Maruti Suzuki to launch 3 UVs by 2020

Maruti Suzuki is looking at shedding the image of being a ‘small car’ maker through the slew of UV launches planned over the next three years. The automaker is aiming at grabbing the front seat in India’s fast-growing and high-margin UV segment.

The company will be having over half a dozen UVs and crossovers in its portfolio with three new offerings lined up for launch this decade. The three new vehicles planned are –
S A crossover which will be a derivative of the Ertiga platform, internally codenamed YHB
S A three-row Wagon R MPV (already on sale in Indonesia and is a Datsun GO+ rival)
S A premium SUV which will be positioned above the Vitara Brezza

The YHB derivative is likely to be a three-row utility vehicle with a sporty design language along the lines of the Honda BR-V. The premium SUV will be priced in the Rs 12-18 lakh bracket and will rival the Tata Hexa, Mahindra XUV500 and Jeep Compass.

The Swift-maker also has plans for its existing line-up of cars. According to industry sources, the Ertiga and S-Cross are likely to feature Suzuki’s new 1.5-litre diesel engine, while the Brezza is likely to get a petrol powertrain. The Brezza’s runaway success in the compact SUV space has inspired the carmaker to venture into the premium SUV space.