The Maruti Future S concept will be based on the lightweight Heartect platform and may even come with an all-electric powertrain when it enters production, reports Autocar India.
Maruti Suzuki is set to unveil an all-new concept at Auto Expo 2018. Reported by Autocar India, the Maruti Suzuki Future S concept pertains to a sub-four metre SUV, and will sit below the Maruti Vitara Brezza in the company's India portfolio. The concept will give a glimpse at the car's general design, while the production form is likely to hit roads by the end of 2018.
The Maruti Suzuki Future S concept will fall in a burgeoning segment that is proving to be quite popular. Most Indian car buyers are inclined towards SUV sales at the moment, which has seen cars like the Renault Kwid and Mahindra KUV100 being introduced. However, the sub-four metre compact crossover segment is yet to see a true bestseller, which is where Maruti Suzuki seems to be aiming at. Not much details have been unveiled about the concept right now, but we already know that it will be based on Suzuki's new lightweight Heartect platform that also underpins the upcoming Swift hatchback. Alongside, we also expect to see the SmartPlay infotainment system and quirky colour choices as part of Maruti Suzuki's efforts to up its lifestyle appeal.
The Maruti Suzuki Future S concept may also take quite a few designing cues from the Vitara Brezza, judging by its upright silhouette. The overall design does look like a fresh concept from Maruti, which the company will likely be focusing on, after the mixed reception to mini crossover/hatchback form factor of the Maruti Ignis. The company has increasingly emphasised on the design aspect of its cars, with the latest Swift redesign being held as a fresh, positive chapter for the popular hatchback, and even other offerings like the Vitara Brezza and Ciaz being hailed for smart, upright designing.
Interestingly, the Future S' production form may also include electric and electrified drivetrains, which are likely to be powered by the 1.2-litre K-series petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines. Electrified and electric drivetrains may also prove to be a defining factor in the mini SUV/crossover category that this concept is being aimed at, seeing how Mahindra already has plans to unveil an all-electric KUV100 NXT. Incidentally, the Mahindra KUV100 NXT will also be Maruti's chief competitor in this segment, unless other companies choose to focus on this segment, too.
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