Maruti Suzuki plans to expand its CNG and SUV model lineup in the next 12 months. R.C. Bhargava, Maruti Suzuki India Chairman, said that the company’s small car market share will go down from 70 per cent to about 65 per cent next year. The CNG (compressed natural gas) models prove to be “a good economical option against petrol and diesel vehicles”. The Indo-Japanese automaker will roll out more CNG models based on the waiting period of the existing ones.
Besides this, Maruti Suzuki aims to tap the fastest growing SUV segment with a range of new models. The company will showcase three new utility vehicles (UVs) at the Delhi Auto Expo in January 2023. The lineup is likely to include the new Maruti Baleno Cross (YTB), 5-door Jimny and a new C-segment MPV. Talking about Maruti Suzuki’s future SUVs, the Baleno Cross will be designed on Suzuki’s Global-C platform and come with the updated 1.0L Boosterjet engine.
This time around, the Boosterjet motor will return in its BS6-compliant version delivering power worth 102bhp and 150Nm of torque. It could also be boosted with the mild hybrid tech ensuring higher fuel efficiency. Transmission options might include a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic. The Baleno Cross is expected to be offered with the 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol engine as well. The Dualjet unit delivers a claimed power of 89bhp and 113Nm of torque. The company also has an option of 102bhp, 1.5L Dualjet petrol engine.
The 5-door Maruti Jimny will be one of the much-anticipated new car launches of the next year. The lifestyle off-road SUV will come with the new 1.5L K15C naturally aspirated petrol engine benefited with the mild hybrid tech. It produces a peak power of 101bhp and 137Nm of torque. Both manual and automatic gearbox will be on offer. It will come with Suzuki’s AllGrip Pro AWD system.
