[aerohit]

Originally Posted by b16h22

Hate absolutely how narrow-minded the Indian car community has become. Yes, this car is small and niche but it is something different from the usual stuff we get here. A proper kei car! love it. We bash manufacturers for not being adventurous and experimental with car launches in India but at the same time bash them for acting out of the box. Suzukis are known for their small cars and kei cars and they have a long history.

Agreed. This car has been around in Japan for many years already. And Japan is most technologically advanced both in terms of culture and cars. If they are OK with it, there must be a reason. In India, not too long ago, people were driving 800 / Padmini / Ambassadors / Vespa. But suddenly, they are talking as if they are Saudi Arabia / UAE with lots of oil, ppp and roads. Maybe it's the newer emerging consumers that have a different mindset or maybe it's the influencer effect. There are other reasons also.

We need these types of modular / practical cars in India for sure. Although AT or CVT is required as the needs are evolving.

[Formula1]

Prices in Japan:

Hustler: INR 8.67 lakh
Jimny KEI: INR 9.45 lakh
Jimny: INR 11.21 lakh

I guess they can't really export Jimny KEI to any market from India. So after S-Cross, perhaps Hustler is the true blue SUV we are blessed with. I want them to show the courage to market this as a Kei car, so that it becomes a thing, later resulting in a Kei sports car.

[lejhoom]

I was under the impression that only Fiat had the talent to bring out beauties that were so grudgingly loathed. Now that it has disappeared, Suzuki is trying to get into those shoes. Maybe Suzuki wants to take out all three-wheelers from Indian streets.

[Sivacar]

Honestly, by looking at the photos, I really like the way Hustler looks, wheels pushed to the corners, tall and boxy, actually gives a nice street cred.

I wish if Maruti could give the K12C/AMT combo for the budget conscious buyer and the 1Lboosterjet/Torque Converter combo for the enthusiast, they have a potential winner in their hands, catering everyone. As both the combination falls under the small car bracket, a competitive pricing can be arrived.

[Carma2017]

The Hustler and other Kei cars of Japan will never make it to Indian shores as they don't have the Swag required to sell in today's market in India, where Cute and Chic are currently not in demand. Masculinity rules the minds. Period.

In Japan, Cars are marketed targetting women as well and sometimes targetting women only like the Suzuki Lapin. In India, that is not a practice. Sad, but true. Indian OEMs' image of mobility for women is largely restricted to Scooty Pep type 2 wheelers as evidenced by the Advertisements and Commercials. There may be exceptions I might not be aware of but that would not be the rule.

There is a bulkier and more powerful X-bee also available and even that wouldn't make it to India for the same reason. It was essentially developed to provide an option for Hustler Body Shape lovers who wanted a more powerful engine and also because of impending demise of Kei Cars as the Japanese Government was reducing tax breaks for the same.

[sharmanova]

Originally Posted by Carma2017

In Japan, Cars are marketed targetting women as well and sometimes targetting women only like the Suzuki Lapin. In India, that is not a practice.

In India, 1st gen Creta, Compass 2017 became a success because their designs were approved by the Mrs of the house. Back in 2015, one of my neighbour had booked the S-Cross, but his wife rejected it as it looked like their previous car Swift, and then they had to settle for a Creta!