Maruti Suzuki to offer AWD on YTB Baleno Cross: New crossover to be called Flash / Blaze

At this point, it is no secret that the country’s largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) is working on a crossover that will be based on the Baleno platform and will be heavily inspired by the Grand Vitara. We have numerous spy shots of this said vehicle testing across various places in the country and it is highly anticipated that Maruti could be taking off the covers of this model in Auto Expo 2023. Till now we have been calling this crossover the Baleno Cross or by its codename the YTB although a recent report claimed that the company could name it – Flash or Blaze when launched next month.

Reportedly, the Flash/Blaze will also come equipped with an optional AWD system to justify its proportions. The All-Grip AWD or all-wheel drive tech will be borrowed directly from its elder sibling the newly launched flagship SUV – the Grand Vitara. The same system can also be found in the Toyota version of the Grand Vitara – the Urban Cruiser Hyryder. Reportedly, if Maruti does offer this AWD it will make the YTB the most affordable model in the country with an AWD system.

As mentioned above the forthcoming model with its large front grille, split headlight design, and LED light bar on the boot lid, the Baleno Cross will appear a lot like the recently released Grand Vitara. It will also have raised ground clearance, new alloy wheels, and roof rails as well. Additionally, it will also get squared wheel arches. The vehicle will be a butch version of the hatchback Baleno with the design elements taken from the Grand Vitara.

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In terms of powertrain the Blaze/Flash could utilize the 1.2 litre, 4-cylinder K12C petrol engine that powers the Baleno that currently produces 88 Bhp and 113 Nm. Twin injectors per cylinder and variable valve timing for the intake and exhaust valves are two of this engine’s key features. There is also a dual fuel CNG-Petrol option for this engine. With this engine, 5 speed manual and automated manual gearboxes (AMT) are available.

The other alternative is anticipated to be the 1-liter, 3-cylinder, 110 Bhp–170 Nm turbo petrol engine. A five speed manual transmission is mated to the turbocharged petrol engine. Given that Maruti Suzuki is providing CNG on its vehicles, the YTB is most likely to receive a CNG option as well once its launched and has been in the market for a while.

As for direct competition, there isn’t any as of yet. If the  i20 Active and models like the Volkswagen Cross Polo and the Fiat Avventura were still in production it would have rivalled them but currently they all have been pulled out from the market. Once launched it could gain an advantage in the market because of this lack of direct competition. Reportedly it could be priced very competitively and take on the rivals in the sub four meter SUV segment as well . Additionally it could also challenge the Tata Punch, Renault Kiger, and Nissan Magnite as well.

 

Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500

 

Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500