Maruti Baleno SUV in the works!
The new Baleno was one of the hottest launches from Maruti this year. It really showcased Maruti’s ability to offer modern features that included segment-first features as well, something that the brand had been getting bashed for quite a few years. Today, the Baleno sits in the market as a fuel-efficient, refined, feature-rich premium hatchback. Is Maruti satisfied just by updating the Baleno? The answer is a clear NO. Maruti has been cooking something with Baleno in mind. Maruti is expected to use Baleno to base a car on in order to revive a segment which was once a fad in India. Could it be a Maruti Baleno-based crossover called the Baleno Cross? Hang on as we discuss some important details, specifications, features and dates regarding .
What could this car be?
Until a few years ago, hatchback crossovers were a big fad in the country. Some significant players like Fiat Avventura, Hyundai i20 Active, Toyota Etios Cross, Volkswagen Cross Polo, etc. competed here. However, over time, all the players from this segment disappeared. Now, Maruti is expected to have sensed a big opportunity here. Maruti could actually be working on a buffed-up Baleno to revive this segment. Now, the important question here is that whether this will be an SUV? As discussed here, it could more likely follow the lines of a crossover rather than an SUV, but what Maruti decides to call it is something that we will have to wait for. Moving on, we will now discuss every important aspect regarding this car.
Maruti Baleno Cross – Dimensions
The new Baleno measures 3990mm in length, 1745mm in width and 1500mm in height. Now, this expected crossover could come with raised suspension to strike the right chords. This means that the height could see an increment over the regular Baleno. We expect to see extensive use of body claddings to accentuate the crossover appeal. However, all of these changes are expected to play a functional purpose and not just visual.
Engine specifications
The Baleno Cross is not expected to see a special engine coming for it. This means that it could come powered by the same 1.2-litre DualJet petrol engine the current-generation Baleno gets. This engine makes 88bhp & 113Nm of torque. Transmission options could include a five-speed manual and a five-speed AMT gearboxes.
Maruti Baleno Cross – Features
Talking about the features, the Baleno Cross could be a feature-loaded car. We expect it to borrow almost all major features from the new Baleno. Key highlights could include a 9.0-inch SmartPlay Pro Plus infotainment system, Suzuki Connect, 360-degree parking camera and heads-up display. Moreover, we expect a few Baleno Cross-specific features coming as well. Could the Baleno get a sunroof through this route? Only time would tell.
Maruti Baleno Cross – Price and Launch details
Coming to the exciting part. The Baleno Cross could launch by mid-2023. As mentioned earlier, it could revive a lost segment single-handedly. In the market, it is expected to be placed above the Baleno. As far as pricing is concerned, the Baleno Cross could be priced Rs 70,000 to Rs 1 lakh over the regular Baleno.
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