Maruti Suzuki has been on an offensive right from the 2016 Auto Expo. It launched the all-new offerings like the Vitara Brezza (March 2016) and the Ignis (January 2017) along with the third-gen Dzire (September 2017) and the Swift (February 2018). These models have helped Maruti Suzuki acquire over 50 per cent of the passenger car market in the country. In fact, every second car sold in India is a Maruti Suzuki.
Now, the Japanese car manufacturer is lining up more new cars for the Indian car market. These cars are likely to be launched in the next nine months and will take on their respective competitors by the scruff of its neck. Let’s check out the cars that are set to roll-off Maruti Suzuki’s assembly line in 2018-19.
Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Facelift
Expected Launch: August 2018
Expected Price: Rs 7.99 lakh – Rs 12.0 lakh (ex-showroom)
The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz is set to receive a facelift in August 2018. This will be the first facelift since its launch in 2014. The changes are likely to be subtle and limited to a new front grille and redesigned front and rear bumpers. However, the biggest change will be the addition of a brand new 1.5-litre petrol engine which was showcased in the Indonesia-spec Ertiga recently. This engine will replace the current 1.4-litre K14B motor. The new engine puts out 104.7PS of power and 138Nm of torque in the Indonesia-spec Ertiga. The Ciaz facelift will also be the first Maruti Suzuki to boast the SHVS (mild hybrid) technology with a petrol engine.
With hybrid tech, expect an increase in the performance and fuel efficiency figures as well. The existing petrol engine returns 20.73kmpl. As far as the diesel Ciaz is concerned, we expect Maruti Suzuki to offer the in-house developed 1.5-litre unit with a new 6-speed manual transmission. The rest of the details are expected to remain intact. Currently priced between Rs 7.38 lakh and Rs 11.51 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), expect the updated Ciaz to cost about Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 more.
Second-gen Maruti Suzuki Ertiga
Expected Launch: September or October 2018
Expected Price: Rs 7 lakh to Rs 11.5 lakh (ex-showroom)
The second-gen Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is all set to arrive on Indian shores before November 2018. Based on the Heartect platform, the new Ertiga has grown in size although the wheelbase continues to remain the same at 2740mm. Thus, the cabin space is likely to remain more or less the same as the current version, albeit with an increase in overall length and width. We expect the new MPV to feature a bigger boot as well. The new Ertiga also gets an Innova Crysta-like large front grille, which is flanked by a pair of sleek headlamps.
Unlike the current Maruti Ertiga, the next generation model carries its own identity. It no longer resembles the Swift or the Dzire. It gets a completely redesigned dashboard and a flat-bottom steering wheel. Features that have been retained in the new model include the roof-mounted AC vents, push-button start/stop, rear parking sensors and split rear seats. We expect the Indian version to be better equipped with features like the company’s 7-inch SmartPlay infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity options, automatic climate control, LED DRLs, auto headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, dual front airbags and ABS with EBD.
Under the bonnet, we expect Maruti Suzuki to swap the existing 1.3-litre diesel engine with its indigenously developed 1.5-litre diesel motor. A new 1.5-litre petrol engine powering the Indonesia-spec Ertiga is expected to make its way into the Indian version as well. Nothing’s confirmed as of now, though. If launched, expect the second-gen Ertiga to be priced at a substantial premium over the outgoing model, which is priced between Rs 6.33 lakh and Rs 10.69 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
New-generation Maruti Suzuki WagonR
Expected Launch: January or February 2019
Expected Price: Rs 4.5 lakh – Rs 5.50 lakh (ex-showroom)
Since its debut in 1999, the WagonR has become one of Maruti Suzuki’s top-selling nameplates. In fact, it recently completed 20 lakh unit sales as well. Now it’s set to get a major overhaul. Test mules of the new WagonR wearing heavy camouflage have been spotted numerous times in the country. These pictures indicate that the new WagonR will get large windows and vertically-stacked tail lamps, like the outgoing model. We expect the next-gen WagonR to be based on the Heartect platform, which already underpins the Ignis, Baleno, Dzire and the new Swift, and be equipped with the 1.0-litre petrol unit that powers the current version.
With the competition offering more features, we expect the upcoming WagonR to be well loaded. It is likely to get a touchscreen infotainment system, manual AC, all four power windows and standard safety features such as dual airbags and anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD). As a result, expect the new version of the popular hatchback to be pricier than the current version, which is priced between Rs 4.15 lakh and Rs 5.35 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
