Maruti Suzuki, one of the most profitable subsidiaries of Suzuki, has some very ambitious plans for the year 2015. The biggest change the company intends to impart is – to be looked upon as a more premium car manufacturer than what it is known today.
The trend started with Ciaz and will continue with new product launches planned next year. YBA, the upcoming compact SUV by Maruti, is their next piece of arsenal in one of the fastest moving segments in India. Based on the XA-Alpha and iV4 concepts shown at different auto shows, the upcoming car was snapped recently by the folks at Gaadiwaadi.com in India, somewhere near or inside the Maruti’s plant.
Frankly speaking, what we see here is a prototype way different from the expectations set by Maruti Suzuki’s XA-Alpha. The front is not so intimidating. The rear is also not as flat as the one showcased. The sides are also toned down but the YBA, in its production avatar, still looks interesting as a product, yes, despite the differences…
The highly camouflaged unit has lost the flamboyance of the concept model (of specially XA-Alpha) but may have gained on the practicality front. Behind the white and black camo we can expect to see a modern and simple layout which would have the DNA of a typical Maruti car but evolved in a more structured and global manner.
The ongoing R&D which is going on in Gurgaon is being carried out in a very hush-hush manner and Maruti Suzuki must not be taking the EcoSport lightly. Then, we also have a few new entrants coming into this space from Mahindra and others.
YBA will be getting both petrol and diesel powered engines. The 1.3L multijet from Fiat might be used in the lower variants but the top end may also get the new 1.5L diesel engine (either the one from Fiat or the one which is being designed in-house by Suzuki). The top end might also be flaunting an all-wheel drive to tackle through the rare days when you wish to fight the mud.
Yes, Maruti is late in joining the race but looking at the past, all what they have touched have turned into gold, at least in this segment. They must be hoping for the same with the new YBA. Launch is expected sometime towards the end of next year or probably early 2016.
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