If you’ve been planning to buy a new Maruti, you might want to wait a little longer to get the latest ones
Maruti has not been as active as some of its competitors throughout 2021 in terms of new cars and facelifts. But that’s just the lull before the storm as the country’s largest carmaker is gearing up for a slew of launches in 2022. The exact launch dates are unknown but here’s the list of what’s coming (in no particular order):
New Baleno
Expected pricing: Rs 6 lakh to Rs 9.99 lakh
One of Maruti’s best-sellers, the Baleno, has been given a handful of mild updates over the years but it’s ready for a significant overhaul. Its heavily updated iteration has been spied testing multiple times wrapped in camouflage but still seems to have the same overall shape as the current model. The new interior was spotted too which featured a different dashboard design for the new infotainment system, and a new steering wheel. Maruti is unlikely to make any changes to the powertrain and will continue to offer it with the 1.2-litre petrol engine with the option of the mild-hybrid tech in some variants.
Also read: Upcoming 2022 Maruti Baleno Hatchback Rendered In New Video
Rivals: Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz, Honda Jazz, Volkswagen Polo and upcoming Citroen C3.
New Alto 800
Expected pricing: Rs 3.2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh
Not much is known about the new Alto 800 other than the fact that it is expected to arrive in 2022. Maruti is unlikely to change much about the winning formula for its entry-level offering, other than keeping it compliant with all the relevant safety norms. It is expected to remain a small, sparsely equipped, budget offering with a 0.8-litre petrol engine. We’d like Maruti to introduce an AMT option with the new Alto and it could bring back the 1-litre engine option too.
Rivals: Renault Kwid, Datsun redi-GO
New Creta-rivalling SUV
Expected pricing: Rs 9 lakh to Rs 15 lakh
While the S-Cross has survived in the compact SUV segment, Maruti is said to be working on a serious contender to the top-selling premium rivals like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. The new Maruti Suzuki compact SUV is being developed in partnership with Toyota but it is still unlikely to be as feature-rich as the competition which offers ventilated front seats, 360-degree cameras, powered driver’s seat and now ADAS (Advanced Driver Assist System) with the MG Astor. For performance, Maruti is expected to offer its new compact SUV with the same 1.5-litre petrol engine and introduce its 1.4-litre turbo-petrol Boosterjet engine which offers 140PS/230Nm in a Japanese-spec Swift Sport.
Rivals: Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, MG Astor and 5-seater Mahindra XUV700
New Vitara Brezza
Expected pricing: Rs 7.99 lakh to Rs 14 lakh
The Vitara Brezza has dominated the sub-compact SUV space since its launch in 2016. After getting a mild-facelift and swapping its diesel engine for a petrol unit in 2020, the Brezza needs a thorough update to keep up with the growing competition. Its biggest changes are likely to be inside the cabin with more tech-based features.
Rivals: Hyundai Venue, Kia Seltos, Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, Mahindra XUV300
Facelifted Wagon R
Expected pricing: Rs 4.99 lakh to Rs 6.5 lakh
The iconic tallboy hatchback got a generational update in 2019 and could use a mid-life facelift. It is expected to get minor cosmetic tweaks to its exterior and some new features such as an updated infotainment system and connected car tech. The Wagon R is presently offered with 1-litre and 1.2-litre petrol engines, each with the choice of a manual or an AMT. Its exterior changes are likely to include new headlamps and updated tail lamps.
Rivals: Hyundai Santro, Tata Tiago, Maruti Suzuki Celerio
Facelifted Ertiga
Expected pricing: Rs 7.99 lakh to Rs 10.99 lakh
The Maruti Ertiga MPV continues to operate in a niche with no direct rivals. It is more premium than the likes of the Renault Triber but smaller than seven-seater SUVs. The current-gen Ertiga launched in late-2018 and is due its first mild-facelift update. It is likely to feature some cosmetic updates around the front and rear along with some additional features.
Rivals: Maruti Suzuki XL6
Facelifted Ciaz
Expected pricing: Rs 9 lakh to Rs 12 lakh
Maruti’s only compact sedan offering, the Ciaz, is expected to get a significant facelift in 2022. Once again, the carmaker is unlikely to change the overall profile and give it new design details for the front and rear instead. The cabin is likely to get most of the updates such as a new dashboard with a new infotainment system and possibly a larger display in the instrument cluster. It is expected to get the same 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol engine as the current model.
Rivals: Hyundai Verna, Honda City, Volkswagen Vento, Skoda Slavia
Facelifted S-Cross
Expected pricing: Rs 8.7 lakh to Rs 12.99 lakh
The affordability of the Maruti S-Cross has helped this aged compact crossover survive the competition better than some others in the segment. While its feature list and performance is not on par with the segment-leading Korean SUVs, it offers great value for money. The S-Cross could still use a facelift and a few feature additions to keep buyers interested.
Rivals: Renault Duster, Mahindra Scorpio, Nissan Kicks
Also read: You Won’t See A Maruti EV In Showrooms Before 2025: R C Bhargava