Maruti Grand Vitara 7-seater Spotted Testing Ahead Of Official Launch [Video]
Maruti Suzuki recently unveiled their first-ever electric SUV, the eVitara, at the Bharat Mobility Expo last month. Other than the eVitara, Maruti also has plans to launch a bigger SUV in the market. It is, in fact, the three-row version of the Grand Vitara, which has been receiving a good response from customers. The SUV is known under the codename Y17 and was recently spotted testing.
The video has been shared by Rushlane on their YouTube channel. The video was recorded and shared with Rushlane by one of their subscribers. The upcoming three-row SUV is based on the Grand Vitara and shares the same platform as the 5-seater SUV. The three-row version of the Grand Vitara seen here looks slightly longer than the 5-seater version. We only see the rear and side profiles of the upcoming SUV.
The SUV is longer because it needs to accommodate the third row of seats. We get a glimpse of the rear of the Y17 SUV, and it looks similar to the eVitara’s tail light. The SUV was heavily camouflaged, making it slightly difficult for anyone to figure out details. However, we can see that the SUV gets different-looking alloy wheels.
The Y17, or 7-seater Grand Vitara, was seen alongside the eVitara SUV. The front of the upcoming Y17 SUV is likely to be similar to that of the Grand Vitara, featuring LED DRLs and a split headlamp setup. The bumper will have a different design compared to its 5-seater sibling. We see large windows, roof rails, and an integrated roof spoiler on the test mule.
The upcoming 7-seater version of the Grand Vitara is expected to have a longer overhang at the rear. The wheelbase and width of the car are likely to remain the same as the Grand Vitara. Regarding features, Maruti is expected to offer premium amenities. The chances of an all-new dashboard design are pretty low; it might use the same layout as the regular Grand Vitara.
Maruti will offer other features like a fully digital instrument cluster, a large floating-type touchscreen infotainment screen, Level 2 ADAS, seat ventilation, electrically adjustable seats, split seats for second- and third-row passengers, automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, a dual-tone cabin, cruise control, a multifunction steering wheel, and more.
Coming to the engine and transmission options, the upcoming SUV will be offered with petrol engine options only. Like many manufacturers, Maruti has also stopped producing diesel engines due to stricter emission norms. The upcoming 7-seater Grand Vitara will come with a 1.5-litre K15C series petrol engine, the same engine offered in the 5-seater SUV. Additionally, Maruti will also offer a strong hybrid version of the SUV, which will be a mild hybrid engine.
The regular petrol engine will be available with a manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission option, while the strong hybrid variant will get an e-CVT gearbox. The strong hybrid variant will be powered by a 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine. The mild hybrid version will generate 103 PS and 136 Nm of peak torque, while the strong hybrid version will produce 115 PS and 141 Nm of peak torque.
Looking at the videos and images, it seems like the SUV is almost production-ready. Maruti will launch the eVitara first, followed by the 7-seater Grand Vitara, which is expected to be released sometime around the festive season this year.