The upcoming SUV codenamed YTB from Maruti Suzuki will get the 1-litre turbo petrol engine in BS 6 avatar
Maruti Suzuki is busy readying its upcoming compact SUV codenamed YTB whose launch timeline has been already revealed. Now, the car’s powertrain has also been confirmed and it’s going get the company’s 1-litre BoosterJet engine. Yes! You heard that right!
The BoosterJet is going to be back again with a bang after it got pulled from the market over 2-and-a-half years ago. The turbo petrol unit was last seen on the Baleno RS that got discontinued in January, 2020, prior to BS 6 norms kicking in.
The YTB, also referred to as Baleno Cross, will make its global debut at the upcoming Auto Expo that’s slated for January, 2023, and will go on sale in the subsequent February month.
The 3-cylinder 1-litre BoosterJet engine, back in the day, produced 100 HP at 5500 RPM and 150 Nm between 1700 and 4500 RPM. It came mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.
On the Baleno RS, our team had recorded a top speed of 170 km/hr in the fourth gear on a straight at the BIC circuit with so much more juice left with the engine. The in-gear acceleration was good too after crossing the turbo lag.
But, it must be seen what the engine has on offer in the BS 6 era. A power and torque drop is given and the company might improve on the other areas like fuel efficiency, NVH, and city driveability. Sources said the engine could get company’s Mild Hybrid tech this time.
Maruti Suzuki’s 6-speed torque converter automatic might be paired to the turbo engine. Also, in addition to the BoosterJet, the company might give either the 1.2 or 1.5-litre K series engine for better base prices.
With design inspired from Maruti Suzuki’s Futuro e concept, the YTB could either be built on the same Heartect platform as the 2022 facelifted Baleno or share the platform with a Toyota. It will be manufactured at Suzuki’s Gujarat plant and sold via the premium Nexa dealerships.
The upcoming compact SUV will compete against the likes of the Tata Punch, Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, and the recently launched Citroen C3. It’s expected to get an aggressive price tag.
