The viciously competitive compact SUV segment is conspicuous by India’s largest automaker’s absence. Sure the S-Cross holds Maruti Suzuki’s fort in the upper reaches of the segment, but alas, it isn’t faring too well. Well, that’s about to change with the upcoming YBA (codename) compact SUV, which will debut at the 2016 Auto Expo in New Delhi.
Previewed by the Suzuki XA Alpha Concept from the 2012 Auto Expo, and taking a handful of stylistic cues from the Suzuki iV-4 Concept (above) from Frankfurt (2013), the sub-4 meter long compact SUV has been spied up close by Indian Autos Blog readers in Shimla. More importantly, the interiors, notably the dashboard has been completely revealed.
The images show a fuss free, conventional dashboard design, with an all-black theme juxtaposed with dull silver inserts; just like on the Baleno and S-Cross. The center console, bordered with piano black trim, hosts the Smart Play infotainment system which supports Bluetooth streaming, navigation, doubles up as a display for the reverse camera, and also features Apple CarPlay.
The steering and climate control buttons look familiar, and so does the gear lever. The YBA’s interiors also reveal the presence of cruise control, a feature restricted only to the S-Cross in Maruti’s stable. The seats are trimmed in black fabric, and the dashboard is a sea of soft touch materials.
The camouflage hints at the exterior cues, which include projector headlamps, a busy front bumper, a floating roof, blacked out A-pillars, 5-spoke alloy wheels and a rear spoiler. The mildly boxy proportions will be that of a quintessential compact SUV.
As for power, reports suggest that the YBA will employ the same petrol and diesel engines used in the Swift – a 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 1.3-litre diesel engine. Transmission options would include a 5-speed manual and a CVT. The Maruti YBA, when launched, will compete with the Mahidra TUV300, the Ford EcoSport, as well as the upcoming Mahindra KUV100 (S101), Datsun Go Cross etc.