KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Maruti's new compact SUV launch is on September 3
- To come with Petrol, CNG and a hybrid powerplant option
- Also the first ever Maruti equipped with ADAS
Maruti Suzuki is gearing up for one of its biggest launches of the year, an all-new Hyundai Creta rival internally codenamed Y17, expected to be christened the Maruti Escudo (previously called the eVitara) in select export markets. Set for its global unveiling on September 3, 2025, this SUV will be retailed via the brand's wide-reaching Arena network. With three distinct powertrain options, the availability of Level-2 ADAS for the first time on a Maruti, and an AWD variant, let's take a closer look at the latest information about the SUV, but before that, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community, specifically curated for petrolheads like us to keep up with the latest news and automotive updates.
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Maruti Escudo To Get Three Powertrain Options And A Maruti First ADAS Lvl-2
The upcoming Maruti Escudo (or the eVitara) will draw its mechanical setup from the Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder, giving buyers a diverse mix of powertrain choices. The range will start with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 103 hp, paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic, with the petrol-AT version also offering AWD for light off-road use. For those seeking lower running costs, there will be an 88 hp 1.5-litre petrol-CNG option, while the top-end variant will feature a 116 hp 1.5-litre strong-hybrid petrol setup with self-charging technology for superior fuel efficiency and a smoother drive. This well-rounded engine portfolio ensures the eVitara will offer something for everyone, from budget-conscious family buyers to tech-savvy urban motorists looking for performance and efficiency.
In a landmark step for the brand, the eVitara will be Marutis first-ever model to feature a Level-2 Advanced Driver Assistance System, bringing in high-end features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Blind Spot Monitoring. This represents a huge leap over Maruti's current lineup, where ADAS is absent, and positions the eVitara among the most technologically advanced SUVs in its class.
Strategically, Maruti will retail the eVitara through its expansive network of over 3,000 Arena outlets, compared to the roughly 600 Nexa showrooms that sell the more premium Grand Vitara. For Arena dealers, the eVitara will become a new flagship, filling the void left since the Brezza and Ertiga launches, while giving Maruti far greater reach than rivals like Hyundai, whose Creta is sold through about 1,400 outlets across India.
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Prepping For A Euro NCAP Crash Test
The Maruti Suzuki eVitara, the brand's first-ever electric vehicle for India and Suzuki's debut EV for global markets, is gearing up for its Euro NCAP crash test, one of the toughest safety assessments in the world. The model is already listed on Euro NCAP's website, indicating that testing may have been completed, with results expected on September 10, 2025. The Euro-spec version is likely to feature additional safety equipment to help secure a strong rating.
Built on a monocoque chassis with a floor-mounted battery pack, the eVitara will be offered with 49 kWh and 61 kWh battery options, targeting up to 500 km of range. Its Toyota twin, the Urban Cruiser EV, will also be made in India and sold globally. Euro NCAP could extend the eVitara's crash test rating to the Toyota version, given their shared platform and safety specs. This will mark the first time in years that a made-in-India Maruti Suzuki product is tested by Euro NCAP, potentially setting a benchmark for the brand's EV safety credentials.
Verdict
The Maruti Suzuki Escudo represents a pivotal step for the brand, not just as its first electric SUV, but also as a global contender built in India for markets with the highest safety and quality expectations. With competitive range options, the availability of AWD, and an upcoming Euro NCAP rating that could boost its credibility worldwide, it has the potential to position Maruti Suzuki firmly in the fast-growing EV space. If it delivers on both safety and performance, the eVitara could become a flagship example of India's EV manufacturing capabilities on the global stage. However, the rare earth magnets shortage is sowing its early signs on production capacities and it will be interesing to see how it actually takes shape.
