After launching the new Baleno, Maruti Suzuki now plans to launch a range of new SUVs in the Indian market. By 2024-25, the company will launch six SUVs, including an all-electric vehicle. The Indo-Japanese brand will unveil two brand new SUVs this year.
A new Maruti vehicle will compete against the Hyundai Creta and Skoda Kushaq (in partnership with Toyota). Most of them will be updated versions of existing models.
Mid-sized SUV
Suzuki’s new mid-size SUV, codenamed YFG, will be developed by Toyota and Suzuki. Toyota’s Bidadi plant will manufacture the platform that underpins the Avanza and Raize SUV.
In the compact SUV segment, Suzuki has a small share, while Toyota has none. Both brands are slated to change that with a brand new model they developed jointly. The upcoming SUV has been spotted testing in camouflage.
Though not much can be seen under the blacked-out camouflage, it is clear that the two SUVs spied have different front ends. One appears to have a grille similar to what Maruti unveiled on the facelifted Baleno, leading us to believe it will be included in Maruti’s lineup. With its sleek headlights along the edge of the bonnet and fog lamps in the front bumper, it appears to have a sporty and modern appearance. As for the wheels, this SUV is also equipped with alloys, which would indicate a highly equipped variant of the upcoming Maruti model.
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Here’s more on the Spied features…
Another SUV seen alongside it is equipped with steel wheels. It has a different front-end design, despite the camouflage, with a larger air dam and a sleeker grille. Although the fog lamps and headlights are positioned the same, the headlights appear to have a different light signature.
The test mules spotted provide little insight into the rear-end design. It looks relatively similar to the rear of various other SUVs with a chunky bumper under wraps. Perhaps the taillights will be sleek, wraparound designs.
The interior of the higher-specced SUV was spied as well, revealing a large central touchscreen infotainment system above the center AC vents. It is likely the same 9-inch unit that has debuted on the new Baleno in India.
Toyota and Maruti could take on names such as the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, which have dominated the compact SUV space despite their premium pricing. A 360-degree camera, head-up display, and the premium audio system could be a tech-loaded offering similar to the new Baleno. ADAS features like blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking may be available in this SUV.
In terms of engines, it will likely get the same 1.5-liter petrol engine currently found in the Maruti Vitara Brezza and S-Cross SUVs. This unit is offered with the choice of a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic transmission. There is still a chance that this new Maruti-Toyota SUV could introduce Suzuki’s 1.4-litre Boosterjet engine with a 6-speed manual and automatic.
- Futuro-e-inspired design language
At Auto Expo 2020, we saw Maruti’s new design philosophy on the Futuro-e concept. We believe the upcoming Hyundai Creta-rival from Maruti could borrow design cues from the Futuro-e. The company stated that the concept previews its future utility vehicles. The SUV could have a coupe-like profile and flared wheel arches for an athletic appearance.
- Premium Compared To S-Cross
Currently, the S-Cross is Maruti’s flagship model. However, its feature list and interior feel dated in the highly competitive compact SUV segment dominated by Hyundai and Kia. Consequently, we believe Maruti’s new compact SUV could be positioned as a better-equipped alternative to the S-Cross.
- Maruti SUV that is well-equipped
Maruti’s cars have always been equipped with enough features to cover the basic needs of customers, thereby providing great value for money. With the competition’s advanced driver assistance systems and panoramic sunroof, Maruti is sure to equip its upcoming SUV with similar technologies. The new compact SUV and Vitara Brezza have likely expected features.
- Estimated Pricing and Competition
One of Maruti’s greatest strengths is its affordability, and the compact SUV will likely continue this trend. The price (ex-showroom) is expected to be between Rs 9 lakh and Rs 15 lakh. Currently, the S-Cross has priced between Rs 8.58 lakh and Rs 12.55 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), and this new SUV will be positioned above it. There will be competition from the MG Astor, Hyundai Creta, Volkswagen Taigun, Renault Duster, Skoda Kushaq, Kia Seltos, Nissan Kicks, and even the new Mahindra Scorpio.
The Road Ahead
Earlier this year, Toyota began receiving the Urban Cruiser, essentially a rebadged version of Suzuki’s Vitara Brezza. At present, both models are manufactured in the former’s Gurgaon, Haryana, plant.
Although the companies had announced last year that they planned to produce the Brezza at TKM’s facilities by 2022, the plan has now been modified to accommodate their mid-size SUV strategy. Keep up to date with Auto Jankari blogs, which provide the latest car, bike, EV, and truck news, reviews, and comparisons.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
What can we expect from Creta rival?
Japanese automakers will be able to fill a major gap in their product portfolios with the upcoming SUVs and compete in the highly lucrative mid-size SUV segment. In addition, joint development and production will also help minimize costs through economies of scale – something Toyota and Suzuki hope to harness to achieve the success that Hyundai and Kia have achieved with the Creta and Seltos.
What are Toyota’s and Suzuki’s business relations?
Partnerships that are mutually beneficial. Toyota and Suzuki, which decided to co-operate in 2016, signed an agreement for a capital alliance in August 2019; the former purchased a 4.94% stake in the latter, while the latter acquired a 0.21% stake in the former.
Do Toyota engines power Suzuki?
Built specifically for small cars with Toyota input, these engines were made specifically for them. Toyota also plans to supply hybrid technology to Suzuki for vehicles in India.
