Maruti Suzuki is working on a wide range of new SUVs and a new MPV for the Indian market. While the focus shifts toward SUVs, MSIL still believes that the entry-level cars and hatchbacks will continue to remain relevant in the Indian auto market. The company plans to launch around 3 new hatchbacks and a facelift version of its top-selling Swift hatchback in the next 12-16 months.
New Celerio
Maruti Suzuki will launch the new generation Celerio hatchback in the country in the next 3-4 months. The hatchback has been caught testing multiple times, revealing design and interior changes. It will be a tall-boy hatchback with crossover-like design elements. The cabin will receive major changes in terms of features and layout. The hatchback will receive a 7-inch SmartPlay Studio infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support.
It will be offered with 1.2L, 4-cylinder K12 petrol and a 1.0L, 3-cylinder K10 petrol options. While the former produces 83bhp and 114Nm of torque, the latter is good for 68bhp and 90Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 5-speed MT and an AMT. The hatchback is also likely to come with a factory-fitted CNG kit.
New Alto
Maruti Suzuki is reportedly working on an all-new entry-level hatchback, which will come as a replacement for the ageing Alto. The new model will be based on Suzuki’s lightweight HEARTECT platform, which also underpins the new WagonR. Design and interior details of the new Alto are still under the wraps; however, the hatch is likely to receive comprehensive changes inside and out. The new Maruti Suzuki Alto is likely to come with the 796cc naturally-aspirated petrol engine delivering 48bhp and 69Nm. Both manual and AMT gearboxes will be on offer. The new Alto is expected to be launched before the end of this year or early 2022.
Swift Facelift
Maruti Suzuki will soon launch the facelifted version of the Swift hatchback. The new model will have revised front profile, featuring new grille with honeycomb-mesh pattern and chrome trim, revised bumper and slightly reshaped LED headlamps. It is also expected to receive new dual-tone alloys. The India-spec Swift facelift will receive a new 1.2-litre Dualjet petrol engine that also powers the Dzire facelift. This engine is capable of producing 91PS of power and 118Nm of torque. The regular model will continue to feature the 1.2L K-Series engine producing 82bhp and 114Nm of torque. Both manual and AMT versions will be on offer.
Suzuki XL5
Maruti Suzuki is testing a more premium version of the WagonR hatchback, which is rumoured to be called the XL5. The new hatch is reportedly to be sold through NEXA premium dealership network. It will have design similarities with the WagonR; however, it will have a newly-designed front grille and a revised bumper. Other changes will include split headlamps with LED DRLs, LED tail-lamps and Nexa Blue colour scheme. It will be powered by a BSVI compliant 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder K-Series petrol engine that produces 77bhp of power and 113Nm of torque. Transmission options are likely to include a 5-speed manual and an AMT unit.
