Maruti YRA to be officially called Baleno, launch next month

The Maruti Suzuki S-Cross has received good response as more than 6,000 cars have been booked within a week of its launch. Now Maruti Suzuki is gearing up for its next onslaught which was codenamed YRA and showcased at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. It was rumoured that the Maruti YRA (internationally known as iK-2) would be christened Fronx but the manufacturer has announced that it will be named Baleno. The new Maruti Baleno will make its debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany scheduled next month.

The new Maruti Baleno will be a premium hatchback positioned above the Swift, and just like the Maruti S-Cross will be marketed through Maruti's upmarket Nexa showrooms across India. The task on hand of the new Maruti Baleno is cut-out as it will rival the likes of the Hyundai Elite i20, Honda Jazz and the Volkswagen Polo.

The Baleno name isn’t alien to Indian consumers as Maruti Suzuki had a similarly named sedan in the Indian market before it was replaced by the Maruti SX4. But since the old Baleno sedan received luke warm response in the market, it will be interesting to see whether Maruti Suzuki would adopt the "Baleno" name again for the new hatchback in India.

It is expected that Maruti Suzuki will load the new Baleno hatchback to the brim with features. Expect the new premium hatchback from Maruti to get goodies like start/stop button, touch screen infotainment system, Bluetooth, climate control and the works alongwith cruise control to set it apart from its rivals. 

The new Maruti Baleno hatchback will get both petrol and diesel engine options. Expect the diesel engine to be the tried and tested 1.3-litre DDiS unit producing 90 PS of power. The petrol variant might get two engine options one of which would be the 1.2-litre displacement powerplant while it will be unveiling a new 1.0-litre dual-jet Booster jet engine. According to Suzuki the new 1.0-litre turbocharged motor is an all-new unit and all the details regarding the new mill will be unveiled at the e 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show on September 15th. ZigWheels will be present at the motor show in Germany and get you all the details regarding the new premium hatchback. Watch this space for more updates.