- Maruti Suzuki's new Grand Vitara based 3 row SUV is under development.
- Codenamed Y17, the four-wheeler will likely go on sale by 2025.
- Could share its underpinnings as well as the powertrain with the Grand Vitara.
Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL), India's largest four-wheeler manufacturer has gained a lot of limelight off-lately, all thanks to the brilliant show at the 2023 Auto Expo. The Indo-Japanese brand showcased a host of vehicles at the motor show, however, the highlight was the Jimny SUV and Fronx crossover. Further banking on the rising market share of SUVs in the Indian market, Maruti is preparing to launch its first-ever 7-seater SUV in the country, which will be based on the Grand Vitara.
Also Read: Toyota Fronx-Based Crossover A15 To Launch In 2023
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara-Based 7-Seater SUV: What We Know?
As per the media reports, the new 7-seater SUV will be based on the current Grand Vitara SUV. This essentially means that the underpinnings as well as the powertrain will be a straight lift-off from the mid-size SUV. However, we believe that it will use an extended version of the current Global-C platform with a marginally longer wheelbase, in order to accommodate an extra row of seats. Under the hood, the engine-gearbox combinations will remain more or less the same. However, Maruti could plonk a more powerful powertrain, most likely from its global line-up, thus making the 7-seater SUV capable enough to lug the load of 7 people and their luggage.
Talking about the design, it will follow the same design direction as the Grand Vitara, although there could be some considerable tweaks to create a differentiation. Along with this, the SUV will most likely sport a longer rear overhand, courtesy of the extended length.
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara-Based 7-Seater SUV: Production, Launch Timeline and Rivals
Maruti Suzuki will launch the Grand Vitara-based 7-seater SUV in the domestic market in 2025. If some media reports are to be believed, the production of this new 7-seater SUV will be carried out at the brand's new Kharkhoda, Haryana-based manufacturing plant. Once launched, the SUV will rival the likes of Mahindra XUV700, MG Hector Plus, Hyundai Alcazar and Tata Safari in the Indian market.
Also Read: Toyota Innova Hycross-Based New Maruti MPV Launch Confirmed For 2023
Verdict: The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara-based 3-row SUV is still a long time away, however, we can vouch that it will be a great addition to the brand's line-up. Once launched, it will be the first 7-seater SUV in the company's stable and will be positioned as Maruti Suzuki's flagship product. Overall, the details about the vehicle are scarce as of now and we have to wait until the company itself spills some beans.
