Maruti Suzuki is gearing up to introduce a brand-new ICE SUV around the festive season with the model likely to be named ‘Escudo’. The SUV, codenamed Y17, is expected to be positioned between the Brezza and the Grand Vitara in Maruti’s lineup. Initially planned as a three-row, seven-seater version of the Vitara, the Y17 has now been redesigned as a two-row, five-seater SUV to better align with market demands.

Maruti Escudo: Positioned Above Brezza, Below Grand Vitara

The upcoming Maruti Escudo will be sold through Arena showrooms, as it aims to compete in the high-volume mid-size SUV segment currently dominated by the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. The Y17 is expected to be more competitively priced and offer practical features compared to the Grand Vitara, making it more accessible.

While the new SUV won’t have a third row, it is likely to be longer than the 4,345mm Grand Vitara and may offer increased boot space, surpassing the Grand Vitara’s 373-litre capacity. Maruti’s decision to retail it through the Arena network instead of the premium Nexa channel reflects the brand’s intent to cater to a broader audience.

Powertrain and Platform Details

Built on the Global-C platform shared with the Grand Vitara, the Maruti Escudo is expected to feature similar engine options. These may include the

• 1.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol Engine: 102 bhp, 137 Nm – 5 Speed MT, 6 Speed AT
• 1.5L Hybrid Engine: 114 bhp, 141 Nm – eCVT
• 1.5L CNG Engine: 87 bhp, 121.5 Nm – 5 Speed MT
• AWD System: Expected to be offered (similar to Grand Vitara)

Escudo: A Familiar Name with a New Approach

The ‘Escudo’ name isn’t entirely new to Suzuki; in Japan, the Vitara SUV is branded as the Escudo. Maruti Suzuki had already trademarked the name in India last year, indicating its potential use for the new model. The Escudo is set to be one of two upcoming SUVs from Maruti in 2025, the other being the all-electric e Vitara.

Targeting a Growing Market

The Maruti Y17 will likely appeal to those looking for a slightly longer SUV compared to the Grand Vitara. Positioned between the Hyundai Creta (4,330mm) and Kia Seltos (4,365mm) in length, the Escudo could see a production volume of up to 200,000 units, with distribution among Maruti, Toyota, and export markets. This launch may help Maruti achieve its projected 5-6% growth for the current financial year.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Maruti Escudo, as the official launch date and detailed specifications are expected to be revealed soon.

Source: Autocar India