6 new Maruti cars & SUVs launching in the next 1 year; Ertiga to Jimny, WagonR & more

The all-new 2018 Maruti Swift has been unveiled and will be officially launched within weeks from now. Looking beyond the Swift, Maruti has no less than half a dozen new cars for launch in the next one year. Here are all the details.

Ciaz Facelift

The facelifted Ciaz is weeks away from launch in India, and is expected to follow the new Swift into the market. The car will get minor aesthetic tweaks on the outside and inside. More features are likely to be added. The bigger story concerns the new engines. The 1.4 liter K-Series petrol engine is likely to be replaced by the 1.5 liter M15A petrol (108 Bhp-138 Nm). A 6 speed automatic gearbox could replace the 4 speed torque converter unit. The diesel engine and 5 speed manual gearboxes for the petrol and diesel are likely to be carried over. Pricing of the new car is also expected to be similar to the outgoing model.

All-new Ertiga

With the Swift and Dzire getting full-model changes in India, it’s about time the Ertiga follows suit. The MPV will share the HEARTECT platform with the new Swift and Dzire models, and is expected to get significantly lighter. It’s already being tested on Indian roads, and is expected to be launched by the end of this year. Maruti could add new M15A 1.5 liter petrol (108 Bhp-138 Nm) and a newly developed 1.4 liter turbo diesel engine to the 2018 Ertiga. More space and features on the inside are a given. Pricing is expected to be more or less similar to the outgoing version.

All-new Jimny

Globally, production of the current-Jimny will end in February, and the all-new 2018 Jimny will take over the mantle as Suzuki’s only true-blue off roader. The all-new Jimny is based on a new platform, and gets a 1 liter-3 cylinder BoosterJet turbo petrol engine with 101 Bhp-170 Nm on tap. Both manual and CVT gearboxes are on offer in Japan, along with all-wheel drive. For India though, the manual gearbox and all wheel drive layout are likely while the CVT automatic gearbox may be dropped. Maruti’s Sanand factory is slated to build this SUV, and will be a global production hub for the Jimny. An early 2019 launch is likely.

Swift Sport

For the first time ever, Maruti is slated to bring the sportier version of the iconic Swift hatchback in India. Dubbed the Swift Sport, this car is likely to feature the 1.4 liter BoosterJet turbo petrol engine with 140 Bhp-230 Nm on tap. A 6 speed manual gearbox will be standard. A direct challenger to the Fiat Punto Abarth, the stiffer sprung Swift Sport is expected to command an ex-showroom price close to Rs. 10 lakhs, or even slightly higher.

All-new WagonR

The WagonR is due for a full model change, which is likely to arrive into India in early 2018. The new car will retain its tall-boy looks with design inspired by the latest version of the WagonR that’s already on Japanese streets. The engine and transmission is likely to be retained, with petrol and CNG options; manual and AMT options. The car is expected to get lighter and more fuel efficient. Twin airbags and ABS are likely to become standard as Maruti works towards making the next-gen WagonR meet India’s new car safety norms (BNVSAP).

Future S concept based micro SUV

While the Future S concept will be shown at the 2018 Auto Expo, the production version of this micro SUV is expected to arrive by the end of this year or early next year. The Future S will be based on the HEARTECT platform that it shares with the Swift, Dzire and Baleno. It’s likely to pack in both petrol and diesel engines. In terms of pricing, it’ll sit well under the Maruti Vitara Brezza. With a sub-4 meter form factor and room for 5, the Future S will take on the Mahindra KUV100.