New Delhi: Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest carmaker, has been dominating the compact SUV segment with its Grand Vitara, which has surpassed the sales of Tata Nexon, Hyundai Creta, and Kia Seltos. The Grand Vitara, which was launched in 2021, has a sleek and sporty design, a spacious cabin, and a powerful engine. It sold 6,988 units in December 2023, making it one of the most popular SUVs in the country.
However, the company is not resting on its laurels and is planning to expand its SUV portfolio with a 7-seater variant of the Grand Vitara, codenamed Y17. According to a report by Hindustan Times, the Y17 is expected to be launched by 2025 and will offer both 6- and 7-seat options for the customers.
The Y17, which is based on a render by SRK Design, will have a similar look to the current Grand Vitara, but with a longer body and a bigger boot space. It will feature a black hexagonal grille with a chrome bar and Suzuki logo, vertical LED fog lights, sharp triple-beam LED headlights, a wide lower air intake, and a muscular bonnet. The side profile will have large alloy wheels with a new design and roof rails. The rear will have LED tail lights, a spoiler, and a skid plate.
The Y17 will also have a premium interior with leather seats, a touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, a sunroof, and a host of safety features. It will also have a third row of seats, which can be folded to increase the luggage capacity.
One of the main attractions of the Y17 will be its hybrid engine options, which will cater to the increasing demand for eco-friendly mobility solutions. The Y17 will likely have two hybrid engines: a 1.5-litre four-cylinder K15C mild hybrid petrol engine and a 1.5-litre three-cylinder strong hybrid petrol engine. The mild hybrid engine will be available for the base and mid-spec variants, while the strong hybrid engine, which will be sourced from Toyota, will be reserved for the top-end variants. The Y17 will also have a 7-seat sibling, the Grand Vitara Urban Cruiser, which will be based on the Toyota Highrider.
The Y17 will be Maruti Suzuki’s largest and most expensive ICE SUV, with an expected price tag of more than Rs 15 lakh (ex-showroom). It will compete with other 7-seater SUVs in the market, such as the Hyundai Alcazar, Mahindra XUV700, Citroen C3 Aircross, Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus, and the upcoming Renault Duster.
The Y17 will be a game-changer for Maruti Suzuki, as it will enter the 7-seater SUV segment, which is witnessing a high demand from customers. The Y17 will offer a versatile and spacious option for SUV lovers, who want a combination of performance, comfort, and efficiency.
