It is no secret that India’s leading auto maker is developing a new hatchback under the codename YRA that will be priced and positioned above its flagship hatchback Swift. Buzz has it that Maruti Suzuki India’s upcoming YRA hatchback could underpin Ciaz’s platform. Launched a couple of days ago in India, Ciaz is based on the same platform as Ertiga MPV, which again is a slightly modified version of Swift platform. YRA is touted to be the most expensive hatchback offered by MSI so far and will compete with B+ segment hatchbacks like the new Hyundai Elite i20, Volkswagen Polo GT twins, Fiat Punto Evo 90 HP and Honda’s upcoming Jazz.
In order to get benefited by the scanty excise duty levied on sub-four meter cars, the Ertiga/Ciaz based YRA hatchback could come with a relatively shorter wheelbase; however it is believed that the car will offer a capacious cabin as compared to Swift.
Ciaz sedan features same set of engines that power Ertiga MPV, it is likely that YRA premium hatchback gets the same petrol and diesel engines doing duty in Ertiga and Ciaz. So we expect to see the K-Series petrol and Fiat sourced 1.3 litre Multijet diesel engine in the premium hatchback. On the other hand speculations also suggest that Suuzki’s turbo petrol and turbo diesel engines could also power YRA range. There is yet uncertainty on the engine line-up, however the mist will clear as we get more information on the vehicle in coming time.
