Given it is a Kei car, the Japan-spec Hustler is powered by a 660cc petrol mill producing 48 bhp in NA form and 64 bhp in turbocharged guise. Transmission duties are carried out by a CVT automatic as standard with the option of an all-wheel drive setup.
