The Maruti Ignis will be positioned a micro-SUV against B-segment hatchbacks and will be the next global product to be launched in India expected by September 2016.
There is no doubt that India is one of the biggest markets for Suzuki globally and also a major contributor to its revenues. The Japanese automaker has ambitious plans for Maruti Suzuki and recently conveyed that it will be introducing a host of global offerings in the country. Now, a report suggests that one of the global products to hit the Indian turf soon is the Ignis micro-SUV that made its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show earlier this year and has been in the pipeline for quite some time now.
Interestingly the report suggests that the Maruti Suzuki Ignis has been codenamed as ‘YJC’, what was earlier perceived to be the codename for the Wagon R seven-seater. Maruti has commenced testing the Ignis for India internally at its manufacturing facility and has imported body and interior panels for the YJC in the country for trial purposes. The Ignis will measure 3700 mm in length, 1660 mm in width and 1595 mm in height with a wheelbase measuring 2438 mm.
Going by dimensions, the Maruti Ignis will be competing on the same lines as a B-segment hatchback while powertrain options include a 1.2-litre petrol and a 1.3-litre diesel. The report also suggests that the engines will come with SHVS technology for higher mileage and lower CO2 emissions. In terms of pricing, the model is expected to start from Rs. 4.5 lakhs going up to Rs. 6.5 lakhs (ex-showroom). Given the affinity towards SUVs at present, the Ignis cuts the deal really well.
It will now be interesting to see how Maruti positions the YBA compact SUV with the YJC also in the pipeline. The YBA is expected to go on sale next year and will be the Indian auto giant’s answer to the Ford EcoSport and Mahindra TUV300. Possibilities are the YBA will be priced at a marginal premium over the Ignis as a rival to the numerous crossovers which were launched recently like the Hyundai i20 Active, Fiat Avventura, Toyota Etios Cross and Volkswagen Cross Polo. Maruti is known for creating segments and sub-segments as it has done in the past and the automaker just might kickstart the micro-SUV space.
Source – GaadiWaadi.com
