India’s two largest passenger vehicle manufacturers, Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai are ready to kick-start 2023 with new SUV launches. While the Indo-Japanese automaker will unveil a Baleno based compact SUV and 5-door Jimny at the 2023 Auto Expo, the South Korean carmaker will introduce the Creta facelift. Here’re key details of the upcoming Maruti and Hyundai SUVs that will hit roads in early 2023.
Upcoming New Maruti Suzuki SUVs
Maruti Baleno Cross
The Maruti Baleno Cross compact SUV is reported to go on sale a month after its global unveiling at the biennial event. Interestingly, the model will mark return of the brand’s first 1.0L Boosterjet engine that was available on the Baleno RS. This time around, the motor will come in its BS6-compliant avatar and Suzuki’s mild hybrid technology. Both manual and automatic gearboxes will be on offer. While some of its design elements will be similar to the Baleno hatchback, it will share most of its styling bits with the Maruti Futuro e-concept. The new Maruti compact SUV is likely to be offered with features such as a Head-Up Display (HUD), a 360 degree camera, connected car tech, wireless phone charging, a touchscreen infotainment system with the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity and multiple airbags. More details here…
5-Door Maruti Jimny
The 5-door Maruti Jimny will surely be one of the most important launches of the next year. The off-road SUV will make its first public appearance at the 2023 Auto Expo and its launch might happen in the next few months. Its design and interior layout are likely to be similar to the global-spec Suzuki Jimny (3-door). Compared to its sibling, it will be longer and have longer wheelbase. Here, the new Maruti SUV is expected to come with a 1.5L K15C Dualjet engine sourced from the upcoming Grand Vitara. The motor produces a peak power of 102bhp and 137Nm of torque. The off-road SUV will have Suzuki’s AllGrip AWD system with a manually operated transfer case. The Jimny will be retailed via Nexa dealerships across the country and it will take on the upcoming 5-door versions of the Force Gurkha and Mahindra Thar SUVs. More details here…
Upcoming New Hyundai SUVs
Hyundai Creta Facelift
The new Hyundai Creta facelift has already been launched in Indonesia. Now, the SUV’s updated model is ready for its India launch. While its official launch date is yet to be announced, the model is likely to arrive before the end of this fiscal year (i.e. by March 2023). The 2023 Hyundai Creta will continue to use the 1.5L NA petrol, 1.5L diesel and 1.4L turbo petrol engines. Though, the major changes will be made inside the cabin. Similar to the new Tucson, the Creta facelift will receive ADAS suite. It might also come with the updated BlueLink connected car tech and digital instrument cluster. Noticeable cosmetic changes will also be on cards. It will feature Hyundai’s new parametric grille, rectangular headlamps, updated front bumper, wider air inlet, new LED taillamps and revised tailgate design. More details here…
