Geneva 2015: Suzuki iK-2 has the Elite i20 in its crosshairs

The wraps are off Suzuki’s premium hatchback concept at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. The iK-2 concept as it is called bears striking resemblance to the Maruti Suzuki YRA hatchback spotted in India recently. The YRA is a premium hatchback that is positioned above the Swift and will take on the Hyundai Elite i20 and the Volkswagen Polo later this year.

The iK-2 concept gets plenty of European styling cues – strong bonnet line, swept back headlamps and muscular fenders. It gets blackened A- and B-pillars and a sloping C-pillar, unlike Maruti hatchbacks of the past. The muscular side profile also hints at a future crossover hatchback version if Maruti decides to enter this space. The concept gets 18 inch wheels but we believe the production car will sport 15 inch wheels with 16 inchers offered on the top variants, similar to the Elite i20.

The iK-2 is larger than any hatchback from the Suzuki stable that we have seen in India. In concept form, the length is marginally over four metres, which can be and will be tucked in easily for the production model. Moreover, the iK-2 is built on an all-new platform that Suzuki says – increases rigidity while reducing weight via a fundamental redesign of the underbody’s structure. Suzuki further adds that this improves fuel efficiency, safety, handling, stability, and NVH performance across the board.

Maruti Suzuki will jump onto the turbocharged petrol engine bandwagon with the iK-2. The parent company revealed a new 1.0-litre turbo unit dubbed ‘Boosterjet’. No specifics on this engine are out yet.