Maruti YTB Compact Crossover Development Underway

2019 Maruti Baleno Launch — It will be made using the Baleno’s platform

Maruti Suzuki is developing a compact crossover codenamed YTB which will be based on the Baleno premium hatchback.

The compact crossover is among a series of new utility vehicle (UV) models (including SUVs) planned by the country’s largest carmaker to regain market share lost to rivals.

Internally referred as the Baleno’s sister car, the YTB compact crossover is expected to be developed quickly while also saving the carmaker cost and time as it is likely to have a high degree of commonality of parts and features.

It is no secret that the SUV segment is fast-growing in the country and due to the lack of diesel engine variants, Maruti has lost out a decent chunk of its sales in the UV segment in only few months.

During the first half of financial year 2021, the firm’s UV market share was 22.9 percent as opposed to 24.9 percent in FY20.

Hyundai even went on to become the largest SUV producer in India as its Creta midsize SUV and Venue compact SUV continue to be in high demand.

Thus, in order to regain lost market share, the Maruti YTB compact crossover will be launched along with products such as the Jimny, a midsize SUV, next-generation Vitara Breza and an MPV co-developed with Toyota.

We had reported about Maruti Suzuki’s planned SUV onslaught back in October this year (click here to read the article). The automaker reckons these new models would cater to changing customer preferences and improve sales.

When it gets launched in 2022, the YTB compact crossover will primarily rival the Tata Nexon and will cost similar to the Vitara Brezza.