India’s largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki is working on a wide range of new products for the country. Not just entry-level hatchbacks and sedans, the automakers is aiming to bolster presence in the fast growing SUV segment. The SUV segment is currently dominated by Hyundai Motor Company and Mahindra & Mahindra. In the next couple of years, the Indo-Japanese brand will launch 4 new SUVs in the country.
New Brezza
Maruti Suzuki is all set to give a major makeover to its best-selling SUV – the Vitara Brezza. The company will drop the “Vitara” nameplate, and the new model will be called the Maruti Brezza. It is expected that MSIL could use the Vitara nameplate for its upcoming mid-sized SUV. The new model will come with significant changes in terms of styling and interior. The cabin will have more features like an electric sunroof, a bigger touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, e-SIM based connected car tech, paddle shifters, cruise control, six airbags and others.
The new Maruti Brezza will be powered by the 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine with SHVS mild hybrid system. This engine churns out 104bhp and 138Nm of torque. Instead of a 4-speed torque convertor, the new Brezza could get a 6-speed torque convertor automatic. The vehicle will also receive a CNG version, which is likely to be sourced from the new Ertiga.
New YFG mid-Sized SUV
Maruti Suzuki is developing a new mid-sized SUV in collaboration with Toyota. Codenamed YFG, the new model is likely to be launched during festive season – around Diwali. The new model is reportedly to be based on Toyota’s DNGA (Daihatsu New Generation Architecture) platform that underpins the Toyota Raize and the Avanza.
The new mid-sized SUV will be produced at Toyota’s Bidadi based plant. It is likely to be powered by Toyota’s hybrid system. Moreover, the SUV could also get a 1.5L K15B petrol engine with manual and automatic gearbox.
New Jimny 5-Door
Maruti Suzuki is testing a long-wheelbase 5-door version of the Jimny off-roader. It will be based on the Sierra, and will have 300mm longer wheelbase. The length will also be increase by 300mm. Leaked documents reveal that the new model will measure 3,850mm in length, 1,645mm in width and 1,730mm in height. The SUV will have a wheelbase of 2,550mm, while the ground clearance stands at 210mm. It will have a kerb weight of 1190kg, which is 100kgs higher than the 3-door Sierra.
The new model will be powered by a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine, which coud get a mild hybrid system. This engine churns out 103bhp of power and 138Nm of torque. Transmission options will include a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed torque convertor automatic.
New YTB Crossover
MSIL is reportedly developing a new compact crossover, codenamed YTB. It will be a coupe model, which will be positioned above the Brezza. The new Maruti YTB will be based on the HEARTECT platform that underpins the Baleno hatchback. The new platform is said to be built with ultra and advanced high tensile steels.
The new model is likely to be powered by a 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine with a stronger 48V mild hybrid system. The new model will rival the higher variants of the Hyundai Venue and the Kia Sonet. Both manual and automatic gearbox options will be on offer.
