Maruti Baleno crossover SUV spied testing

The Maruti Baleno crossover SUV has been in the works for quite some time and has been spied on a few times this year already. Recently, the compact SUV was spotted testing in Haryana. The SUV was wrapped under heavy camouflage. Codenamed ‘YTB’, Maruti plans on unveiling the SUV at AutoExpo next month.

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Maruti Baleno crossover SUV: What to expect?

Structurally, the Baleno crossover SUV looks similar to the Baleno hatchback, but it will share a lot of its bodywork with the Grand Vitara. Up front, the crossover SUV will feature a large rectangular grille and split LED headlamps. The grille will get chrome inserts. It goes without saying, but the Baleno SUV will have a higher ground clearance than the hatchback.

Along the sides, the wheel arches have been squared off to accommodate the alloy wheels. The SUV also receives optimum body cladding. The rear profile features a bigger spoiler (compared to the Baleno hatchback) and a more sloping windshield. The tail lamp design is also inspired by the Grand Vitara.

The Maruti Baleno crossover SUV will be underpinned by the hatchback’s HEARTECT platform. Under the hood, the Baleno crossover SUV will get a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine. This engine can generate a maximum power output of 100hp and 150Nm peak torque. This engine will be mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. An automatic transmission option has also been made available. Maruti will also equip the ‘YTB’ with a mild hybrid configuration.

While not many details have emerged about the interior, the Baleno SUV is expected to get a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, climate control, leather seats, cruise control, and a Head-Up display. It will also get basic safety features like six airbags and ABS with EBD.

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Conclusion

The Maruti Baleno crossover SUV is expected to be unveiled at AutoExpo 2023 next month. Toyota could also launch a new Glanza-like crossover SUV as a part of the Toyota-Maruti partnership. The Baleno crossover SUV is expected to cost Rs 1-2 lakh more than the Baleno hatchback. It will rival the likes of Tata Punch, Citroen C3, and Hyundai Ai3.

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