Maruti Suzuki YBA Compact SUV to use 1.3 Fiat Multijet Diesel Engine

The Maruti Suzuki XA Alpha Compact SUV concept is currently code-named the YBA, and the vehicle is on testing rounds in India. Due for a launch in 2016, the YBA is expected to be sold with petrol and turbo diesel engine options. While an earlier report suggested that a downsized version of the Fiat 1.6 liter Multijet turbo diesel motor – set to make its debut in the upcoming S-Cross – will be shoehorned into the YBA, new information emerging differs with this strain of thought. The new information suggests that Maruti Suzuki is likely to shoehorn the 1.3 liter Fiat Multijet motor into the SUV. The engine could use a variable geometry turbocharger to make for 90 Bhp-200 Nm outputs.

 A five speed manual transmission will be standard with this diesel motor. The automaker has already begun equipment necessary for setting up a robotized assembly line necessary for manufacturing the compact SUV, the automaker’s first for the Indian car market, discounting the Gypsy off roader of course. As the YBA will be a sub-4 meter offering designed to make best use of excise duty concessions for compact cars, the SUV is expected to use the 1.2 liter K-Series petrol motor as its second engine option. In due course of time, CNG and LPG options may also be added to the 1.2 liter K-Series mill, in line with Maruti Suzuki’s strategy of offering four different fuel options on its new cars.

Interestingly, export data for the YBA’s top-end ZDi+ diesel variant pegs pricing at nearly 10.6 lakh rupees, which is perhaps the price at which the top-end variant of the compact SUV will retail for, in India. This price also indicates that the YBA will be aimed squarely at the Ford EcoSport crossover. A monocoque chassis and a front wheel drive layout will be standard fare while an all wheel drive system could be served up as an option. Maruti Suzuki has stayed clear of compact SUVs/crossovers for too long, even as competition is swamping the segment with vehicles of many hues. India’s largest car maker needs to have a presence in what is one of the fastest growing segments in the country’s expanding car market. The S-Cross crossover will be first of Maruti’s many new bullets.

Via Zauba