Maruti’s New Mid-Size SUV Can Launch In Dussera-Diwali Season: Can It Beat Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos?

Maruti Suzuki and Toyota are co-developing a new midsize SUV specifically meant to rival the Hyundai Creta, codenamed the YFG.

Two Versions

The word is that it will arrive this festive season and that its trial production has already started at Toyota’s manufacturing unit in Bidadi, Karnataka.

The nickname YFG is for Maruti Suzuki and for Toyota D22 but both will roll out of Toyota’s plant.

It will have an overall length of around 4.3 metres so as to be positioned above the S-Cross.

Spy pictures have been leaked of both prototypes.

Design

From that it can be gleaned that the D22 has taken design influence from the latest crop of Toyota SUVs sold globally.

Meanwhile, the YFG appears to be inspired by the A-Cross sold in the European market, which is actually a rebadged version of the Toyota RAV4.

Both companies have taken different styling approaches but the midsize SUV will have common underpinnings.

Development

It is based on the DNGA platform used by Toyota and will be built on low-cost DNGA (Daihatsu New Generation Architecture) platform which is designed for emerging markets.

Notably, the midsize SUVs will be built from scratch, without relying on any past models. 

The carmakers intend to offer something unique and new in order to compete against the Creta and Seltos.

Appearance

The Maruti Suzuki YFG will likely perform the role of a flagship from the largest carmaker in the country at the Nexa premium outlets.

What we can see from the images is a split styled headlamp cluster, LED DRLs similar to the A-Cross, front grille mesh resembling that of the recently facelifted Baleno, diamond-cut alloy wheels, squared-off wheel arches, etc.

Performance-wise it’s supposed to be powered by a strong hybrid powertrain and will also be capable of short runs using the EV-only mode.

Features

Equipment-wise it will likely get a: 

• Floating touchscreen infotainment system with Suzuki Connect
• Automatic climate control
• Cruise control
• Cemi-digital instrument console
• 360-degree camera system
• Heads-up display
• Six airbags in the top-end variants
• Adjustable headrests
• ADAS based tech like adaptive cruise control

Launch, Price

Prototype production could start in the next 2-3 months with the aim to launch around the festive season or Diwali.

Maruti’s version may be the first to hit the roads followed by Toyota’s model.

It is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 12-16 lakh.

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