Maruti may replace SX4 with the YL1 – spyshots emerge

Maruti’s SX4 hasn’t been doing too well in sales and it’s time for a replacement. If reports and emerging spyshots are to be believed, Maruti may introduce a completely new sedan next year that promises to put it back in the game. Meet the Suzuki YL1 (codename). 

The Suzuki YL1 is based on the Suzuki Authentic S concept that was showcased at Shanghai and as spyshots posted on Team-BHP show, the YL1 that is production ready appears to have borrowed heavily from the Authentic S concept. In fact, just going by what’s visible, the YL1 clearly has taken care of some of the shortcomings of the Maruti SX4, and if launched in the same price band, it could give some of the other C-segment cars such as the Hyundai Verna and Honda City a run for their money. Also read: Maruti launches facelifted SX4 with new features 

There is no certainty as to when the car will be launched, but indications are it could be ready for an early 2014 launch and may be showcased at the Auto Expo in New Delhi next year.

The car is longer and bigger than the Maruti SX4, which is a good thing. The one big grouse with the SX4 was the lack of rear seat legroom, while this car apparently has space that is almost as good as the Nissan Sunny’s. The floor too is apparently almost flat allowing for three abreast at the rear quite comfortably.

The styling cues look typically Suzuki, although the car does sport a bit of a premium look. The twin headlamps with projectors add to that premium feel, while the long bonnet gives it a large car appeal. The rear seems to have deviated from the concept a bit but still looks purposeful. The spyshots also show the car is likely to come with 16-inch wheels like the current SX4. Also see: Checklist for used Maruti SX4 

The car will likely come with petrol and diesel engine options, and speculation is that it would have the 1.4 litre K Series engine from the petrol Maruti Ertiga as well as the 1.3 litre diesel multijet in the 90PS state of tune.

It would be interesting to see how Maruti pits this car against the Honda City and the Hyundai Verna, and whether it can salvage the C-segment for the company. Also read: Maruti Sx4 diesel vs Skoda Rapid diesel

Spyshot images: Team-BHP