Maruti Suzuki is planning to launch the much-awaited YBA compact SUV (XA Alpha) this fiscal year, claims ET. Mr. RS Kalsi, Executive Director for Marketing and Sales at Maruti Suzuki India said that the compact crossover will go on sale before March 2016. The YBA will compete against the likes of Ford EcoSport and the upcoming compact SUVs from Tata and Hyundai.
Just so you know, the YBA was first unveiled as XA Alpha – an early prototype of the compact SUV – though, the production version will look a lot different from the concept. In fact, the company has already started testing the vehicle in India. The YBA will share the platform with the Suzuki iV-4 concept, which was first showcased at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show.
The compact SUV will get a front bumper with faux skid plates, projector type horizontal headlights with Daytime Running lights, a new smaller chrome grille with horizontal slats and circular fog lamps. It will also feature a pair of 10-spoke star-shaped alloy wheels, swept back roofline and angular tail lamps. Other expected features are touch-screen infotainment system, keyless entry and push start/ stop button.
Powering the YBA compact SUV could be the Ertiga’s 1.4-litre K14B petrol engine and the Fiat-sourced 1.3-litre Multijet diesel engine. The gasoline unit develops a maximum power of 95PS with a peak torque of 130Nm, while the oil burner churns out 90PS with 200Nm. The compact SUV is expected to be priced between Rs. 6 lakh to Rs. 7.50 lakh.
