Maruti Suzuki is readying the much-awaited XA-Alpha based compact SUV for the Indian car market. Following the spyshot earlier this week, the new compact SUV, this time, shows off its rear profile. Set to go on sale in first quarter 2016, the mini SUV will rival against the Ford EcoSport. Codenamed as YBA, the sub-4 metre SUV shares its styling cues with the iV-4 concept and XA Alpha concept.
The latest development is that the new YBA will get the 1.5-litre diesel engine and the AWD (All-wheel drive) system. According to AutoCarIndia, the company might ditch the 1.3-litre Multi-Jet unit for the more powerful 1.5-L MJD. The 1.5L multi-jet diesel unit is basically the downsized version of the powerful 1.6-litre unit. The new engine will join Maruti’s K12 and K14 petrol engines. The 1.5L diesel engine is currently under development, and it is also expected to power Fiat’s upcoming compact SUV. MSI is also working on an all-new 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which is likely to power the YRA premium hatchback and the YBA compact SUV.
An AWD system would give Maruti YBA an edge over its closest rival Ford EcoSport, which is only offered in front-wheel drive mode. The front fascia of the SUV resembles the new Vitara, while the side and rear borrowed from the XA Alpha concept shown at the 2012 Auto Expo.
