The e-Survivor concept is a small convertible SUV based on a ladder-frame chassis and powered by an electric motor at each wheel, effectively making it a four-wheel-drive car. Displayed at the ongoing Auto Expo, the model is meant to preview future small SUVs from the Japanese brand.
The e-Survivor concept, which was first showcased at the 2017 Tokyo motor show, is meant to be a serious off-roader, as is evident by its high ground clearance, massive wheel arches with rugged tyres and minimal overhangs. Maruti claims the e-Survivor is built with lightweight materials to aid in off-roading.
The highlight of the cabin is a spherical display showing the car and its immediate surroundings. The e-Survivor also boasts of a screen on the steering wheel and one on the lower part of its windshield. These screens display augmented reality images of objects in front of the car that are in the blind spot in front of the bumper.
The e-Survivor reminds us of the X-90, with the open-top, two-seater configuration. Maruti claims that it has also drawn inspiration from the Vitara and the Jimny in designing this concept.
While the presence of a steering wheel and generic driver controls may suggest that Maruti does not believe in fully-autonomous tech making its way to this segment, it does claim that this concept dipicts the brand's future of mobiiity, showcasing four major technologies - Four-Wheel Drive, Autonomous, Connected and Electric.
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