New Maruti Suzuki crossover to be launched on August 21
This new three-row crossover is built on the Ertiga platform but is going to feature some SUV-like design cues such as a more upright nose than the Ertiga with it a taller front grill along with new headlamps to give it a more prominent front-end design language.
By Divyank K. Bansal
*Image for representation only
Maruti's new mid-size crossover will be based on the underpinnings of the Ertiga MPV and will compete indirectly with the likes of the Hyundai Creta.
We have received confirmation that Maruti Suzuki will soon be bringing in a 7-Seater crossover which will be a C-segment offering (placed above the existing Vitara Brezza). The car in question will be based on the Ertiga's chassis and will indirectly take on the likes of the Hyundai Creta. This will certainly shake things up as it'll become the only 7-seater offering in the mid-size crossover SUV space. The car will be launched on the 21st of August.
This new three-row crossover is going to feature some SUV-like design cues such as a more upright nose than the Ertiga with a tall front grill along with new headlamps to give it a more prominent front-end design language. Maruti Suzuki will position this new offering as a premium product and will retail it through its Nexa dealerships. Expect this Ertiga derived crossover to be laden with the latest in-car technology from Maruti Suzuki.
Coming to the powertrain, the crossover SUV is likely to debut as a petrol-only model, with the existing 1.5-litre K15 Smart Hybrid engine in BS-VI guise. Gearbox options are likely to be initially limited to a five-speed manual gearbox, while Maruti could bring its four-speed automatic into the model line-up at a later stage, based on market demand.
Despite the noose getting tighter on the future of mass-market diesel cars, we expect Maruti Suzuki to offer its new 1.5-litre DDiS 225 diesel engine (based on market demand) in this model, a few months post the market launch. We say this as we expect diesel models to still be quite popular in the C-segment crossover and SUV market space considering the size, weight, performance and fuel efficiency of these models. Thus, Maruti Suzuki is likely to avoid the mono-fuel approach it took with the Vitara Brezza (which is yet to be launched with a petrol engine).
Watch this space for all the latest updates on Maruti Suzuki's new & upcoming model.
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