The next-generation Maruti A-Star (known in international markets as the Suzuki Alto) has been spotted testing in Delhi. These images were clicked by Indian Autos Blog reader, Mr. Mukesh Khanna. Maruti has already commenced testing the car on Indian roads with the first set of spy images appearing last week.
It is to be noted that parent Suzuki is testing the car on European roads simultaneously. Codenamed 'YL7', this would be a global model replacing the Suzuki Alto (A-Star) and would also fill in the shoes of the soon-to-be discontinued Estilo.
While the YL7 as a car is an important future launch for Maruti, what powers the YL7 could be even more important for the segment. The rumored two-cylinder 800cc diesel engine completely developed by Maruti in-house, could be seen under the hood of the YL7. Going by Maruti's track record for fuel efficiency, a 30km/l figure shouldn't be hard to expect from this engine in the ARAI tests.
The YL7 could be seen at the 2014 Auto Expo set to take place in February next year. Maruti Suzuki’s CEO, Kenichi Ayukawa, said recently that the company was developing a “series of products” and some of them would be shown at the Auto Expo.
However, Shoeb, our rendering artist, has already designed what he thinks the hatchback would look like. You can check his render here.