DELHI: Maruti Suzuki has planned a slew of launches in the next four years. The carmaker intends to launch 13 new models, and the first one to come out of its stable this year will be the new Maruti SX4-Cross or the S-Cross.
The SX4-Cross is Maruti’s answer to Renault Duster. The carmaker has been testing this 4.3-metre long crossover in India since 2014. We expect this crossover to come equipped with a 1.6-litre diesel engine churning out 118PS of power and 313Nm of torque mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The AWD All Grip system will not be provided in India, to keep the cost of this vehicle low.
Maruti Suzuki is also busy testing its upcoming new hatch codenamed the ‘YRA’ in the country. The new Maruti Suzuki YRA will sit above the Swift and will be Suzuki’s next premium hatchback. Under the hood, the YRA is expected to be powered by a 1.2-litre and a 1.4-litre petrol mill from the Swift and the Ertiga; along with the 1.3-litre diesel mill. The Maruti YRA will be launched this year, and will lock horns with the Hyundai i20 Elite.
Next up in the line, will be the Maruti XA Alpha based SUV codenamed the ‘Maruti YBA’. This sub-4 metre SUV will boast a robust and beefy body, and will be based on the existing Maruti Suzuki Swift platform. This new SUV is expected to be launched in 2016.
Maruti Suzuki plans to set up its own R&D centre in Gujarat to cater to the Indian market. The company had also laid a foundation stone for its new plant in Gujarat back in January this year. The vehicles manufactured at these facilities will be supplied exclusively to Maruti Suzuki and support its objective of reaching annual sales of 20 lakh units in the medium term.
