Upcoming Maruti Suzuki compact SUV uncovered

The upcoming compact SUV from Maruti Suzuki has been revealed in a spy shot. Codenamed YBA, the SUV will be less than 4 metres in length and will be Maruti's rival for the Ford EcoSport.

The image of the YBA put up by Autocar India suggests that its design is influenced by the Suzuki iV-4 concept that was displayed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2013. The 2015 Vitara, which was displayed at the Paris Motor Show in October this year, has also been based on the iV-4. The YBA is more compact than the Vitara. With a raked windscreen and tapering side windows, the greenhouse of the SUV looks remarkably similar to that of the Swift hatchback.

Unlike the iV-4, the YBA has a sober-looking front grille with horizontal slats and the bumper houses a wide air dam. The prominent skid plate seen on the concept seems to have been left out as well. The rear of the YBA is not visible in the image. However, it is believed that the car will have angular tail lamps and a tailgate-mounted spare wheel.

The YBA will slot below the S-Cross and is likely to be powered by engines from Maruti's current range. The SUV is rumoured to be slated for a 2016 Auto Expo debut.