Maruti Escudo SUV Launch This Year to Rival Hyundai Creta

We reported earlier that Maruti Suzuki will launch two SUVs including the e Vitara in the country before the end of this year. The second SUV was speculated to be a new 7-seater SUV based on the Grand Vitara; however, latest media report claims that it will be a 5-seater SUV. Likely to be called the Maruti Escudo, the new SUV will be positioned between the Brezza and the Grand Vitara. Maruti Suzuki has already trademarked the “Escudo” nameplate in India. 

Codenamed Y17, the new model will be a 5-seater SUV and will be sold through ARENA dealership network. The new Escudo is expected to be launched in the later half of this year, around the festive season. However, Maruti Suzuki is yet to make an official announcement on the same. It will directly rival the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, and the upcoming Renault Duster.

Maruti Escudo - Longer than the standard Grand Vitara

The Maruti Escudo was earlier planned to be a 7-seater SUV; however, after studying the market dynamics, MSIL has decided to keep the new SUV a 5-seater model. The new SUV will be more accessible to masses, as it will carry an aggressive price tag and will be sold through ARENA dealership network. The new SUV is likely to be longer than the Grand Vitara, which is 4,345mm in length. It could also offer bigger boot space and more space in the second-row.  

Engine Options - Strong hybrid & mild hybrid petrol 

The new Maruti Suzuki Escudo SUV is expected to share the powertrain options with the Grand Vitara. It will be based on the same Global-C platform that underpins the Brezza and the Grand Vitara. The SUV is likely to get a 1.5L NA petrol with mild hybrid tech and a Toyota-sourced 1.5L TNGA  engine with a strong hybrid tech. It could also get a CNG option. 

The mild-hybrid engine produces 103bhp and 136.8Nm of torque, while the 1.5L TNGA engine offers a maximum usable power and torque of 116bhp and 141Nm, respectively. In the CNG mode, the 1.5L 4-cylinder petrol engine produces 87bhp and 121.5Nm of torque. The Grand Vitara CNG delivers 26.6km/kg, while the hybrid offers a mileage of over 27kmpl.

The new Maruti Escudo 5-seater SUV will be produced at Suzuki’s new Kharkhoda based plant in Haryana. Toyota will also introduce its own version of the SUV. Maruti Suzuki is also developing a new entry-level MPV based on the global SPACIA. On the other hand, Toyota is planning to launch the Fortuner hybrid in India in near future.

Source - AutoCarIndia