When launched, this new Maruti SUV spied, based on Grand Vitara, is likely to be positioned above XL6 and below Invicto
Maruti Suzuki launched the Grand Vitara in India in September 2022. At the fag end of 2024, Maruti Suzuki commenced testing of a new SUV as seen in the recent spy shots. This test mule could be a facelift of Grand Vitara with more features and creature comforts or it could be the 7-seater version to rival Hyundai Alcazar.
New Maruti SUV Spied – What Could It Be?
India’s leading car manufacturer, Maruti Suzukihas been pushing its boundaries and successfully established a premium lineup too. One of the stalwarts of Maruti’s premium segment is Grand Vitara compact SUV that rivals the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Curvv, Honda Elevate, Skoda Kushaq, VW Taigun and Citroen’s Aircross SUV and Basalt.
Two years have passed since Grand Vitara’s launch and Maruti Suzuki has climbed the ladder of success in compact SUV space. By the time this test mule reaches production phase, we can expect it to be around three years since Grand Vitara launch, which is generally the time for an update or a facelift.
For starters, this is highly unlikely to be eVitara test mule as it lacks the charging port on front left quarter panel. On closer observation, this test mule has a fuel filler cap on the left rear quarter panel, exactly where Grand Vitara has. The entire car was covered in camouflage, thus pin-pointing changes is a tedious affair.
The fascia seems to be slightly changed to establish a visual distinction. It still gets split headlights approach with LED DRLs on top and headlights at the bottom. There seem to be new alloy wheels with a five-spoke design which was also covered with camouflage. At the rear, tail lights are new and might be connected.
There was a sneak-peak into the cabin, showing a free-standing infotainment screen. This screen looked like it was larger, stuffed in a quadrilateral housing. 10-inch to 11-inch diagonal screen size sounds like a reasonable update over the current model’s 9-inch unit.
Is this a 7-Seater Grand Vitara?
For some time, India’s automotive buzz factory has been suggesting a 7-seater version of Grand Vitara to take on the Hyundai Alcazar. This new test mule has a good probability of being a 7-seater version of Grand Vitara. With just a few design differences between both SUVs to establish a distinction.
We can expect a longer length with an increased wheelbase to accommodate a 3rd row. Captain seat and bench seat options for 2nd row are highly likely. If launched, it will be positioned above XL6 and below Invicto. A Toyota counterpart of this vehicle is not far-fetched either. The same 1.5L NA Petrol engine or 1.5L Self-Charging Hybrid engines will continue with 4WD option.
