As per the information available from sources, Maruti Suzuki is currently working on an all new sedan, which has been codenamed as YL1. There are speculations in the market that the auto major may go ahead to replace the currently available SX4 sedan with the upcoming YL1. Notably, SX4 is moving slowly in terms of sales and the development of YL1 is geared towards spicing up the market for company's sedans. Interestingly, the auto major is also planning to roll out 2-3 new Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) in coming years in a bid to expand its foothold in the Indian automobile market. It was also reported that one of the utility vehicles might be a crossover variant of SX4.
In the aforesaid context, Mayank Pareek, Chief Operating Officer for Marketing & Sales in Maruti Suzuki India, had reportedly said, “I am always asking the engineering guys to quicken their work on SUVs, it is the need of the hour. I expect to see a 3-4% jump in our market share once we roll out our SUVs. Its among the fastest growing sectors today and accounts for about 21% of car sales and we are not present there, so we are losing out.” Here, industry experts are of as view that with its upcoming launches, the car maker is planning to revive its Indian portfolio.
Maruti Suzuki YL1 is more likely to mark its debut in the Indian market in 2014 and is expected to replace not-so-favoured SX4 sedan. After its launch, this sedan is likely to compete with the likes of Hyundai Verna, Honda City, Volkswagen Vento and Skoda Rapid, among others. Also, with a spiced-up competition, it would be interesting to see if this all new model will be able to meet its agenda of gaining more market share for the company.
Both, interiors and exteriors of this vehicle are expected to be more appealing than the currently available SX4 with the incorporation of some noticeable changes. Hence, many industry experts are taking it as the next hot car from Maruti Suzuki. Notably, the information on specific data of this vehicle is available only in bits and pieces. However, if we cumulate all the data facts, then it would be apt to say that this new vehicle will come with a distinctive front fascia barring some resemblance with existing car models of the company. In fact, the front fascia of this upcoming sedan definitely looks sharp with appealing chrome linings. The gradually tapering car bonnet mingles with elongated headlamps. The rear portion is arguably distinct and features a wide set of tail lamps along with body coloured bumper.
Maruti Suzuki YL1 is expected to get the same ground clearance of SX4. A lot is supposed to change at inner cabin, in order to enhance visibility and passengers' comfort. It is predicted that the dashboard of this car will be shared with likes of Swift and Ertiga. The cabin is expected to get impressive beige and black tone, along with a wooden insert. Some other features that this new car model is expected to get are Bluetooth connectivity, automatic climate control module with rear air conditioner vents, sun glass holder, height adjustable steering and dead pedal. Both, petrol and diesel trims are expected to be rolled out in contention with the prevailing competition. As for engine, the sedan may get a smaller 1.4-litre K-Series petrol engine or 1.3-litre Fiat Multijet Turbo diesel powertrain. Furthermore, the engine is expected to be mated with only manual transmission mode; however nothing is confirmed as of now.
