In what would the Japanese automaker’s next major global product, Suzuki has commenced work on its new B-segment premium hatchback that will sit above the Maruti Swift hatchback and spy shots of the first prototype was spotted testing in Europe earlier this week. Codenamed ‘YRA’ internally by Suzuki, the new premium hatchback is part of the automaker’s new aggressive product plan with the premise to launch a new model every year by the end of this decade.
As the first spy shots showcase, the heavily camouflaged Suzuki YRA hatchback test mule is longer and taller than the Swift, but tucks in just under the S-Cross cross in terms of dimensions. With the black vinyl covering the curves, it would be too early to talk about the design, but we do expect to see a sporty and aerodynamic exterior that will age slower than competition. The other major factor is the large rear door that indicates good rear seat legroom and more boot capacity, unlike the Swift. Also expect to see a 3-door version of the car joining the lineup in the future for international markets.
The test mule was also carrying an intercooler turbo visible through the front bumper that confirms that the YRA hatchback will come with turbo petrol or turbo diesel engine options. Suzuki will launch an all-new 1.0-litre K10C petrol engine with Direct Injection TurboCharger technology (DiCT) that will power the YRA. The new engine is expected to produce in excess of 90 BHP of power, while also offering impressive fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions from the smaller motor.
The engine will join the likes of Tata’s 1.2-litre Revotron, Volkswagen’s 1.2-litre TSI and Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost in the segment. Diesel duties on the other hand will be performed by Suzuki’s home grown diesel unit that is currently under development. Having one of the most successful business modules in town, Maruti Suzuki knows the Indian market very well and will make sure to keep the dimensions under the 4-metre mark. The European spec version though could be a tad bit longer in comparison.
We also expect to see a drastic improvement on the interiors with a whole new range of features on offer. The test mule was riding on alloy wheels with lower ground clearance than Suzuki’s other models and is expected to boast impressive driving dynamics, much like the Swift. Competing against the likes of Volkswagen Polo, Hyundai i20, Nissan Note, Renault Clio and Honda Jazz in the B-segment premium hatchback space, the new YRA hatch could be produced in India for the European markets as well with exports set to commence from September, 2015. The premium hatchback is expected to be officially launched by mid-2015.
Source – The Motor Report
