After introducing the new Grand Vitara & the new Vitara, MSIL is now preparing to launch two new SUVs in the country in the next 6-7 months. The company will introduce two all-new models at the 2023 Auto Expo in January. Maruti Suzuki will present an all-new SUV Coupe based on the Baleno hatchback, which will be sold via NEXA premium dealership network. Moreover, the long-awaited 5-door Jimny will make its global debut at the biennial event.
A new report claims that the much-awaited Jimny 5-door will be launched by August 2023. On the other hand, the mass market Maruti Baleno Cross, internally called the YTB will be launched by April 2023. We expect this model to be launched by February 2023. It will be the production version of the Maruti Futuro E concept, which was unveiled at the 2020 Auto Expo.
The new Maruti YTB SUV Coupe will be designed and developed on the Suzuki’s lightweight HEARTECT platform that underpins the Baleno. Not just platform, the new Baleno Cross will share the body parts and interior with the Baleno. However, MSIL will make some changes to make it look significantly different from the Baleno hatchback.
The big news is that the Maruti YTB will also mark the re-introduction of the 1.0-litre 3-cylinder, Boosterjet, turbo petrol engine, which was offered in the previous-gen Baleno. It will be the first all-new Maruti model to go on sale next year. The Boosterjet engine is likely to be benefitted with Suzuki’s mild hybrid tech. This engine is expected to produce around 100bhp and 150Nm of torque. Both manual and automatic gearbox options will be on offer. The lower-spec variants could get a 89bhp, 1.2L DualJet petrol engine with manual and AMT gearbox options.
The new YTB SUV Coupe has already been spotted testing, and the spy images reveal that the overall silhouette will resemble the Futuro-e concept. The front design will have similarities with the new Grand Vitara. It will have a split headlamp setup with slim LED DRLs with the 3-block NEXA signature at the top of the bonnet & main LED headlamp sits lower. It will have a rising wastline that has prominent haunch over the rear wheels, and a sloping roofline and raked windshield. The cross will come with a raised suspension setup and chunky wheel arches.
In terms of features, the new Baleno SUV Coupe will have a new 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, Suzuki Connect & voice commands. Adding to it, the Baleno cross will have an automatic AC, digital console, rear AC vents, multi-functional steering wheel, six airbags and others.
Source – AutoCarIndia
