A purported test mule of the Maruti Alto successor
has been spied for the first time, courtesy Rushlane. The new entry-level car's
launch will take place in the final quarter of the current calendar year. The Maruti Alto successor is the
production version of the Concept Future-S that debuted at the Auto Expo 2018.
The highlight of the design study is its SUV-like proportions, which could help
the Maruti Suzuki capitalise on our car market's affinity towards SUVs and give
the Renault Kwid a run for its money.
Codenamed ‘Maruti Y1K', the new model's engine
options will include the R06A 658 cc three-cylinder unit that powers various
Suzuki Kei cars. The low-displacement motor is manufactured in naturally
aspirated and turbocharged versions. The new model may share the lightweight
fifth-gen HEARTECT platform with the 2019 WagonR.
The Maruti Alto successor will comply with the
stringent safety (under the Bharat New Vehicle Safety Assessment Program) norms
that come into play by October 2019. It will not only have a more robust
structure but also feature essentials like a driver's airbag, ABS and rear
parking sensors as a part of the standard equipment list.
The Maruti Alto, which is available in 0.8-litre and
1.0-litre engine variants, sold a whopping 2,55,661 units in the previous
calendar year to become the second most popular car in the country. The success
of the entry-level model can be gauged from the fact that it has sold over 35
lakh units over two generations.
