[.anshuman]

Mod Note: Team-BHP's Maruti Ciaz Review has been uploaded here. Please continue the discussion over on the review thread. Thanks!

Little Birdie dropped some details about the Maruti Suzuki Project YL1, a Vento sized sedan which might replace the ageing SX4 sedan.

Details-

• Will have 1.3 DDIS 90hp Diesel and 1.4 K series Petrol motors from Ertiga.
  
• Seems to be based on the same platform as Ertiga.
  
• Design theme same as Authentics concept showcased earlier but detailing is different and simpler.
  
• Lots of space for the rear seat, possibly best in class.
  
• The car is as high as the Vento and about the same size.
  
• Choice of materials is premium, maybe material for dashboard is not finalised yet. Current test car gets smooth glossy dashboard material over grainy textured material that is usually used.
  
• Design theme for Interiors is similar to Swift, Ertiga and Kizashi. Just like all other Maruti cars, majority of bits are shared. Top portion is Black, lower portion gets overdose of beige. Door and carpets are Beige. Floor hump is small.
  
• Door controls were exactly same as Swift.
  
• The curvy styling looks really good.
  
• There is push button start, possibly keyless function too.
  
• Puddle lamps will be offered.
  
• Rear seat gets 2 A/C vents in rear.
  
• The rear windshield looked similar to Superb.
  
• Meters gets bright glowing white rings, otherwise feel similar to other Maruti cars. The MID display is white.
  
• Front grille is exactly same as new facelifted SX4.
  
• Leather seats feel premium.

^ Little Birdie and I made this Sketch, which looks exactly as the original car.

More details will be posted, have patience!

EDIT:
Little birdie adds-

• Tires are 185/60R15.
• Alloys are Hyper Silver in color
• Middle A/C vents from Ertiga
• Same steering wheel as Ertiga, but black in color. Audio controls look the same.
• Keyless funtion confirmed
• Electronic folding Mirrors are used
• No Automatic Transmission in this batch
• Headlamps look Mercedes inspired, similar to ones on new E-Class

EDIT:on August 19, 2013-

• Similar variants to other Maruti cars, L, V and Z spec.
• Z Spec has 195/55 R16 Tires, same size as top end Verna, Lower V spec variant gets 15 inch alloys and L grade trim will have steel rims.
• Lowest spec Lxi/Ldi Trim gets same Head Unit and manual HVAC controls as Swift.
• Gearbox has exact same feel as Swift/Ertiga.
• Diesel Engine gets Hydraulic Mounts and Heavy damping, Maruti seems to be serious about low NVH.
• Rear Bench space in the league of Nissan Sunny/Scala.
• Key for top end variant with Keyless function looks fabulous to hold.
• Top end Z spec variant has chrome handles similar to Verna, request sensor looks similar too.
• Raised stance due to high Ground Clearance makes the car profile look weird from side view. Expect generous GC though not as much as Crossover derived SX4

EDIT: on Aug 20, 2013-

• Rear has Drum brakes.
• 2 Airbags and No ESP.
• 100+ Kg lighter than SX4.
• Steering has just height adjust, no adjustment for reach.
• Sunglasses holder is provided.
• Renault Duster like Steering controller for Bluetooth on LHS, Audio switches placed conventionally on steering wheel.

EDIT:Aug 21, 2013-

• Another source says Production scheduled to begin in July 2014.

[.anshuman]

Adding one more sketch-

[.anshuman]

EDIT: Adding Interior Sketch on a later date.



EDIT 2-

[.anshuman]

Big Thanks to Li'l Birdie I am posting on his behalf. Here are some actual un-camouflaged photographs of the Maruti YL1.






^ The car in these pictures is LDi variant.

Photos in this post added on a later date on Aug 19, 2013. More details on the car were updated today in post#1.

EDIT:on Aug 21, 2013. Adding one more picture of top end ZDi/ZXi variant

[.anshuman]

Have a look at the rear legroom. Rear seats have similar recline angle like the DZire and even thicker side bolstering. Middle seat handrest is not uncomfortable like SX4.



This post added on Aug 23, 2013.

[.anshuman]

Here are a few Interior Shots. This most probably is VDi variant(not sure).

















This post added on a later date- Aug 20, 2013. 1725hrs.

[.anshuman]

The design theme is based heavily on the Authentics concept-


Image source: http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/s...shanghai-2013/

[parrys]

Maruti desperately need this, and soon.
The SX4 is not quite a success story as Maruti expected it to be, even after they gave it a Multijet steroid shot.

Regardless of the engine options, a better looking exterior design is the need of the hour.

[KINI]

1.3DDis??Interiors similar to Swift/Ertiga??I'm sorry but this is a recipe for failure.How does MSIL hope to compete against the Vento with a 1.4L Petrol and 1.3L Diesel??They will also have to contend with the next-gen Linea and City.
It's high time MSIL brought in the 1.6MJD here.AFAIK Suzuki uses it in their cars abroad.

[.anshuman]

Originally Posted by KINI

Interiors similar to Swift/Ertiga??

Please read carefully, i said Design theme is similar, not the actual interiors.

[Mpower]

Excellent scoop. It should be a lot cheaper to build compared to the SX4 which sits on its own unique platform. Plus the SX4 looked bulky and bloated to me.

I have a feeling it will be a stretched back seat like the Sunny.

[KPS]

Excellent scoop. I guess the limited engine options are not going to sustain sales of this vehicle. The Fluidic Verna 1.4 is hardly seen on the road is the case in point. It has to be a clear C1 or a C2 Class. Cannot be a C1 pretending to be a C2

Cheers

KPS

[Maky]

Thanks for the Scoop!
I'm quite excited now. I thought it would have been a long while before Maruti would start working on the replacement for the failure that was the SX4. The mockup and feature listing is fairly satisfying. Question,

Originally Posted by .anshuman

Little Birdie...

Did Mr.Bird tell you when we should expect to see a prototype in testing by? or is it too soon to say?

[.anshuman]

Originally Posted by Maky

Did Mr.Bird tell you when we should expect to see a prototype in testing by? or is it too soon to say?

Cars are in Japan now for testing. Please wait for other details, i will update as soon as i get them.

[mTorque]

Sound good and possibly will look good based on the sketches! If all things fall in place, this sedan will be a good upgrade option to many of the Swift (5+ Yrs) owners, moving to sedan class retaining Maruti's benefits!