While the testing of its upcoming hatchback “YL7” has been grabbing eyeballs, Maruti-Suzuki is working on a brand-new, premium hatchback, says Financial Express.
Yes, you read it right!! It is not just the upcoming “YL7” aka the next-gen A-Star that will start moving out of Maruti-Suzuki’s assembly lines, but a premium hatchback codenamed “YRA” as well. This hatchback will be perched atop the Swift and the Ritz brand as well, and could take about a couple of years for its incubation.
Why is Maruti-Suzuki going head over heels in introducing hatchbacks??
This is because its territories are now challenged by able competitors. Honda and Hyundai are gunning hard for Maruti-Suzuki’s crown, with new, shiny models that can catch the fancy of the masses. All-New Jazz should be up and running in India early next year. Hyundai has already ushered in its Grand i10, and the next thing from its stable should be a new i20 which has been caught testing in India.
It is true, indeed, that Maruti-Suzuki’s writ runs large in the segment of hatchbacks. It has the lion’s share of the pie, cornering almost half of the total market. Alto, WagonR, Swift, and Ritz are the models that prowl this segment, and have put up more than a fabulous show for the company. But is there a place for complacency within the ranks??
No. Absolutely no.
More so when the hatchback segment is the key to the Indian market, with over 54% of the total cars sold being small ones. The rival carmakers have recognized this fact, and are fast pulling up their socks. As mentioned earlier, Honda and Hyundai are pushing aggressively into this sphere with the Grand i10 and the new Jazz as well as the new i20. Uncle Sam isn’t far behind, as Ford plans to launch more small cars. Nissan, which hasn’t been able to make much of a dent with its Micra, will resurrect the Datsun brand by unveiling its Go hatchback next year.
To expand its premium car offerings, the “YRA” could be offered at an identical positioning of Dzire compact sedan. It becomes more probable that the “YRA” will be the most plush hatchback ever to roll out from Maruti-Suzuki. So people who crib about the disproportionate Dzire can also end up in Maruti’s stables with this premium hatchback which is expected to be as spacious as the C-entry sedans.
It is almost certain that the manufacturer will offer a diesel engine as an option on this model. The source for this article quotes that development of the said car is in advanced stages, both in Japan as well as in India. However, Maruti Suzuki’s spokesperson plainly refused to comment on the situation. This is a very interesting development indeed!
Also Read: Uncovered: More Details of Maruti’s SX4 Replacement YL1 Sedan; Interiors Revealed
