Maruti Suzuki to Launch 2 Brand New SUVs in India
Maruti Suzuki is gearing up for the launch of the 6-seater sportier version of the Ertiga MPV in India. Scheduled to be launched on August 21, 2019, the new Ertiga 6-seater will be exclusively sold through NEXA premium sales and service network. Seeing the rising competition, Maruti Suzuki will soon give a mid-life facelift to country’s best-selling SUV – the Vitara Brezza. The updated Brezza will receive cosmetic design changes, improved cabin and a new petrol engine.
The Indo-Japanese brand is also working on 2 new utility vehicles to further boost sales. The company is currently testing a micro SUV, which was first previewed as the Concept Future S at the 2018 Delhi Auto Expo. Rumoured to be called the Maruti S-Presso, the small SUV will challenge the likes of the Mahindra KUV100, Renault Kwid and the upcoming Tata H2X. The small SUV will be based on the Suzuki’s new HEARTECT platform that also underpins the new Wagon R.
The Maruti S-Presso will come with SUV-like imposing front profile, slightly sloping roof, commanding higher seating and high ground clearance. The cabin pictures are yet to come out, but it is likely to get the touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, multi-functional steering wheel and automatic AC. The S-Presso is expected to be powered by a BS6 compliant 1.0-litre petrol engine that produces 67bhp and 91Nm. Similar to the WagonR, the top-end model could receive the 1.2-litre engine that offers 83bhp and 114Nm. Both manual and AMT versions are likely to be on offer.
Maruti Suzuki is also working on an all-new premium SUV, which will be positioned above the Vitara Brezza. The new model is expected to make debut at the 2020 Delhi Auto Expo in a concept form. It will also preview the Suzuki’s next-gen Vitara SUV. The new SUV is expected to be offered in 5 and 7-seat layout. While the 5-seater model will challenge the likes of Hyundai Creta, Nissan Kicks, Renault Duster and the Kia Seltos, the 7-seater model will be pitted against the Mahindra Scorpio.
Maruti Suzuki is also rumoured to be working on an all-new 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine. This engine is expected to be more powerful and torquier than the current 1.5-litre K15B unit. The new premium model will come equipped with this powertrain.
