Codenamed Maruti Y1K, the production model of Concept Future S is expected to bear a SUV-ish design language
Maruti Suzuki broke covers of the Concept Future S at the 2018 Auto Expo in February and it was one of the major attractions at the biennial motoring show. We have already reported that the company is working on a production small SUV based on the concept and more details of it have arrived on the internet, courtesy of a recent report.
The model is under development at the largest automaker in the country’s research facility in Rohtak, Haryana speculatively and it is more likely to be introduced in the market in a couple of year’s time. Said to be internally codenamed Maruti Y1K, the entry-level small SUV will be slotted between the Alto and Wagon R.
If that turns out to be the case, the Maruti Y1K could act as a prominent rival to the Renault Kwid. The prospect of a production SUV below Vitara Brezza has long been mooted especially considering the best-selling status the subcompact SUV has received ever since it was launched in March 2016.
Going by the concept, the road-going version could adorn a SUV-ish silhouette with flat bonnet structure and an upright front fascia signalling a new design direction we may not have seen in any Maruti Suzuki vehicle yet. It could have a good ground clearance of around 180 mm, judging by where the Kwid stands.
It will reportedly use a 1.0-litre petrol engine with standard five-speed manual and AMT option and is expected to address the SUV craze even in the affordable space. The Maruti Y1K should comply with the upcoming stringent safety standards and will offer airbags and ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard fitment.
The report went on to say MSIL are planning to get the test units running by early parts of 2020 before entering the market later that year. With customers’ buying sentiment on a high, a launch timeline could be aimed on the festive season.
While previous reports suggested that the Y1K is for the next-gen Alto, it is now pitched for the production Future S. Will it revive the Zen name and have feature-rich interior? We may have to wait for more months to find that out.
Maruti Suzuki Concept Future S Images
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