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In 2001, Indian automotive design house DC Design unveiled the Devago, a unique pickup concept car built upon the chassis of the popular Maruti Suzuki Wagon R (or WagonR) hatchback. This unconventional combination aimed to create a compact and versatile pickup truck for urban and recreational use.
Leveraging a Familiar Platform:
The Devago utilized the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R (or WagonR) platform, a common vehicle in India known for its affordability and practicality. This choice provided a cost-effective base for the pickup's development, making it potentially accessible to a wider audience.
Unique Design Elements:
Despite utilizing the Wagon R's platform, the Devago featured a distinct visual identity:
Pickup Bed: The most obvious modification was the addition of a small pickup bed behind the passenger cabin, offering limited cargo space for practical applications.
Modified Exterior: The Devago received a complete exterior makeover featuring a redesigned front fascia with a prominent grille and unique headlamps. The sides showcased flared wheel arches and revised body panels to accommodate the pickup bed.
Limited Information:
Unfortunately, detailed information about the Devago's specifications and performance is scarce. It's likely that it retained the Wagon R's engine and drivetrain, offering a fuel-efficient and maneuverable driving experience suitable for city use.
A Missed Opportunity?
While the Devago presented an interesting concept for a compact pickup truck, it never went into production. The reasons for this remain unclear. It's possible that the niche market for such a vehicle wasn't deemed commercially viable, or perhaps the technical challenges of modifying the Wagon R platform proved too significant.
Legacy of Innovation:
Despite its limited impact, the Devago remains a testament to DC Design's creativity and willingness to explore unconventional ideas. It showcased the potential for modifying existing platforms to create unique and potentially practical vehicles for specific needs.
Images: DC Design
