Maruti may launch XA-Alpha based compact SUV by mid-2014

With the introduction of Ford EcoSport and Nissan Terrano, the compact SUV segment looks more populated. During the economic crisis, UV segment in India sees a positive growth. Keeping this in mind, globally renowned carmakers are readying their compact sports utility vehicles to capture more market share. While Honda will launch its Urban SUV in 2014-15, Hyundai is also expected to launch Grand i10 based mini SUV in India by early 2015. Even the country's largest car manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki too has plans of introducing at least three sports utility vehicles in India over the next 3 years.

We reported earlier that Maruti will launch a compact SUV (Codenamed- YBA) based on XA-Alpha concept which was unveiled at the 2012 Indian Auto Expo, SX4 Crossover and a larger SUV based on iV-4 concept showcased at the recently concluded Frankfurt Motor Show. We learned that the company is very serious about its compact SUVs, and is expected to launch the compact SUV by the month of August-September, 2014. The past strategies of Maruti suggest that the company normally introduces its new vehicles' a couple of months before the start of Indian festive season, and this could also be applied on its upcoming compact SUV.

In order to perceive the real picture, we recently got in touch with a trusted source, which on confidentiality stated that the details of this SUV would be transparent around April next year, and the vehicle would come by the festive season.

The compact SUV will be made available in both petrol and diesel options. While the diesel SUV is expected to get the 1.3-litre multi-jet engine that does duty to the SX4, the petrol model will get the 1.6-litre engine.