Maruti Suzuki, the much-loved car manufacturer in India, is currently basking in a period of incredible triumph, particularly in the SUV market.
They have proudly claimed the title of the best-selling SUV brand in the current financial year. And the good news doesn’t stop there – Maruti Suzuki has plans to keep the momentum going with an impressive range of new models.
These vehicles have been carefully crafted to suit the varied tastes of Indian customers. With a clever release strategy, Maruti Suzuki is all set to solidify its already strong position in the automotive industry.
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara 7-Seater (Y17)
First in the lineup is the much-anticipated 7-seater variant of the popular Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, internally known as the Y17. This three-row SUV is set to make a grand entry into the market around 2025. Although the seating configuration remains under wraps, what’s certain is the inclusion of a potent 1.5L hybrid petrol engine, a powerhouse it shares with the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder.
With an expected price tag north of Rs. 15 lakh (ex-showroom), the Y17 will face off against established names like the Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus, Citroen C3 Aircross seven-seater, Mahindra XUV700, and the Hyundai Alcazar.
Maruti Suzuki Micro SUV (Y43)
With an eye on the future, Maruti Suzuki is also preparing to launch a micro SUV, codenamed Y43, which is likely to grace the roads by 2026 or 2027. This compact, five-seater vehicle will be positioned beneath the Brezza, introducing a fresh option for those looking at more diminutive SUVs. It’s expected to feature a new 1.2L Z series petrol engine, which will premiere in the latest Swift iteration.
Additionally, the inclusion of the 1.0L turbo Booster Jet three-cylinder petrol engine is also on the cards. Transmission choices will be plentiful, with both manual and automatic options. In its higher variants, the Y43 may feature a suite of bells and whistles, such as six airbags, a nine-inch touchscreen, automatic climate control, a semi-digital instrument panel, and cutting-edge connected car technology, challenging rivals like the Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter.
Maruti Suzuki eVX
Looking ahead to the latter part of 2024, Maruti Suzuki plans to electrify the market with the production version of the eVX concept, first unveiled at the 2023 Auto Expo. This five-seater electric SUV will dive into a market brimming with competition, going head-to-head with forthcoming models like the Tata Curvv and Hyundai Creta EV.
The eVX boasts two battery pack options, with the premium variant offering an impressive range of over 500 km on a single charge. Prospective buyers can expect a host of advanced interior features, setting a new standard for electric SUVs in India. Pricing is anticipated to start above Rs. 15 lakh (ex-showroom), reflecting its premium offerings.
DriveSpark Thinks
Maruti Suzuki’s strategic expansion of its SUV portfolio is an ambitious move that speaks volumes about the brand’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of Indian consumers.
By diversifying its range with the three-row Grand Vitara Y17, the compact Y43 micro SUV, and the pioneering eVX electric SUV, Maruti Suzuki is not only broadening its appeal but is also poised to maintain its leadership in the SUV segment.
As the Indian automobile market continues to flourish, car enthusiasts eagerly await the arrival of these innovative models, which promise to deliver performance, comfort, and sustainability, all wrapped in Maruti Suzuki’s signature reliability.