Maruti Suzuki 7-Seater SUV to Come with Hybrid, Mild-Hybrid and CNG Engines

In a bid to regain 50% market share by the end of this year, Maruti Suzuki plans to launch a wide range of new cars and SUVs in India. The company has announced to introduce 4 new electric vehicles including e Vitara by 2030. Moreover, MSIL will opt for alternate fuel options including BEV, mild-hybrid, strong hybrid, CNG and Flex-fuel. 

The company is preparing a new mid-sized SUV, which will be a 3-row model based on the Grand Vitara. In fact, testing of the 7-Seater Grand Vitara has already been commenced on the Indian roads. The new SUV will rival the likes of the Hyundai Alcazar, MG Hector Plus, Tata Safari and others in the segment. 

7-Seater Grand Vitara - Multiple Engine Options

The new 3-row SUV will be offered with multiple powertrain options including Hybrid, Mild-Hybrid and CNG. In fact, the 7-seater Grand Vitara could be the first 3-row SUV to offer CNG option in the Indian market. The SUV will share its engine line-up with the Grand Vitara, which is also available with M-HEV, S-HEV and CNG fuel options. 

The engine options likely to include a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol with Suzuki's mild-hybrid tech, a Toyota-sourced 1.5-litre TNGA engine and a 1.5-litre petrol with a factory-fitted CNG kit. The mild-hybrid engine is capable of producing 103bhp and 136.8Nm of torque, while the 1.5L TNGA engine offers 116bhp and 141Nm of torque. 

In the CNG mode, the engine produces 87bhp and 121.5Nm of torque. The Grand Vitara CNG is claimed to offer an ARAI certified mileage of 26.6km/kg, and the similar numbers are expected with its 7-seater derivative. Similarly, the hybrid version should return a mileage of over 25-26kmpl in a single charge. 

To accommodate third-row, MSIL will increase its length and wheelbase. The existing model measures 4,345mm in length, while the 7-seater model is likely to measure around 4.5 to 4.6 meters long. The wheelbase could be increased around 100mm. The 7-seater Grand Vitara will be produced at Suzuki's new Kharkhoda based plant in Haryana. It will be sold through NEXA premium dealership network. 

Also See - Maruti Confirms 4 New EVs for India