Maruti YRA premium hatchback starts testing in India - Spied
Likely to debut the Boosterjet engine in India.
Maruti has commenced road trials of its forthcoming premium hatchback, codenamed the Maruti YRA. The YRA was previewed by the Suzuki iK-2 concept at the Geneva Motor Show this year, and was announced to launch in Europe in early-2016. For the Indian market, reports state a launch could take place in the second half of this year.
Based on an "all-new" platform, the YRA could debut Suzuki's all-new Boosterjet engine in India. This unit, which is a 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine, also benefits from direct injection and is claimed to offer high fuel efficiency. Though the power and torque outputs of this engine remain under wraps, Suzuki said it had used "various technologies to reduce weight".
The diesel engine for the YRA would be Fiat's 1.3-liter MultiJet unit, seen on other Maruti products such as the Swift and Ritz. However, Maruti aims to position the YRA as a 'premium hatch', and hence price it inline with the Hyundai Elite i20, its closest rival. The upcoming Jazz, with its practical interior and frugal diesel engine, will also be a key rival.
Also read: Suzuki iM-4 mini SUV concept debuts at Auto Shanghai
Going by the specifications of the iK-2 concept, the YRA will measure 4,023 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width, 1,450 mm in height and 2,520 mm in wheelbase. When launched in India, it will likely be sold through Maruti's premium range of dealerships, Nixa.
Competitors: VW Polo, Hyundai Elite i20, Honda Jazz
Expected Price: INR 5.5-8.5 lakhs, ex-Showroom
Launch date: H2 2015
Maruti YRA - Spyshot Gallery
Suzuki iK-2 - Official Image Gallery
Suzuki iK-2 - Image Gallery
[Spyshots from IndianCarsBikes]