Maruti Suzuki had launched 4 new cars including the new Alto, Baleno, new Brezza and the Grand Vitara in the country this year. In order to regain lost market share, MSIL is planning to launch 3 new utility vehicles in our market in the next 9 months. The company will launch two new SUVs – Baleno Cross and the 5-door Jimny, and a brand new C-segment MPV in the next 9 months.
1. Maruti YTB Crossover
Maruti Suzuki will present a new crossover based on the Baleno hatchback at the 2023 Auto Expo in January. Internally called the Project YTB, the new Maruti Baleno cross is reportedly to be launched by February 2023. The new model will be designed and developed on Suzuki’s HEARTECT platform that underpins the Baleno and the XL6. It is expected to share styling cues from the Futuro e concept that debuted at the 2020 Auto Expo.
The SUV’s front profile will share similarities with the new Grand Vitara. The cabin will be shared with the Baleno hatchback. It will get a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless connectivity, connected car tech, automatic AC with rear vents, HUD and others. With the new YTB crossover, MSIL will re-introduce the 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbo petrol engine in the country. The crossover is also likely to get the 1.2L Dualjet NA petrol engine with manual and automatic gearbox option.
2. 5-door Maruti Jimny
Maruti Suzuki is all set to introduce the new 5-door Jimny lifestyle SUV at the 2023 Auto Expo in the second week of January. Likely to be launched by mid-2023, the new Jimny will ride on 300mm longer wheelbase compared to the Sierra. While the length will be increased by 300mm, the new lifestyle SUV will still sit under 4 meters. It will rival the likes of the Mahindra Thar and the Force Gurkha; both will receive 5-door variants in 2023.
The 5-door Jimny will be powered by a new 1.5L K15C naturally-aspirated petrol with a mild hybrid tech. This engine produces 101bhp and 137Nm of torque. 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.
3. Maruti C-Segment MPV
Similar to the Hyryder & Grand Vitara, Toyota will supply the new Innova Hycross to Maruti Suzuki for its own version of the MPV for the Indian market. In fact, Maruti’s version of the Innova has also started testing on the Indian roads. It will come with some design changes including new front grille, 3-pod headlamp setup, new bumper and completely revised tail-lights. Similarly, the cabin of the MPV will receive some changes in terms of colour scheme and seat upholstery.
The new model will be based on Toyota’s TNGA-C monocoque platform with front wheel drive setup. It is likely to have a 2860mm long wheelbase, which is 100mm longer than the Innova Crysta. It will be offered with two engine options – a 2.0L naturally-aspirated petrol and a 2.0L petrol with a strong hybrid tech. 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. The new model will come with ADAS tech and the factory-fitted panoramic sunroof.
