Maruti Suzuki had launched two new SUVs – the Brezza and the Grand Vitara in the country this year. Not just new SUVs, MSIL had launched the new Baleno, Celerio and the Alto K10 in the first 9 months of 2022. In order to improve sales, the Indo-Japanese automaker will launch a new range of SUVs and UVs in the country in the next couple of years. At the 2023 Auto Expo, MSIL plans to present 3 new utility vehicles including a new SUV Coupe, a lifestyle SUV and a new C-segment MPV.
Maruti Suzuki will unveil the new Baleno based crossover, the 5-door Jimny and a new C-segment MPV based on the new Toyota Innova Hycross at the 2023 Auto Expo in January. The new SUV Coupe, internally called YTB will be based on the lightweight HEARTECT platform that underpins the new Baleno. Not just platform, the new crossover will share the interiors and features with the Baleno & the Brezza.
The new Maruti Baleno crossover will be sold exclusively through NEXA premium dealership network. It will be sold alongside the Brezza and will rival the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet and the Tata Nexon. The new model will be powered by a 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbo petrol engine that produces 100bhp and 150Nm of torque. It could also get a 1.2-litre DualJet petrol engine with manual and AMT gearbox.
MSIL will showcase the new 5-door Jimny lifestyle SUV at the 2023 Auto Expo. Compared to the Sierra, the new model will ride on 300mm longer wheelbase and the length of the SUV has been raised by 300mm. The new model will offer more practical cabin and bigger boot space compared to the 3-door model. It will rival the likes of the Mahindra Thar and the Force Gurkha.
The 5-door Maruti Suzuki Jimny will be powered by a new 1.5-litre K15C naturally-aspirated petrol with a mild hybrid set-up. This engine is capable of producing 101bhp and 137Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic. The new Jimny 5 door will come fitted with Suzuki’s AllGrip Pro AWD setup, which is the most capable version of Suzuki’s AllGrip tech.
Toyota will introduce the new Innova Hycross MPV in Indonesia in the month of November 2022. Interestingly, MSIL is also preparing its own version of the Innova Hycross MPV. The new model will receive design changes and new colour scheme inside the cabin. It will be produced at Toyota’s Bidadi based plant. The new MPV will be based on a new, monocoque platform with front wheel drive setup. It will be offered with two engine options – a 2.0L petrol and a 2.0L petrol hybrid. The company could use the localised version of the THS II (Toyota Hybrid System II) that consists of a twin-motor setup for high ‘step-off’ torque and fuel efficiency.
