Maruti Suzuki is putting the pedal to the metal as it will be launching a new SUV, which will rival the segment leader, the Hyundai Creta. The new SUV is expected to be called Escudo and will be slotted between the Brezza and the Grand Vitara.
New Maruti Suzuki SUV: What is it?
Initially, Maruti Suzuki was thinking of entering the three-row SUV segment and taking on the likes of the Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV700 and the Hyundai Alcazar, but the company later decide to enter the 5-seater SUV category. Codename, the Y17, the new SUV will go up against the Creta, which accounts for a shade below 35% of the market, and the Kia Seltos.
New Maruti Suzuki SUV: Longer than Grand Vitara
According to an Autocar Professional report, the Escudo could be longer than the Grand Vitara, which is 4,345 mm in length. For some content, the Creta measures 4,330 mm while the Seltos is 4,365 mm. Like the Grand Vitara, the Maruti Suzuki SUV will share the same Global-C Platform, but is expected to have a length closer to the Seltos.
New Maruti Suzuki SUV: Powertrain
The Escudo will be retaining the Grand Vitara’s three powertrains, starting from the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that churns out 102 bhp and 139 Nm of torque. It is mated to a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. The strong hybrid version produces 91 bhp at 5,500 rpm and 122 Nm at 3,800 to 4,800 rpm. It comes standard with an e-CVT. Maruti Suzuki could add some zing to the segment by offering an all-wheel-drive variant. Last, but not the least, the new SUV will also offer a CNG trim.
New Maruti Suzuki SUV: Arena lineup
The Escudo will be the flagship model in the Arena lineup. This will be a big advantage for the new SUV as it has a more extensive and wider network, unlike the Nexa brand. This also indicates that the new SUV could more affordable than Nexa’s Grand Vitara.
New Maruti Suzuki SUV: Launch Timeline
The Escudo is expected to make its debut at festival time. Even though the exact timeline isn’t revealed yet, it will go on sale around the Diwali period.