Rumour: Maruti working on a new cross-hatchback to rival Kwid

Maruti Suzuki is reportedly working on a new budget hatchback that will come with SUV-like design cues. This new offering will be the company's answer to the Renault Kwid, which has successfully managed to eat into the sales figures of Maruti's leading best-seller - the Alto.

While earlier reports had mentioned that Maruti was planning to design the next-gen Alto as a hatchback crossover to pit it against the Kwid, latest speculations point towards an all-new vehicle in the offing. This will likely be placed slightly above the Alto 800 and will compete head-on against the Kwid.

Details about the rumoured model are scarce at the moment, but it is expected to come with SUV-inspired design cues, including a higher ground clearance and body cladding. Powertrain options will likely include a 1.0-litre engine with manual transmission and an AMT.

Maruti is expected to unveil the new cross-hatch at the 2018 Auto Expo, while it will likely go on sale later next year.

Source: Autocar India

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