New Marutis for 2015-16

Maruti is readying a slew of new and updated products for our market that will hit showrooms starting next year. The manufacturer promises to bring in new products at almost all price points, starting with a diesel engine-equipped Celerio going up to the Sporty Ciaz RS. What’s more, Maruti will launch the S-Cross SUV and a new compact SUV too. Here’s a look at what to expect from Maruti.

Maruti S-Cross

The S-Cross will mark Maruti’s entry into the growing SUV segment and it will go up against popular models like the Renault Duster. The India-spec S-Cross is expected to get a number of changes over the international one before launch. The S-Cross’ shape is more crossover-like than an upright SUV. It will have requisite off-roader details such as high ground clearance, black cladding all around and metal scuff plates at the front and rear. It is uncertain if Maruti will equip the S-Cross with Suzuki’s “AllGrip” AWD system. The India-spec S-Cross is expected to come with LED daytime-running lamps and 16-inch alloys. The interiors will also get subtle tweaks to suit Indian tastes, which include a dual-tone theme. Power is expected to come from a 118bhp 1.6-litre Fiat-sourced diesel motor mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.
Read our exclusive Maruti S-Cross review

Celerio diesel

Maruti’s new Celerio with the AMT gearbox was an instant hit and it still commands long waiting lists. Maruti has one more trick up its sleeve with the Celerio that will hit Indian showrooms next year. The Celerio diesel will come with the smallest diesel engine being offered on any passenger car in India, a 0.8-litre two-cylinder unit developed in-house. We don’t expect this unit to be the most powerful one in its class, but it does promise to be very affordable to buy and run.

Maruti Ertiga facelift, AMT

Maruti is also readying the updated Ertiga which is expected to launch in around April 2015. The Ertiga facelift, like the updated Swift and Dzire will sport minor styling tweaks to its exteriors and more features to the interiors. The front will get updates such as an all-new chrome-finished grille, new bumper and mildly tweaked headlights.  Our sources tell us that Maruti is also working on an AMT-equipped version for the Ertiga which could launch with the facelift. 

Maruti Ciaz RS

Maruti will launch a sportier version of the Ciaz in 2015. This new model is expected to be called the Ciaz RS and will sit at the top of the Ciaz line-up. Just like the popular Swift RS that comes with a special body kit and paint shade, the Ciaz RS is also expected to get similar styling tweaks to its exteriors. The Ciaz RS will be based on the upcoming Ciaz Z+ variant which will come with all the bells and whistles including a touchscreen infotainment system. We expect the Ciaz RS to hit showrooms shortly after the Ciaz Z+ launch. More on the Sportier Maruti Ciaz here.

Maruti Wagon R AMT

After launching the Celerio AMT and the Alto K10 AMT, Maruti is now looking at launching an AMT-equipped Wagon R. Our sources tell us that Maruti wants to keep the Wagon R AMT as a premium offering in its line-up and hence will launch the AMT gearbox only on the Wagon R Stingray edition. The five-speed automated manual gearbox will come mated to the 1.0-litre K10 petrol motor in the new version of the Wagon R. We expect the Maruti Wagon R Stingray AMT to be priced at a premium of Rs 30,000-35,000 over the manual gearbox-equipped version. 

YRA premium hatchback

Maruti will be adding another hatchback to its vast line-up in 2015. This new hatchback will directly take on the new Hyundai i20 and the upcoming Honda Jazz. The Maruti YRA will be a global offering and has been spotted testing in Europe as well earlier. It is expected to sit above the Swift which means it will be longer and wider, implying roomier interiors. The Maruti YRA is expected to be powered by 1.2 and 1.4-litre petrols and a 1.3-litre diesel motor. Full detals on the Maruti YRA here.

YBA compact SUV

This new Maruti will be the carmaker's first offering in the compact SUV space; it will be aimed squarely at the current segment leader, the Ford EcoSport. This all-new Maruti compact SUV will be less than four metres long, have heavily stylised and muscular exteriors, and will likely wear its spare wheel on its tailgate like the YRA hatchback. It is likely to use Maruti’s existing range of engines. As with the YRA hatchback and the Ciaz sedan, this YBA crossover will have to pack in a lot of equipment to be a serious contender against the EcoSport. Our sources tell us that Maruti may unveil the production version of this all-new compact SUV at the Auto Expo 2016 and it could be christened Maruti iV4. Read more on the Maruti YBA here.