Maruti Suzuki to launch two new models next fiscal

For FY2020 (April 2019-March 2020), the company has planned two new launches.

The latest development is a confirmation coming directly from Maruti Suzuki's Chairman RC Bhargava. Banking on the new launches, the company is "pretty optimistic" about sales this year. Industry sources say one of these models is for the company's ordinary Arena channel and the other for the premium NEXA channel.

Reports from last year suggest that the new model intended for sales through Arena showrooms is the production version of the Maruti ConceptFutureS. Designed in India by Maruti Suzuki, this concept is the torchbearer of the brand's all-new design language for compact cars.

Upright stance, commanding higher seating and ground clearance and a horizontal hood give the ConceptFutureS the SUV character much-loved by Indian car buyers and expect these features in the production version too. Reports say that the production version, which will compete with the Renault Kwid, could revive the 'Zen' nameplate. It will slot below the Maruti Ignis, serving as the company's third entry-level car besides the Alto and Wagon R. One can think of it as a crossover alternative to the Maruti Alto K10.

As for the new premium model planned in FY2020, there are two possibilities. One is the premium 6-seat version of the Maruti Ertiga and the other is the rebadged Toyota Corolla. A recent report said that Suzuki is testing the new Hyundai Elantra rival at the Rohtak R&D Centre. It claimed that the launch is scheduled during the festive season this year.