Auto giant Maruti Suzuki has been very busy lately as they have been launching cars left and right. After recently introducing the new Baleno, heavily upgraded Vitara Brezza and new gen Grand Vitara in the country, and is on course to launch the next generation Alto K10. As evident from the recent spy shots, the automaker is not done with its product onslaught yet.

At the company’s R&D facility a disguised prototype of the eagerly awaited Maruti Baleno Cross, codenamed YTB, has been spotted testing on public roads in Rohtak. The spy shots are credited to Rushlane Spylane member Karan Nandwani. The vehicle appears to be almost ready for production and the exterior styling is clearly inspired by the Futuro-e concept which debuted at Auto Expo 2020.

The front fascia with chrome-lined trapezoidal grille, low-set headlamps and high-mounted narrow LED DRLs embraces the new family identity debuted by the Grand Vitara. A raked rear windshield, boot-lid integrated spoiler and a fat bumper round off the exterior design.

It is expected to be based on Suzuki’s heavily localized Heartect modular platform which already serves many models including its hatchback sibling. The soft-roader is likely to be powered by the 1.0-litre BoosterJet turbo petrol engine which was briefly available with the now discontinued Baleno RS.

With this latest addition to its ever-expanding crossover portfolio, Maruti aims to offer a wider choice than its rivals in a very important segment. To be positioned between the Vitara Brezza and Grand Vitara, the Baleno Cross will be a spiritual successor to the S-Cross which didn’t really make a significant dent in the market during its years.

There is a strong possibility that this motor will benefit from a 48v mild-hybrid system (SHVS in Suzuki lingo) with an Integrated Starter Generator. Both manual and automatic transmissions are expected to be on offer.

New Maruti Baleno SUV Coupe will be unveiled at the Auto Expo 2023 which is scheduled to take place in January next year. It should be reaching the dealers a month or two down the line. With demand rising and the global chip shortage gradually easing up, Maruti Suzuki will be looking at strong incremental sales from the Baleno Cross next year.

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