Rumour: Next-gen Maruti Alto to get crossover-inspired design

Maruti Suzuki has reportedly started working on the next-generation Alto, which has internally been codenamed as the Y1K. This news comes after Suzuki Motors, Japan gave a go ahead to its Indian unit, Maruti Suzuki, to locally develop the next-gen Alto. If media reports are to be believed, the new Alto will be released in 2019, and will feature a crossover-inspired styling.

This step is likely a result of the Alto's market share dropping by 8% after the introduction of the Renault Kwid. Maruti seems to have acknowledged the fact that Kwid's design has been a key factor in Alto's sales drop. As a result, the automaker is now trying to emulate the Kwid's USP by giving the new-gen Alto a crossover-like design.

It has also been reported that the next-gen Alto will be built on a new platform. Hardware and technology of the car will come from Suzuki's Japan team, though the design, engineering and validation will be carried out locally by Maruti Suzuki. This is being done to develop a car that meets local requirements as closely as possible.

The automaker is currently sitting at a market share of close to 50%, and will soon be expanding and updating its portfolio by launching new products, including the revamped WagonR, facelifted Celerio, and the new-gen Swift.

Source: Economic Times