Maruti Suzuki will be expanding its presence in new segments and strengthen its stature in existing segments with new products in 2019
1. 2019 Maruti Suzuki Wagon R
Maruti Suzuki is preparing to unleash a new generation of the Wagon R to compete firmly against the soon arriving Santro. The tallboy hatchback has been around for nearly two decades without much in the way of changes but the upcoming model will make a huge difference in terms of exterior and interior equipment.
The 2019 Maruti Suzuki Wagon R will look more or less similar to the existing model sold in Japan that debuted earlier last year. It appears that the India-spec Wagon R will carry over the current platform with updates to meet stringent emission standards.
No powertrain changes are expected as the new-gen Wagon R will continue to use the 1.0-litre petrol powertrain. We expect a launch to be on the cards in the early parts of 2019 and it will have a revived rivalry to face in the form of new Santro.
2. Maruti Suzuki Y1K Micro SUV
Maruti Suzuki was one of the liveliest brands at the 2018 Auto Expo and even showcased an Indian-specific concept. The Concept Future S signalled the future styling the company may undertake with less flamboyance and it will give rise to a product in the segment MSIL has never competed in.
Internally codenamed Y1K, the production model will be positioned in the micro SUV segment to take on Mahindra KUV100. Even though the KUV100’s volume numbers are not substantial, Maruti Suzuki could sense an underlying potential in the space and resultantly the Y1K could reach showrooms sometime next year.
It will be powered by small capacity fuel-efficient engines with standard safety features like dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, reversing sensors and so on. Hyundai was also speculated to be working on a micro SUV for the near future.
3. Maruti Premium Sedan (Corolla Based)
Like Mahindra and Ford, the partnership between Maruti Suzuki and Toyota holds plenty of importance for the Indian market. However, both alliances are taking different routes. MSIL and TKM are sharing cars for mutual benefits as the Vitara Brezza and Baleno will be supplied to Toyota next year.
In return, Toyota will be providing Maruti Suzuki with its Corolla sedan and it will be rebadged and perhaps reengineered. No mechanical changes are expected in the Maruti Suzuki premium sedan but cosmetic modifications are apparent to make it look like an authentic Maruti product.
More likely to be introduced in the second half of 2019, the upcoming sedan could be priced aggressively at around Rs. 18-24 lakh on-road. Additionally, due to its upmarket status, it will likely be positioned above Ciaz in the domestic portfolio and sold at Nexa dealerships.
4. Maruti Suzuki S-Cross With 1.5L Engine
Maruti Suzuki S-Cross has been garnering good sales since the arrival of the facelift late last year but due to the presence of single engine option, the range is sort of limited. To capitalise on the popularity, the brand will introduce the 1.5-litre K15B SHVS petrol engine debuted in the facelifted Ciaz.
The powertrain produces 104.7 PS and 138 Nm in the Ciaz and the same performance numbers could be carried forward. On the other hand, the in-house developed 1.5-litre diesel engine may as well find its way into the market meeting BSVI regulations.
It will also effectively help in expanding the S-Cross’ range. A launch could be in the pipeline in the current financial year for the petrol engine while the diesel unit is expected to arrive by the end of next year or both could be launched in simultaneously.
5. Maruti Suzuki Swift RS
Another anticipated product from Maruti Suzuki as we had revealed recently is the sportier version of the latest generation Swift hatchback. It will use the same 1.0-litre three-cylinder Boosterjet engine from Baleno RS making 101 horsepower.
It is only logical to think that the Maruti Suzuki Swift RS will have exterior enhancements to complement the new powertrain. If mechanical changes can be made, the Swift RS could become an attractive handling prospect as well for young customers.
As for the exterior, the Swift RS is projected to take styling influence from the Swift Sport. It will likely enter the domestic market in the opening months or in the middle part of next year.