In 2024, a significant development in the automotive industry is ready to unfold as Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, is diligently working on two all-new products set to rival the Hyundai Exter micro SUV and the Tata Safari and Mahindra XUV700. The culmination of these endeavors is expected to materialize between 2025 and 2027. The upcoming Maruti 7-seater SUV, codenamed Y17, will draw inspiration from the highly successful Grand Vitara, which has consistently bolstered the automaker’s market presence since its introduction.
The Kharkhoda-based facility of Maruti Suzuki is designated as the production hub for the eagerly anticipated three-row SUV, with production slated to commence in 2025. While details about the forthcoming Maruti 7-seater SUV remain sparse at this juncture, it is assuredly designed to surpass the Grand Vitara in length and spaciousness, facilitating the addition of a third-row seat. Built on Suzuki’s global C architecture, the vehicle is expected to offer powertrain options, including the 1.5L K15C petrol mild hybrid and the 1.5L Atkinson cycle strong hybrid, both of which are currently available with the Grand Vitara.
The mild hybrid variant boasts a claimed power output of 103bhp and is purported to achieve a mileage of 21.11kmpl with a manual gearbox and 19.38kmpl with an automatic transmission. Conversely, the strong hybrid powertrain delivers a peak power of 115bhp and is claimed to deliver an impressive fuel efficiency of 27.97kmpl. Anticipated to be priced between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 25 lakh, the new Maruti 7-seater SUV is set to make a substantial impact on the market.
Maruti Suzuki’s strategic move is expected to augment its SUV sales by an additional 2.50 lakh units annually, encompassing the forthcoming 7-seater and micro SUVs. In addition to this, the Indo-Japanese automaker is set to unveil its first electric SUV towards the conclusion of 2024, aligning with the Maruti eVX concept that debuted at the previous year’s Auto Expo. The launch of the new-generation Maruti Swift hatchback and Dzire compact sedan is also on the horizon, scheduled for an early arrival in 2024.
