New Maruti Suzuki Baleno-Based Compact SUV in the Making

It has been in the news for a long time that Maruti Suzuki is working on a new compact SUV that will be based on its popular hatchback, the Baleno. However, earlier it was reported to be based on the Maruti Swift. Codenamed "YTB," the upcoming SUV will sit below the Maruti Brezza and lock horns with the Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet. It might be built on the Heartect platform, which is presently used in the Baleno, Ignis, Swift, Dzire, and other models.

This forthcoming Maruti Suzuki YTB will have its own design language and might draw some inspiration from the Futuro e-concept showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo. As MSIL may target a younger audience with the forthcoming model, a coupe-like roofline can be envisaged. Besides this, the new compact SUV will share a lot of elements with the Baleno, so we can expect the suspension, underpinnings, engine, and transmission to be the same. 

According to Maruti’s strategy, the new car will be recognised as a sister car to the Baleno. This "sister car" concept has previously proven effective with the Ertiga and XL6. The Ertiga XL6 is a more expensive variant of the Ertiga. As a result, it is exclusively available through Nexa dealerships, and the XL6 has done well in the Indian market. 

It will be intriguing to see what powertrain it will use, as the 1.5-litre four-cylinder K15B petrol engine seen in the Vitara Brezza might be used. The current Baleno is powered by a 1.2-litre, four-cylinder K12N DualJet petrol engine with a maximum power output of 89 PS and 113 Nm. Both manual and automatic transmissions are likely to be available. In addition, to qualify for the tax breaks, the YTB would be less than four metres long.

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