Maruti Suzuki set to launch 4 cars in Nexa chain in 2017

India's largest car maker Maruti Suzuki launched its premium dealership network Nexa in July 2015. Nexa dealership currently sells only two models -- S-Cross crossover and the popular Baleno premium hatchback. Despite the two models portfolio, Nexa contributes over 18 percent of the company's total sales. In 2017, the Nexa range is set to add four more models to its portfolio. Among the four, three products will make market entry early next year. We have compiled details of the upcoming Nexa range of cars.

Maruti Suzuki Ignis

The next car to join Nexa range will be the Ignis compact crossover. The first mini crossover of the Indo-Japanese outfit is expected in January 2017. Ignis is expected to come with a 1.0-litre Boosterjet three-cylinder petrol engine. Transmission options will include a five-speed manual and Maruti Suzuki may offer an AMT unit. Apart from the turbo-petrol engine, Ignis is likely to get a 1.2-litre VTVT petrol and a 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel unit on a later stage.

Ignis will feature 180mm high ground-clearance, flared wheel arches and a wide C-pillar on exterior. It will also get high-end Harman Kardon audio system and safety features such as ABS with EBD, airbags and hill descent control. Expected prices start at Rs 5.5 lakh.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS

Maruti Suzuki Baleno's go faster version, Baleno RS, is expected in February-March time frame. The highlight of Baleno RS is its Boosterjet heart. This turbo petrol mill is expected to dish out 110bhp and 170Nm of peak torque. It will be either mated to five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The transmission is also rumoured with paddle shifters.

Mauti Suzuki will differentiate Baleno RS from the regular Baleno with sportier front and rear bumpers. It will also get Bi-xenon automatic headlamps with LED DRLs, electrically adjustable wing mirrors, side skirts and new diamond-cut alloy wheels in dark shade. On the inside the performance hatchback will boast of automatic climate control and 7-inch touchscreen SmartPlay entertainment system compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This will be the second affordable hatchback in the country to be equipped with all-wheel disc brakes.

Maruti Suzuki Ciaz facelift

Maruti Suzuki is reportedly planning to launch face-lifted Ciaz sedan in April 2017. The sedan will get promotion from regular dealerships to Nexa range with the facelift. The new Ciaz will come with updated new front grille, tweaked bumper and the addition of LED daytime running lights. The sedan will get newly-designed alloy wheels, while top-spec version will boast of electronic sunroof according to reports. Rear end will also get nip and tuck to complement changes up front. On the inside, top variants may come with all black coloured upholstery and a new infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay. Mechanically, expect the upgraded Ciaz to remain the same as the current model with 1.4-litre petrol and 1.2-litre diesel unit.

Maruti Suzuki S-Cross facelift

The first Nexa product, S-Cross, will get nip and tuck in the second half of 2017. Suzuki unveiled the new version for global markets at the Paris motor show earlier this year. The new face gets a re-styled front bumper and a larger radiator grille. The chrome grille with vertical slats is flanked by the new projector headlamps. The headlamp unit also comes with integrated daytime running lamps. While the side profile of S-Cross remains untouched, the rear features slightly redesigned tail lamps and bumper. The crossover's diesel options will be carrying over 1.3-litre and 1.6-litre diesel units. It may get a petrol engine for the first time -- expected to be 1.4-litre K-Series petrol engine borrowed from Ciaz.