Suzuki Baleno (Maruti YRA) for Europe previewed - IAB Report

08/08/2015 - 03:16 | Maruti YRA, Maruti Suzuki, 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show | Shrawan Raja

Debuts at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.

Maruti Suzuki's premium hatchback codenamed YRA will be sold in Europe as the Suzuki Baleno. The car, with the formerly popular brand name, was confirmed today to make its debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA 2015) which begins on September 15. Suzuki announced in March that the production model would be sold from early 2016.

2015 Suzuki Baleno side view press image — While the European car would bring back the Baleno nameplate, the same may not be the case in India, as the brand was discontinued following low acceptance.

Prior to its German unveil, Suzuki has released a teaser video showing the side profile of the five-door hatch, and tightly cropped visuals of the side and rear.

The side profile is conservative, getting a sloping roofline, body-coloured side mirrors, prominent wheel arches and chrome door handles. The front squarely resembles that of the concept, especially the grille and the headlights that have projector units and embedded daytime running lamps.

Spyshots of the Indian-spec car show the interior getting an infotainment system on top-spec variants along with cruise control, power folding mirrors, keyless entry with start/stop button and automatic climate control.

2015 Suzuki Baleno front three quarter teaser — The front-end is consistent with the Maruti YRA's and is the production version of the Suzuki iK-2 concept.

The Euro-spec model will get the new 1.0-liter, three-cylinder, turbocharged gasoline ‘Boosterjet’ engine, that is tuned for fuel-efficiency. Suzuki has not given much detail on the specifications apart from stating that, this engine inside a lightweight body will give rise to dynamic performance.

"The layout has been optimised and various technologies (are) used to reduce weight in order to meet the rigorous size and weight requirements specific to compact cars," it said in its press release.

We hear that the Boosterjet will not be offered in India, which will likely get a 1.2-liter K-Series and 1.3-liter DDiS unit.

2015 Suzuki Baleno rear and taillight teaser — Based on a new lightweight platform, the Baleno would employ a new 1.0-liter 'Boosterjet' turbo charged petrol engine, with start-stop for maximizing fuel economy.

A newspaper report said that Maruti Suzuki would export the YRA to Europe and Japan. The premium hatchback will be launched in India this year, and is expected to be the third product to be sold through NEXA dealerships.