Maruti Suzuki is set to elevate its position in the compact SUV segment with the introduction of a 7-seater model for its popular Grand Vitara. Known for outselling rivals like Tata Nexon, Hyundai Creta, and Kia Seltos, the Grand Vitara has carved a niche for itself in the market. The company is now in the advanced stages of testing the 7-seater variant, currently dubbed as the Y17 render, and aims to launch it by 2025.
The Grand Vitara has proven to be a standout performer, with December 2023 sales reaching an impressive 6988 units. Looking ahead, Maruti Suzuki’s move to expand the Grand Vitara lineup by introducing a 7-seater version demonstrates the brand’s commitment to meeting diverse consumer needs.
The upcoming 7-seater Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara (Y17) is expected to feature the existing 1.5-litre four-cylinder K15C mild hybrid petrol engine and the 1.5-litre three-cylinder strong hybrid petrol engine. This model may offer both 6-seater and 7-seater configurations, providing flexibility to potential buyers. The K15C Dual Jet Dual VVT Smart Hybrid petrol engine is likely to power low and mid-spec variants, while higher trims could incorporate a more potent hybrid engine sourced from Toyota.
The 7-seater Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Urban Cruiser, based on the HyRyder from Toyota, is anticipated to make a substantial impact on the Indian market. It will position itself as Maruti’s largest ICE SUV, surpassing a price tag of ₹15 lakh, and compete with formidable rivals such as Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus, Citroen C3 Aircross, Mahindra XUV700, Hyundai Alcazar, and the upcoming Renault Duster.
The design of the Maruti Suzuki Y17, crafted by SRK Design, retains some similarities with the current model but showcases an extended length. Its distinctive appearance includes a prominent chrome bar with Suzuki badges, a black hexagonal grille section, sharp triple-beam LED headlamps, vertical LED fog lamps, a broader lower air intake, and a muscular bonnet. The side profile reveals large wheels with a fresh design, emphasizing a sleek and robust aesthetic. The wheelbase length of the current Grand Vitara stands at 2,600mm.
As Maruti Suzuki ventures into the 7-seater SUV market, the Grand Vitara’s expansion is poised to offer consumers a versatile and spacious option in the competitive compact SUV landscape.