Maruti Suzuki Escudo: Exclusive Look At Upcoming Mid-Size SUV
We are just a month away from seeing Maruti Suzuki's all-new SUV- likely to be called the Escudo- in flesh. Test mule sightings have increased lately. We've managed to remove camouflage from one of these, giving you an exclusive first look at the upcoming SUV.
What you see here could be the possible design of the Escudo. It will likely have cues borrowed from the outgoing Grand Vitara and the upcoming eVitara, with the overall shape standing closer to that of the latter. In Maruti Suzuki's India lineup, it will slot below the Grand Vitara and will be cheaper. However, in its dimensions, the Escudo will outscore the Grand Vitara.
The design seems to have a good focus on aerodynamics. The fascia now looks more modern and eVitara-like. The headlamps and the gloss Black trim that connects them could remind you of some high-end Volkswagen SUVs. Other highlights of the front fascia are a fairly large grille, air dams, and uniquely styled fog lamps.
The front bumper could come with an integrated skid plate as well. Maruti Suzuki is likely to give the Escudo rugged Black surrounds, as seen in the eVitara. As confirmed by the spy images, the rear will have LED tail lamps and a connecting light bar.
Escudo Will Come Tech-Packed
The Escudo will be sold through Arena dealerships. Unlike most Arena products, the Escudo will have a strong focus on occupant comfort and will be loaded with features and technology. It will likely become the most expensive Arena product when launched. We expect to see most of the Grand Vitara's features in the Escudo, along with a few other 'first-for-Maruti' ones.
As reported by Money Control, the SUV will even come with a level 2 ADAS suite, a first for the carmaker. This is part of Maruti Suzuki's broader efforts to improve the safety levels offered by its products. The report further says that the SUV will even come with Dolby Atmos tech, which is currently offered in models like the Harrier.EV, BE6 and XEV 9e.
The feature list is also expected to have the likes of a powered tailgate, Head-Up Display (HUD), a large infotainment touchscreen, a fully digital instrument cluster, wireless charger, panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, connected car features, ventilated seats, cruise control, 360-degree camera, rear AC vents and more.
The safety suite will be quite comprehensive. 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.
Diverse Powertrain Options To Be Expected
*Representational image
The Escudo will not be an all-electric product. It will borrow its powertrains from the outgoing Grand Vitara. It will offer three engine options- 1.5L K15C petrol mild hybrid, 1.5L Atkinson cycle petrol-hybrid and CNG.
The mild hybrid engine is capable of producing 103bhp, while the strong hybrid offers 115bhp. A five-speed manual, six-speed torque convertor automatic and an e-CVT transmission will be offered. 4WD (four-wheel drive) system will also be offered on the Escudo.
It May Have A New Name At Launch
Sources suggest that 'Escudo' is an internal nomenclature, and the SUV could get a different name when launched. If so, we'll get to learn the new name closer to the launch date.
Maruti's Second Mid-Size SUV
When launched, the Escudo will become Maruti's second product in the mid-size SUV space. It already offers the Grand Vitara, which is sold through Nexa dealerships. The Escudo will be an Arena product. Choosing to sell it through the Arena network reveals a nuanced approach to market segmentation. It is hoped to cater to varied customer preferences.
In the Indian market, the Escudo will compete with the likes of the hot-selling Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Curvv, Honda Elevate and the MG Astor. Interestingly, features like the level 2 ADAS have become common in this segment.