Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) launched the second generation Celerio late last year, and since then, the country’s largest carmaker has introduced several new models.
The company launched the updated Baleno in early February 2022, followed by the Ertiga and XL6, the new-generation Brezza compact SUV, the all-new Alto K10, and the recently launched Grand Vitara flagship midsize SUV. The SUV range will expand further during the next calendar year as two biggies are waiting in the pipeline.
The Indo-Japanese manufacturer has already been spotted testing both cars on public roads. The five-door Jimny off-road lifestyle SUV and the Baleno Cross have eagerly awaited launches in India. Internally codenamed YTB, the Baleno Cross is based on the existing Baleno premium hatchback, as both are developed on the same Heartect architecture.
However, the design of the Baleno Cross will be mainly inspired by the Grand Vitara and will have a distinctive design courtesy of the coupe-like roofline. It will sit in a sub-four-meter space and will most likely be sold through Nexa, a premium dealership across India.
Powering the Maruti Suzuki Baleno Cross or YTB will be the same 1.0-liter three-cylinder Boosterjet petrol engine that was earlier used in the Baleno RS. Going by the figures of the Baleno RS, it could produce around 100 PS of max power and 150 Nm of peak torque, but official technical details have yet to be shared.
There will be manual and automatic options in the transmission. The interiors will also share a lot with the Baleno and will likely get a 9-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system, head-up display, 360-degree camera system, automatic climate control, cruise control, etc.
