Maruti Suzuki To Launch 4 All-New Cars, SUVs in India
Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest carmaker is aiming to launch a wide range of new models in the Indian market. The company will continue to introduce new cars in the entry-level segment. On the other hand, the Indo-Japanese brand is planning to enter into the fast growing SUV segment with at least 2 new models in the coming 2 years.
Maruti Suzuki still believes that the entry-level segment will hold significant market share. The affordable cars are still first choice of first time car buyers in India. The company is reportedly working on the next-gen Celerio and the Alto, which will be launched in the next 1 year.
The next-gen Celerio is rumoured to be launched in the end of 2020, while the next-gen Alto will arrive in the second half of 2021. The new models will be designed and developed on the company’s HEARTECT platform, which also underpins the new Wagon R and the S-Presso. The new models are likely to feature sporty crossover-ish profile with SUV-like design highlights.
The next-gen Maruti Alto will receive the upgraded 796cc, 3-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine that produces 48bhp of power and 69Nm of torque. On the other hand, the next Celerio will receive the 1.0-litre K-Series petrol that is capable of producing 66bhp and 90Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 5-speed manual and an AMT unit. Both models will also receive CNG variants.
Talking about the UV segment, Maruti Suzuki will launch the new Jimny 5-door off-roader in early 2021. It is likely to be called the next-gen Maruti Gypsy SUV. The company had showcased the 3-door Jimny at the 2020 Auto Expo; however, India will receive the long wheelbase model. The new SUV will be produced at the Suzuki’s Sanand based plant in Gujarat.
If media reports are to be believed, the new Gypsy will be priced under 10 lakh. It will be powered by a 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine that is capable of producing 103bhp of power and 138Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed torque convertor automatic. Suzuki’s 4×4 AllGrip system will be offered as standard.
Maruti Suzuki will also enter into the mid-sized SUV segment with an all-new product. Suzuki will unveil the next-gen Vitara SUV for the Japanese market this year. This will form the basis for the Maruti’s upcoming mid-sized SUV, which is likely to be launched in the end of 2021 or early 2022. The new mid-sized SUV will be produced at Toyota’s Bidadi plant, which suggests that the SUV will also receive a different version to be sold under Toyota’s nameplate in India.
The new mid-sized SUV will take on the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and the Nissan Kicks. It is expected that Maruti Suzuki will introduce the new SUV in 5 and 7-seat options. The SUV will be designed and developed on the modified C architecture that also underpins the Vitara Brezza.
