Maruti Suzuki Readying New SUV-Coupe For India Launch

Maruti’s is lining up a third SUV for India, this time an SUV-coupe. Spy images of the model have now emerged online with reports suggesting that the Coupe-SUV could make its public debut at the upcoming 2023 Auto Expo. The model, reportedly being called the Baleno Cross will be a sub-compact SUV taking inspiration from the 2020 Auto Expo’s Futuro-e concept while sharing its underpinnings with the new Baleno.

Images of the test mule reveals some common design traits shared with the recently revealed Grand Vitara such as the flat nose, prominent grille and split headlamp design. The high set DRLS seem to carry the three-dot design seen on Maruti’s latest Nexa models suggesting that this could be a more premium alternative to the new Brezza.

Unlike some other SUV-coupe’s the roofline only gently tapers towards the rear flowing into an integrated spoiler element. This should help liberate more space in the interior of the cabin though the overall look from the rear does bear some resemblance to the Baleno hatchback. The rear windshield is sharply raked with a prominent lip also seemingly incorporated into the design at its base.

The new SUV is expected to sit on Maruti’s Heartect platform, shared with the Baleno. Coming to the engines, while details remain scarce, reports suggest that the model could get the company’s 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbo-petrol mill. The unit was previously offered in the Baleno RS derivative of the first-gen Baleno. The RS was offered between 2017 and 2020 as a hotter variant of the Baleno but was discontinued owing to low sales.

Source: Rushlane, Autocar India