The first vehicle that was unveiled at the 10th auto expo in the Capital in January this year was Maruti's RIII, the 7-seater product that is expected to debut in the Indian market by 2011's first half.

Based on the SX4/Swift platform, the company has already signed various sourcing deals from the vendors. Apart from launching it in the domestic circuit, Maruti is also considering the option of exporting the product.

As the competition in the small car that has been considered as Maruti's bread and butter for years, the company is trying to hedge its rick by moving into other segments.

It is also believed that the product many not just sport Suzuki engines, but the option of sourcing the engines from Volkswagen group is being considered.

Notably, Volkswagen owned 19% in the Suzuki Motor Corporation. With 1.2L K-Series and 1.6L VVT engine from Suzuki are the definite contenders, the company is also looking at the option of putting in the 1.6-litre common rail diesel motor from the upcoming Vento with 105 bhp. RIII will match the likes of Omni and Eeco but will be positioned above the two in Maruti's portfolio.