[Carma2017]

Originally Posted by govigov

As far as I understood, maruti does not have the tech for side and curtain airbags, however, I understand from this forum itself that they are looking for multi airbag vendors. Most likely, it might just be 4 airbags, and not 6 or more, even if that is the case.

Maruti has been making 6 airbag equipped cars for export markets since A-Star. Even the current Baleno has 6 airbag equipped version in exports. All their upcoming Cars starting with next gen Baleno, Brezza etc are likely to have a 6 airbag variant like Hyundai. As far as Suzuki global is concerned, 6 airbag vehicles have been made and sold by them since early 2000s in all markets including USA.

Coming back to big surprise, it definitely would turn out to be something low key as the next gen Baleno will come only by 2021 end or early 2022.

[k_kumar]

Originally Posted by govigov

...It is safe to say they won't touch the Jurrasic era 4 speed AT.

Baleno does not have that 4-speed AT; it comes with CVT.

[ph03n!x]

Originally Posted by Rshrey22

I think, with a turbo, 130 hp can be safely squeezed out from it.

But how safe is the structure, the car is only 110 KG heavier than a Nano at 865 KG GVW (Nano XTA is 755 KG). While it'll have an awesome power to weight, unless MS does some structural mods, will be a deathbed on wheels at the hands of racing nuts.

[fhdowntheline]

Maybe Baleno will come with a 4/5 star GNCAP rating- that would be a worthy surprise more than anything else!

[coolboy007]

Originally Posted by fhdowntheline

Maybe Baleno will come with a 4/5 star GNCAP rating- that would be a worthy surprise more than anything else!

Knowing Maruti and the way they behave, expecting anything related to stars or safety is a far fetched dream. They are more interested in dishing out special editions and sticker jobs.
I still believe that the Swift deserves a booster jet engine prior to Baleno, Baleno's ride/handling and steering are tuned towards a family hatch.

[searacer932]

Hope MSIL give a worthy surprise related to safety - perhaps a vehicle with 6 airbags and 5 star rating in GNCAP. This is isn't to much to ask from a manufacturer who has 50% share in Indian market.

Will hate to see a red/blue/green sticker edition!

[shortbread]

Is a new lighter Baleno on the anvil?

Another 50-60 kgs of metal shaved off the structure will mean the 'suprise' Baleno could weigh less than 800kgs!

[RaghuVis]

Did MSIL somehow forget about this? I mean two big festivals have come and gone and still no news of what this was supposed to be!
Somehow MSIL has had a very quite year apart from being on the news for all wrong reasons. Hope they surprise everyone pleasantly.

[7000plusrpm]

Originally Posted by shortbread

Is a new lighter Baleno on the anvil?

Another 50-60 kgs of metal shaved off the structure will mean the 'suprise' Baleno could weigh less than 800kgs!

And an ARAI rated mileage of 31.77 KMPL, better than the 650cc twin-cylinder RE interceptor!

[volkman10]

Baleno 'Strong Hybrid' ready for launch?

A test mule of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno with Strain Gauge apparatus on all four wheels has been spotted testing around the Lonavala ghats in Maharashtra which is speculated to be a strong hybrid version of the Baleno

Link

[parrys]

Originally Posted by volkman10

Baleno 'Strong Hybrid' ready for launch?

Attachment 2098552

Attachment 2098554



Link

In the last pic, the tail pipe is visible, not clearly but can be seen. At least I can.

So this could very well be a hybrid in my opinion. Can't be sure though.
Let's hope it is, Maruti Suzuki needs something new, and soon.

[romeomidhun]

Originally Posted by volkman10

Baleno 'Strong Hybrid' ready for launch?

Is this the Baleno-based SUV with a strong hybrid and 4-wheel drive, in the guise of Baleno?

Originally Posted by RaghuVis

Did MSIL somehow forget about this? I mean two big festivals have come and gone and still no news of what this was supposed to be!

The surprise was already out, I guess. Read the following post:

Originally Posted by AutoConsultant

Was this the big surprise??