India’s largest car maker, Maruti Suzuki is aiming to further strengthen its position in the growing Indian car market. The company registered an excellent growth in 2014, and is aiming to maintain this steady growth in the highly competitive environment. MSI is planning to launch a range of new cars and facelifts in the market this year. It is expected that Maruti will introduce seven cars this year including hatchbacks, SUV/Crossover and MUV.
Upcoming Maruti Hatchbacks
Maruti Suzuki India is aiming to take on the likes of Volkswagen Polo and Hyundai Elite i20 by introducing a new premium hatchback. It will be positioned above Swift hatchback and will be launched by the end of this year. Codenamed as YRA, the premium hatchback has already been spotted several times on Indian roads during its test rounds. This global hatchback is rumoured to get Baleno badge, and will get premium features offered on the Ciaz sedan.
Seeing the growing demand for AMT-equipped cars, MSI is aiming to introduce the AMT-equipped WagonR Stingray in the country. The vehicle is likely to hit Indian shores in the mid-2015. Adding to it, the company is also working on a new 800cc diesel engine. The small engine will power the Celerio hatchback, and is expected to hit the market soon.
Crossover/SUV
Maruti Suzuki is gearing up for the launch of much-awaited S-Cross SX4. If reports are to be believed, the crossover will be launched in the market this month. Unveiled at the 2014 Delhi Motor Show, the crossover will be offered in both petrol and diesel fuel options. It is likely to be priced in the range of Rs. 8 to 12 lakh, and will rival against the likes of Nissan Terrano, Renault Duster and others.
The company is also aiming to launch a sub-4 metre SUV, which is reportedly the production version of the XA Alpha concept shown at the 2012 Delhi Motor Show. Codenamed YBA, the compact SUV will directly rival against the likes of Ford EcoSport and upcoming sub-compact SUVs from Mahindra, Tata Motors, Volkswagen, Nissan, Honda and others.
Sedan and MUV
MSI has recently introduced the Swift facelift, and is now preparing the updated Dzire compact sedan for the market. It is expected that the Dzire facelift will share new features and changes with the Swift. The compact sedan is likely to hit the market in the first quarter of 2015.
Maruti Suzuki will also launch the Ertiga facelift in India in early 2015. The vehicle has already been spotted during its test rounds on Indian roads, and gets changes to exterior styling and new feature additions inside.
