Codenamed YL7 as of now, this new Maruti Suzuki small car is expected to be revealed by late 2013 or early 2014. After the unveil, it will be launched across the country. Price details are not available as of now, but expect a price tag which could make this car the most affordable diesel car in the country. It will also be offered with a petrol engine. The petrol model of YL7 will receive a 1 liter engine, the same one that powers Alto K10.
Speaking about competition, the new Maruti small car will rival the current petrol variants of Hyundai i10, Hyundai Santro, Hyundai Eon, Chevrolet Beat diesel, etc. After the YL7, Maruti plans to add the diesel 800cc engine to other small car options like Alto 800, Wagon R, Estillo, and 800. This will give Maruti Suzuki India an edge over their rivals as they will have a varied range of diesel powered cars in the small car segment. Meanwhile, they are also working on launching a sportier looking WagonR, Stingray.
A diesel option is especially noteworthy for Maruti who have ambitious plans on increasing volume and capacity utilization. The company’s two plants in Gurgaon and Manesar have joint capacities of around 12 lakh cars per annum. A new production line is being added at Manesar which will take capacity upto 15 lakhs by end of this year while by the year 2015-16, the company expects capacities to reach 17.5 lakh units as a new facility is being set up in Gujarat.
Indian auto industry has always been dominated by small cars. But, the demand is getting a little more specific. Customers are looking for small cars with a diesel option, this is due to the rising cost of petrol. Currently, Tata Motors is also developing an 800cc diesel version of the Nano. Coincidentally, the supplier of Engine Management System for both 800 cc engines from Tata and Maruti, is developed by Bosch. The news about Maruti YL7 was reported by Economic Times.
Apart from this, Hyundai has already announced their all new Grand i10. This will feature their smallest diesel engine, a 1.1l mill. But this car will be offered in the segment where Maruti Swift dominates. It will also be offered with petrol 1.2l kappa. Launch is scheduled for 3rd Sep.
