Maruti Suzuki India Limited shall soon launch a new SUV. Based on the Daihatsu-sourced DNGA (Daihatsu New Global Architecture) modular platform, the model shall be developed in association with Toyota.
It is codenamed YFG in Maruti Suzuki division and D22 in Toyota’s division. This new SUV shall lock horns with the Kia Seltos, VW Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, MG Astor and others. The Suzuki and Toyota versions of this SUV are already being tested in India, and spyshots have recently appeared on CarToq.
Design
This is the Toyota Corolla Cross – the Maruti SUV may resemble this in profile. As just we saw with the new Baleno_glanza launches, the front will be quite different. Despite being based on the same DNGA platform, the design language will be unique to each of them. During the testing of the automobile, spy shots were taken. However, due to the heavy camouflage, not a whole lot of design elements could be seen.
The overall silhouette is similar to the Corolla Cross and RAV4 SUVs from Toyota. With the new Mitsubishi YFG, you’ll get a new grille and a set of split headlamps with LED DRLs. Likewise, Toyota’s D22 will come with split headlamps with LED DRLs, big air dams, and honeycomb mesh grille.
Visually, neither brand stands out, but both are known for their practicality. Daihatsu’s New Global Architecture was developed with emerging markets in mind. This shall translate into the SUV being lightweight and have enhanced rigidity, and architecture will boast new suspension setup and underbody.
Features & Engines
As far as features and creature comforts are concerned, we can expect the models to be equipped with fairly new technologies. As far as features are concerned, a big infotainment touchscreen display, connected car technology, and other bits and bobs should make their way into the production models.
It has been assumed that the Maruti YFG and Toyota D22 could be offered with the Maruti Suzuki’s 1.5L K15B naturally aspirated petrol engine which comes with 104hp and 138Nm torque, as per the media reports. Due to the inclusion of Maruti’s hybrid technology, these numbers will see a slight bump. It can also help in the increment of fuel efficiency as well. As usual for Maruti, we may get a CNG version soon after the launch.
Sometime during the Diwali season of this year, launch can be expected although no official dates have not been announced. And as for the pricing, the models could be offered in the range of Rs. 10-18 Lakh to further challenge the likes of the current segment leaders.