Back in the day, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno used to have an RS edition. However today, people want everything to be done in “SUV Style”. The recently launched facelift of the Maruti Baleno has undoubtedly been a success in the Indian market. While the Baleno remains one of the most practical, competitively priced, and feature-packed cars in the segment. With this in mind, the brand is working on its Cross edition, which will offer an SUV look with improved ground clearance, So here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming Maruti Suzuki Baleno Cross.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno Cross- Expected Design
The new Maruti Suzuki Baleno Cross is expected to have a higher ground clearance and a slightly more upright front fascia than the Baleno on which it is based. The coupe SUV’s front face hints at the upcoming Grand Vitara’s fascia, with highlights such as split headlamps with lower-set main headlights and streaks of daytime running LEDs above them. The grille is expected to be much larger and wider than that of the Baleno, which appears to be inspired by the grille of the Grand Vitara as well.
The Baleno’s essentials will be carried over to the Cross variant. The car will have prominent body cladding all around it, giving it the outdoorsy appeal that customers seek. Maruti is expected to experiment with an alloy design and, hopefully, increase the size of the wheels.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno Cross- Expected Interiors/ Features
The interiors of the Baleno Cross could get a makeover, perhaps with an all-black interior and a splash of red all over. The features, on the other hand, are expected to be similar to those found on the Baleno. A 360-degree camera, heads-up display, 6 airbags, a 9-inch infotainment system, and an Arkamys sound system are all expected.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno Cross- Expected Engine/ Powertrain options
The new Maruti Suzuki Baleno Cross will most likely be powered by a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder Boosterjet engine. The Boosterjet engine first appeared in the Baleno RS, the flagship variant of the Baleno hatchback. The three-cylinder engine produced 100 bhp and 150 Nm of torque when coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission. However, due to stricter emission standards, the engine was phased out.
Now, Maruti Suzuki appears to be reintroducing the engine, most likely with the same power configuration that meets BS6 standards with the Cross version, along with a manual gearbox. In addition to the Boosterjet engine, Maruti Suzuki may offer a NA option in the form of the 1.2-litre K-Series engine that powers the Swift, Wagon R, and Baleno.
Will the Maruti Suzuki Baleno Cross be offered by an AWD System?
One thing to keep in mind is that Maruti Suzuki might not offer the All-Grip AWD system with the Cross. However, if Maruti Suzuki decides to offer an AWD hatchback with a turbo petrol engine mated to a manual gearbox, it could be the ultimate driver’s car on a budget.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno Cross- Rivals
When it is launched next year, the new Maruti Suzuki Baleno Cross will compete with the Honda WR-V, Nissan Magnite, and Renault Kiger, as well as the Citroen C3.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno Cross- Expected Launch/ Pricing
The Baleno Cross is set to debut in India in February 2023. The ‘Cross’ model will most likely be based on the current Baleno’s top-spec variant, with prices expected to be Rs. 80,000 – 1,20,000 higher than the regular model.
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