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Maruti Ignis likely to gain a big brother by early next year, as Maruti Suzuki eyes higher volumes in the micro-SUV segment
Maruti Suzuki has built a wide SUV line-up of six models over the last ten years and plans to continue expanding the range in the coming years. The company will increase its focus on smaller, more affordable SUVs moving forward, with the first move set to be the launch of a Tata Punch rival.
Media reports say that Maruti Suzuki’s next major launch will be a pure electric MPV codenamed ‘YMC.’ Following this EV, though, the company will strengthen its focus on entry-level cars, which have regained prominence since the reduction of GST on sub-4 metre models with engines not bigger than 1,200 cc (petrol)/1,500 cc (diesel) to 18%.
The first among Maruti Suzuki’s series of all-new entry-level cars coming in the near future will be a micro-SUV codename ‘Y43.’ The Indo-Japanese joint venture has been carefully observing the rising popularity of this segment, largely driven by the success of the Tata Punch, over the years, and wants a piece of the pie.
Also Read: Maruti, Hyundai, Tata & Others See More First-Time Buyers After GST 2.0 Revision
Maruti Suzuki could have had an early mover advantage with its Ignis in this segment, but it didn’t find much success with this model. Rivals like Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter that came many years later are noticeably bigger and more spacious. These cars are also significantly better in terms of performance, comfort, connectivity, and safety.
The Maruti Y43 will likely measure around 3.8 metres in length, over 1.7 metres in width, and over 1.6 metres in height. It could have a wheelbase spanning approximately 2.5 metres. Maruti Suzuki may offer the new micro-SUV with the Z12E 1.2-litre naturally aspirated three-cylinder petrol engine that develops 80 hp and 111.7 Nm of torque. The company may also offer a CNG variant of the same engine, which produces 69 hp and 101.8 Nm of torque running on gas.
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Captures One-Fifth Of India’s SUV Market, Plans Further Expansion
Maruti Suzuki could launch the Y43 by early 2027 and price its base configuration in the range of Rs. 5.25-5.50 lakh (ex-showroom). This model will be one of the seven SUVs the company plans to introduce in the next 5-6 years. Maruti Suzuki enjoys a market share of nearly 20% in the SUV category and aims to increase its dominance with the new and updated models in the coming years.
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