India’s largest car manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki is betting big on SUVs to regain its lost market share. The company’s market share dropped to 45% this financial year as against 48% last fiscal. MSIL is now working on multiple new SUVs including the new Brezza and the new mid-sized SUV. Moreover, MSIL is also developing a new Coupe SUV and the new Jimny lifestyle SUV.
Maruti Suzuki is ready to launch the new Brezza in the country by April 2022. Moreover, the company will launch the new mid-sized SUV before the end of 2022. It will be positioned against the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun and the MG Astor.
The new mid-sized SUV is reportedly to be based on Toyota’s DNGA (Daihatsu New Generation Architecture) platform that underpins the Raize and the new Avanza. The new model will be jointly developed by Toyota and Suzuki at Toyota’s Bidadi plant. It is reported that the new SUV will be manufactured on the same production line that produces the recently discontinued Yaris sedan.
The new model will have two versions – one each for Maruti Suzuki and Toyota. Both models will have different designs and interiors. However, the SUVs will share body panels and features. The joint development and production will help Toyota and Suzuki to significantly reduce the development cost. Toyota and Suzuki will most likely to follow the Hyundai and Kia strategy, which sells the Creta and the Seltos. Both models share the platform, engine options and even features.
The company might replace the S-cross with the new mid-sized SUV; however, MSIL is yet to make an official statement on the same. The new model is reportedly to be powered by Toyota’s petrol-hybrid powertrain. The vehicle will also get petrol engine option, which could either be a 1.5L K15B engine with mild-hybrid system and the 1.4L turbo petrol with SHVS mild hybrid system.
