Maruti Suzuki has started producing the new premium hatchback ahead of its unveiling in Frankfurt next week. Named the Baleno for the international markets, the Suzuki YRA is expected to be launched in India this festive season.
The leaked photos from the Maruti Suzuki facility in India show the workers celebrating with what looks like the first production unit of the new car. Based on the previous spy images we were expecting the Indian model to have the twin slat grille, however, the design of the production version is similar to the international model with the honeycomb mesh grille.
The global version is just over four metres in length, but Maruti will marginally alter the bumpers to make it a sub-four metre hatchback. The YRA hatchback will probably not be called the Baleno either, considering the rather dismal performance of the previous sedan.
The global model is expected to debut with the 1-litre BOOSTERJET direct injection petrol engine. Armed with a turbocharger, this new petrol engine will be highly fuel efficient while offering a respectable amount of grunt. However, we will not see this engine in India – the petrol model will use the 1.2-litre VVT engine producing 83bhp and 114Nm of torque. The diesel will be the 1.3-litre multijet engine producing 90bhp and 200Nm and there is a possibility that the car will get the SHVS hybrid technology at the time of the launch.
The YRA hatchback will be the second model to be sold under the new NEXA showroom in India. From the looks of it, Maruti will launch the car in India soon after the global debut. The new hatchback will compete with the Hyundai i20, Volkswagen Polo and the Honda Jazz in the premium segment.
Image Source: Automotive India
![Maruti Suzuki Baleno [1999-2007] Image](https://imgd.aeplcdn.com/272x153/cw/cars/discontinued/maruti-suzuki/baleno.jpg?q=80 "Maruti Suzuki Baleno [1999-2007] Image")
