Report - Maruti planning 'YJC' compact MPV for 2016 launch

Could be based on the Wagon R 7-seater shown at IIMS.

Economic Times report that Maruti-Suzuki is planning to launch a compact MPV in the festive season of 2016. The car, codenamed 'YJC', is being conceptualized and developed for markets like India and certain South East Asian countries.

The YJC is reported to bridge a potential gap between hatchbacks and utility vehicles, and it will be positioned below the Ertiga. The company is targeting volumes of 80,000 units in the first year, and has floated proposals to its vendors and suppliers for sourcing components.

Suzuki's Indonesian subsidiary showcased a compact MPV on the very popular Wagon R at the 2013 edition of the IIMS. The three-row 7-seating Wagon R is bound to meet production lines in Indonesia in 2016, and this could very well be the car meant for the Indian market as well, given the similarity between Indian and Indonesian market preferences.

Also read: Maruti YRA snapped inside and out

The YJC, when launched, will lock horns with the Datsun Go+ MPV, which has its Indian market introduction set for early 2015. Expect the YJC to be powered by the 1.2-liter K-Series petrol engine, though it remains to be seen if a diesel variant is also offered.

Competitor: Datsun Go+
Expected Price: INR 4-6 lakhs, ex-Showroom
Launch date: 2016

[Source: Economic Times; Images: Okezone, Kompass, Dapurpacu]