Maruti iV-4

India is emerging as one of the largest automobile markets in the world, thanks to the growing demand and competitive strategy of the automobile firms. Among all the car makers, Maruti Suzuki India Limited has always managed to hold its numero-uno position in the market, as it has delivered affordable hatchbacks. However, it lagged behind in the lucrative sedan and SUV segment. To claim their rightful position in sedan segment, it has recently launched Ciaz in the country, which is doing quite well. Now, the company is shifting its focus on to the SUV segment and it has already unveiled the concept model christened as Maruti IV-4, which is going to take shape sooner or later. The manufacturer has not disclosed the official pictures of this soon to be launched vehicle, but is conducting some test runs on it. This adds fuel to the speculations that it is going to be launched sooner than later in the country. However, it is too early to say this, since the vehicle is yet to receive its final design. By looking the spy images of this SUV, we can say that the vehicle has the same body structure like its concept version, which was displayed at several auto shows. It has a good height, large fenders and a body overall structure, which makes it looks like a five seater SUV. These images also suggest that it is going to have an overall length of juster under four meters. In this case, it is going to spur up the competition in the sub 4-meter segment, where Ford EcoSport is doing exceptionally well. In fact, the likes of Hyundai and Chevrolet are also considering to launch their compact SUV models, but MSIL seems to be way ahead in introducing its model in this lucrative segment. This will certainly help the manufacturer to go ahead with the competition and strengthen its position in the country.

Maruti IV4 is expected to come up with an aggressive appearance like its concept version, as it is going to be an important aspect that influences its sales. At the same time, the company may also change its name, as some of the online portals that it will be christened as Maruti YBA. To deal with the competition, the manufacturer might offer all its variants with projector headlamps along with LED daytime running lights and stylish alloy wheels. At the same time, one can also expect for conventional aspects like body colored bumpers, door handles and ORVM caps. However, these are all assumptions and the final list of features may vary depending upon the variants. On the other hand, its interiors are expected to look good with new design philosophy of the automaker. It is most likely that the interior color scheme will remain in black scheme, as it is something that emphasizes its sporty appeal. One can expect that this vehicle will be available with five seater configuration, since its external appearance suggest that it is going to be a compact vehicle. Like several other Maruti vehicles, this upcoming sub 4-meter SUV too is speculated to get a signature three spoke steering wheel with a lot of metallic accents on it. In addition to these, it will certainly get a few multi functional switches, as it is essential for driver's convenience. At the same time, its cockpit section may also get height adjustable driver's seat that further enhances the driving experience.

Since the vehicle is still undergoing its test runs, it is hard to estimate about the price range or number of variants and features with which, it is going to come in. However, as per the market experts, this vehicle is going to be launched with a price range of approximately 6.5 lakh to 7.5 lakh. If it comes under this price range, then we can certainly expect for better comfort and safety features than other vehicles in its segment. There is do doubt that this Maruti IV-4 is slated to come in several trim levels, which would house several standard comfort features. To start with the base variants, we can expect its base trim to have aspects like power assisted steering system, adjustable outside mirrors, power operated windows and several other such features. While its mid range trims could house a bit more essential aspects including an air conditioning system along with adjustable driver's seat, remote central locking system, intermittent front wipers, and other such aspects. On the other hand, its top end variants can be fitted with a multi functional steering wheel, an advanced instrument cluster with multi-information display, automatic air conditioning unit, electrically operated outside mirrors and various other such aspects.

In terms of safety aspects, this upcoming SUV will certainly get a good quality body structure with reinforced chassis and impact protection beams, which can take care of the passengers in case of an accident. In addition to these, one can also expect features like ABS with EBD, electronic stability program, dual front airbags, three point ERL seatbelts with force limiter function, rear parking sensors and various other such aspects. Like any other four wheeler, this yet to be launched Maruti IV-4 will also get an engine immobilizer and other security systems, which are important for safeguarding the vehicle. In terms of specifications, its diesel variants are most likely to house a 1.3-litre DDiS, engine, which is currently powering many of the Maruti models. The manufacturer may tune this motor to enhance its power output in the range of 90bhp and torque 200Nm. However, this mill is going to be mated with five speed manual transmission gearbox, which will deliver to torque output to the front wheels. On the other hand, its petrol variants may get the 1.2-litre K series mill, which is also powering several hatchbacks and sedans of MSIL. As far as its transmission is concerned, the manufacturer might offer a choice between five speed manual and four speed automatic transmission gearbox. There is no doubt that this vehicle will certainly increase the competition in the compact SUV segment. However, its official launch may happen only after two or three months, which is still a long way to go.