Maruti Suzuki Teases Escudo, Shows Tail Lamp Design Ahead Of September 3rd Launch
Maruti Suzuki is set to launch an all-new mid-size SUV on September 3, 2025. We expect it to be called Escudo when launched. Some reports also suggest that it could be named 'Victoris'. The carmaker has now released the first teaser image, which shows the SUV’s taillamp design.
Maruti Escudo/Victoris: First Teaser
The teaser confirms that the new SUV will come with LED lighting. It shows portions of the tail lamps. These will be LED units with sharp, catchy styling. From the picture, it is clear that the cluster will come with a three-dimensional lighting effect. We also see the uniquely styled indicator lamp. Interestingly, the design shown here is different from that of the eVitara’s tail lamp cluster.
More About The Upcoming SUV
When launched, the Escudo will compete with the likes of Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos in the Indian market. It will be larger than the Maruti Brezza and will become Arena’s flagship product. In the carmaker’s portfolio, it will slot in between the Brezza and the Grand Vitara. The latter is sold through NEXA showrooms.
The exterior design will have a strong focus on aerodynamics. The Escudo will be a good-looking product. It will have a modern front fascia, stylish details like the LED lights which have now been teased, clean lines, and bold surfaces.
The SUV will be well-packaged on the features and equipment front as well. Details of the cabin design aren’t known at the moment. However, the Escudo will reportedly come with features such as powered tailgate, Level 2 ADAS suite, and a premium audio system with Dolby Atmos technology. The Escudo will be the first Maruti Suzuki model to offer these.
Other features expected on the vehicle are a panoramic sunroof, a large touchscreen infotainment system, Head-Up Display (HUD), digital instrument cluster, wireless charger, cruise control, 360-degree camera, rear AC vents, connected car features, and ventilated seats.
On the safety front, the SUV will have multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, Hill decent control, Tyre pressure monitor, ESP with hill hold and ISOFIX mounts. When launched, the Escudo will likely become the most expensive product in the Arena lineup. Going by rumours, the price could fall in the range of Rs 9-18 lakh, ex-showroom.
Expected Powertrain Options
The upcoming Maruti SUV will borrow its powertrain options from the outgoing Grand Vitara. Three engine options are available on the Grand Vitara- 1.5L K15C naturally aspirated petrol mild hybrid, 1.5L Atkinson cycle petrol strong hybrid and CNG. The K15C makes 103 bhp while the strong hybrid produces 115bhp.
Maruti Suzuki offers a five-speed manual, six-speed torque convertor automatic and an e-CVT transmission on the Grand Vitara. These engines and gearboxes are expected to be carried over to the Escudo as well. Some reports also say that the upcoming SUV will be offered with 4 Wheel Drive (4WD). Time remains before we learn more about this.
Escudo Will Have To Deliver A Strong Fight
This SUV is set to enter a fiercely competitive segment. The strongest player is the Hyundai Creta, which continues to post impressive monthly numbers. Maruti Suzuki already has the Grand Vitara in the mid-size space.
With the Escudo on sale, the carmaker will be able to pull off a two-product strategy and bridge the existing price gaps. Other rivals to the Escudo include the Kia Seltos, Tata Curvv, Toyota Hyryder, Honda Elevate and MG Astor.