After introducing the new Brezza and Grand Vitara in 2022, Maruti Suzuki is now planning to launch two more SUVs in the country in 2023. The company has officially announced to showcase 2 brand new SUVs along with a new SUV EV Concept at the biennial event. Adding to it, the WagonR Flex-Fuel Prototype and customised versions of existing models will also be put on display.
MSIL will showcase the Baleno-based SUV Coupe, Jimny 5-door and a new EV SUV concept to public at the 16th edition of Indian Auto Show, which is scheduled to commence from January 13, 2023. All three SUVs will make global debut in India. The two SUVs, the Baleno-based SUV Coupe and the Jimny LWB will go on sale in the country by mid-2023. On the other hand, the EV SUV concept based model will arrive sometime in early 2025.
1. Maruti YY8 EV SUV Concept
This electric SUV will be jointly developed by Maruti Suzuki and Toyota. The production version of the EV is scheduled to be launched in January-February 2025. It will be manufactured at Suzuki’s Gujarat based platform for domestic and international markets. The new model will measure over 4.2 meters in length, Creta-sized, and will have a wheelbase of 2,700mm. It will be designed and developed on Toyota’s 27PL platform, which is a derivative of Toyota’s 40PL global platform. Previous media reports reveal that the new YY8 concept based SUV will be offered with two battery packs – 48kWh and 59kWh. The former is expected to deliver around 400km of range under standard test conditions, while the latter is estimated to offer around 500km of range in a single charge. It will come in both two-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive layout.
2. Maruti Baleno Cross or YTB SUV Coupe
Internally codenamed YTB, the new Maruti SUV Coupe is expected to be launched by April 2023. The new model will be sold exclusively through NEXA premium dealership network. It will rival the likes of the Tata Punch, Renault Kiger and the Nissan Magnite. The SUV Coupe’s design will be inspired by Suzuki’s Futuro-e concept, which was unveiled at the 2020 Auto Expo. The new SUV will be offered with two engine options – a 1.2L NA petrol and a 1.0L Boosterjet turbo petrol engine. Both manual and automatic gearbox options will be on offer.
3. Maruti Jimny 5-door
Set to make global debut at the 2023 Auto Expo, the new Jimny LWB is expected to be launched in our market by mid-2023. Based on the Jimny Sierra 3-door model, the new 5-door model will ride on 300mm longer wheelbase. The SUV will measure 3850mm in length, which is 300mm longer than the 3-door sibling. The new model will have stretched side profile to accommodate a second-row door along with a small glass area between B & C-pillar.
Trial production of the SUV is expected to commence in few weeks, while series production is expected to commence in Q2, 2023. It will be powered by a 1.5L K15B petrol engine, which could be benefitted with Suzuki’s mild hybrid tech. This engine produces 102bhp and 130Nm of torque, and both manual and automatic gearbox options will be on offer. The SUV will come with Suzuki’s AllGrip Pro 4WD system with a manual transfer case and low range.
