Maruti Suzuki is getting aggressive with its product strategy to regain its lost market share in the country. The company is planning to launch multiple new SUVs and crossovers in our market in the next couple of years. MSIL will introduce 2 brand new SUVs and an all-new MPV in 2023. In fact, the company will introduce 2 new SUVs at the 2023 Auto Expo in the second quarter of January.
Maruti Suzuki will introduce the new Baleno Cross and the 5-door Jimny lifestyle SUV at the 2023 Auto Expo. Codenamed YTB, the new Maruti Baleno Cross will be sold exclusively through NEXA premium dealership network. It will be sold alongside the new Brezza and will rival the likes of the Renault Kiger, Nissan Magnite and the Tata Punch. The company hasn’t revealed the launch timeline for the new model, but reports suggest that the new Baleno Cross will go on sale in January or February 2023.
The new Maruti Baleno Cross will be the production version of the Futuro-e concept that was displayed at the 2020 Auto Expo. The new model will have Suzuki’s design philosophy, which we have already seen on the new Grand Vitara. It will share most of the interior design and features with the Baleno hatchback. It will have a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, automatic AC, HUD, digital console and others.
The upcoming Baleno Cross will be offered with two petrol engines – a 1.0L 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol and a 1.2L DualJet petrol. While the former is likely to produce around 102bhp and 150Nm, the NA petrol unit produces 89bhp and 113Nm of torque. Both manual and automatic gearbox options will be on offer.
Talking about the Jimny, the new lifestyle SUV will be a practical alternative to the 3-door Jimny on sale in global markets. The new model will have 300mm longer wheelbase and length of the SUV is increased by 300mm when compared to the 3-door Jimny Sierra. It 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.
