We reported earlier that Maruti Suzuki is planning to launch 3 new cars in the country in 2024. The company will introduce the new generation Swift hatchback and the Dzire sedan in the first half of 2024. In fact, the new gen Suzuki Swift has recently been unveiled at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo. Adding to it, Maruti Suzuki will present the production version of the EVX electric SUV in the second half of 2024.
A new media report claims that Maruti Suzuki could launch the new 7-seater version of the Grand Vitara mid-sized SUV in 2024. However, MSIL is yet to make an official announcement on the same. The 7-seater Maruti Grand Vitara will be positioned against the likes of the Hyundai Alcazar, MG Hector Plus, Mahindra XUV700, and the Tata Safari.
The 7-seater Maruti Grand Vitara will ride on a longer wheelbase to accommodate the third row of seats. It could be offered with two seating layouts – 6 and 7-seater with former having captain seats in the second-row. MSIL is also likely to make several design changes to make it look different from the 5-seater Grand Vitara on sale in our market.
Internally called the Project Y17, the new 7-seater Maruti Grand Vitara will be built on the Global C platform that underpins the Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder and the Maruti Brezza. The SUV is likely to share the engine options with the 5-seater model. It features a 1.5-litre K15C naturally-aspirated petrol engine with the mild hybrid technology. The motor produces 103bhp and 137Nm of torque, and can be had with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed torque convertor automatic gearbox. Similar to the 5-seater SUV, the 7-seater Grand Vitara could get AWD (All-Wheel-Drive) system.
The 7-seater SUV is also expected to feature Toyota-sourced 92bhp, 1.5L Atkinson cycle petrol engine coupled to a front-axle mounted electric motor (79bhp and 141Nm). The combined power output stands at 115bhp. This powertrain is coupled to an e-CVT transmission.
Previous media reports claim that the new 7-seater Maruti Grand Vitara will be manufactured at the company’s new Kharkhoda plant in Haryana. However, this manufacturing facility will be operational by 2025. MSIL is planning to invest over Rs 7,000 crore during discal year 2023. This plant is likely to produce 2,50,000 units on annual basis.
Source – Overdrive
