Only for representational purpose
Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) is reportedly developing a mini-SUV based on the Baleno premium hatchback.
Contents
Development
The project is internally named YTB and will likely take the form of a small crossover or a coupe sitting below the 4-meter mark.
It is to be positioned below the Vitara Brezza as Baleno’s ‘sister car’ and could serve tough competition to rival SUV the Tata Punch.
However, it will be placed above the S-Presso which is the company’s smallest SUV.
Architecture
The ‘sister car’ status of the model will help MSIL achieve a cut in costs and time it would take to manufacture an entirely new vehicle.
It will be built on the Heartect platform which the Baleno is based on and which underpins the Wagon R, S-Presso, Ertiga, XL6 and Ignis.
Making use of the same architecture also provides a weight advantage.
Powertrain
It is also at a disadvantage with the BSVI (BS6 emission standards) regime because of which only a petrol variant is sold.
It could get the same 1.2-litre petrol powertrain but with more power and similar torque as the current Baleno.
A diesel variant is unlikely.
Pricing
The S-Presso is priced from Rs 3.78 lakh to Rs 5.20 lakh while the Vitara Brezza costs between Rs. 7.61 lakh and Rs. 11.2 lakh.
One can assume that the YTB will cost in the middle of the two, perhaps at around Rs. 5.25 lakh to Rs. 8 lakh.
With this price tag, it could appeal to the same customer base which have been lured by the Punch.
Competition, Launch?
Maruti, which is India’s largest carmaker, leads the sub-four-metre SUV segment with the Vitara Brezza.
However, competition in the segment has heated up as of late with the entries of the Kia Sonet, Magnite, Kiger and Hyundai Venue.
The car could be unveiled by next year, although there is no official information.
Maruti Will Launch ‘Baleno-Style’ Compact SUV To Fight Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue!
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