SUVs are selling like hot cakes in the Indian market. And the proof of this lies in the fact that the SUVs recorded sales growth of 34 per cent in Q1 CY2021, which is all-time high. In order to tap the fastest growing segment, car manufacturers are planning to expand their SUV lineup in coming years. While the sub-4 meter SUV has already been so crowed, the mid-size and premium 7-seater SUV space will soon witness several new launches.
India’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki has also been working on a range of new SUVs including a premium 7-seater, a Baleno-based crossover, a mid-size SUV (with Toyota) and 5-door Jimny. Speaking to a media publication, Kenichi Ayukawa, Managing Director Maruti Suzuki, has revealed that the company is analyzing bigger vehicle segment and aims to “evolve as a full scale car maker catering to all kinds of customers”.
Rumour has it that the Indo-Japanese carmaker will introduce a 7-seater SUV built on Suzuki’s C-platform. It’s the same architecture that underpins the global-spec Vitara SUV. The production version of the new Maruti three-row SUV is reported to be christened as Maruti Grand Vitara. Prices of the model are likely to start from Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). If launched at this price point, it will take on the cars like MG Hector Plus and the upcoming Hyundai Alcazar and Mahindra XUV700.
Maruti Suzuki is also considering a premium 7-seater MPV that’s reported to be prodcuted at Toyota’s Bidadi based plant. It will be positioned above the Ertiga, and come as an affordable option for the Toyota Innova Cyrsta. The upcoming Maruti Suzuki 7-seater MPV will face challenge from the upcoming MPVs from Hyundai, Kia, MG and Tata. The new bigger SUVs are likely to be sold via Maruti Suzuki’s premium Nexa dealership network.
