Trying its hand again at the highly contested mid-size SUV segment, Maruti Suzuki is readying a product in partnership with Toyota to challenge their rivals. While the SUV has been developed secretly, a recent spy image of the test mules reveals the first details of the new upcoming SUV. Here are 5 things we know about the latest product from the stable of the homegrown automaker.
1. What is the current naming of Maruti Suzuki’s Mid-Size SUV?
Code-named the YFG, the new SUV will be positioned above Maruti S-Cross and will be sold through Nexa premium dealerships. The new mid-size SUV will replace the now discontinued Maruti Vitara in India and is being developed simultaneously with a Toyota counterpart code-named the D22.
2. Which platform will it be based on?
Initially rumoured to be developed on Toyota’s low-cost DNGA platform, fresh rumours have comfirmed that the car is based on Suzuki’s Global C-platform that underpins many models in the Indian market.
3. What will its exterior design look like?
Maruti and Toyota have adopted a similar approach to Kia and Hyundai in developing their new SUVs. While the SUVs share their platform, drivetrain and features, the exterior styling of the four-wheelers will be completely different, helping the companies appeal to their customer base. Heavily camouflaged test mules of the new SUV’s were spotted recently near Maruti Suzuki’s production facility in Haryana. While the test mules gave no specific detail, keen-eyed viewers could see that Maruti’s upcoming SUV featured a single unit DRL while Toyota’s unit featured a split twin strip DRL setup. In addition, the muscular front bumper of the Maruti vehicle features a familiar company grille; at the same time, Toyota’s is split at the top by a large plastic strip running the width of the car and revealing a large air dam at the bottom. Overall, both SUVs will provide a muscular stance that will appeal to the average SUV buyer.
4. Which technology will it provide?
Maruti will spec the new mid-size SUV handsomely to help it take on the likes of the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos. Looking at the new direction taken by the automaker with the facelifted Baleno, we can expect project YFG to receive a whole host of technology elements on the inside. Get ready to witness the SUV to come equipped with features like HUD, wireless charger, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 360-degree reverse camera and connected car technology, among others.
5. What will be the powertrain on offer?
Maruti Suzuki has wholly dropped the diesel engine from its portfolio based on the current market scenario. According to rumours, we can expect the new mid-size SUV to come powered by the familiar 1.5-litre petrol engine with a stronger hybrid system borrowed from global Toyota models. We also have concrete informatrion that the car will come with Suzuki All-Grip technology, this AWD system will help the four-wheeler crawl out of difficult situation with ease.
Expected to be priced between Rs 11 lakhs to 16 lakhs, the new upcoming mid-size SUV from Maruti Suzuki will be launched this festive season. It will be manufactured at Toyota’s production facility in Bidadi, Karnataka. Once introduced, the SUV will rival the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, VW Taigun, Skoda Kushaq and the Tata Harrier in its segment.
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