The testing of the upcoming Maruti-Suzuki hatchback “YL7” has been going on in full swing. And thus, we now have spy photographers who are making hay as the sun shines! New spyshots of the mule are consistently cropping up online.
The latest clump of spyshots comes from Indianexpress.com.
It appears that the test car has got a crack in its tail-light lens. As evident from the earlier spyshots as well, the new A-Star has chosen a more aggressive stance instead of the earlier indifferent one. As always, the test car is clad from head-to-toe in what can be called a proverbial burqa!!
It also appears the new A-Star will be wider, and hence more imposing. The major change, however, could be the more aggressive front portion as well as a more ‘humped’ rear.
The next-gen “A-Star” is codenamed as YL7 internally and internationally it will be called as the New Alto. In India, this car is expected to replace both the current A-Star as well as the defunct Estilo. It is expected that it will be considerably bigger than the current offering, and will offer better comfort too. Since the Estilo is down and out, and the current A-Star isn’t doing too well, Maruti-Suzuki has pinned high hopes on this new car.
The new A-Star will source its power from the three-cylinder, 1.0-liter, K-Series engine which, in its current form produces 68 PS and 90 Nm of torque. However, speculation of a small-displacement, 0.8-liter, two-cylinder diesel engine, which Maruti is working on currently, is what is the major talk of the tinsel town. This small engine is expected to be a turbo-diesel unit, and hence should offer good performance and fuel efficiency.
This car has not been spied only in India, but also in various international markets. A-Star sales continue to be paltry with the number falling to 399 units in September 2013. It is high time for a replacement!
An official unveiling as well as its launch is expected sometime around the Auto Expo, possibly with the petrol engine only first, with diesel motor following later.
Also Read: SPIED: Maruti’s SX4 Replacement “YL1″ Caught Testing Again; Looks Imposing!
