Maruti Suzuki may have been a slow mover in the SUV segment, but it is rapidly gaining ground as it will launch its second mid-size five seater SUV this festival season. According to Autocar Professional, the company could name the new SUV Escudo. Currently, it is under the codename Y17 and will be slotted in between the Brezza and the Grand Vitara. Based on the media report, the new ‘Hyundai Creta killer’ will be available in Maruti Suzuki’s Arena lineup. Like the automobile market and other manufacturers, SUVs play an important role in the sales growth for Maruti Suzuki, and this new model is expected to play a key role.Â
To be or not to be: 5-or-7 seater?
Earlier, many reports suggested that Maruti Suzuki’s next SUV will be a three-row vehicle that will complete against the likes of Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus, Hyundai Alcazar and the segment leader, the Mahindra XUV700, but it seems the plan has changed. According to the company sources who spoke to Autocar Professional revealed that the Maruti Suzuki has decided to go back to the drawing board and focus on the popular 5-seater SUV segment and rival the South Korean cousins, Creta and the Kia Seltos.Â
New Maruti SUV: What we know so far?
The Escudo is expected to be longer in dimensions than the Grand Vitara, but will start at a more affordable price tag. The new SUV could be offered in various powertrain options like petrol, strong hybrid and CNG. With additional length, this could help the SUV accommodate twin CNG tanks that will help optimise the boot space. No doubt the new SUV will help the company propel its sales by 5% to 6%.
Earlier at the earnings call, Maruti Suzuki Chairman RC Bhargava had confirmed that the much-awaited e Vitara will make its debut in September. The e Vitara will be India’s number one car manufacturer’s first all-electric vehicle. If the Escudo makes its debut this festival time, then Maruti Suzuki will be launching two brand new SUVs this calendar year.
