Top Maruti Official: New Petrol Hybrid SUV Launching On September 3rd
Maruti Suzuki will launch a new internal combustion engine SUV on September 3, 2025, as part of its plan to strengthen its presence in the utility vehicle segment. The new model will sit between the Brezza and the premium Grand Vitara, aiming squarely at the lower variants of Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos as well as higher-end variants of compact SUVs.
Positioned for the Core SUV Market
The SUV will be a mid-size five-seater sold through Arena outlets rather than the Nexa network. This indicates a value-driven approach while offering features to match more expensive rivals. Senior Executive Officer for Marketing & Sales, Partho Banerjee, has said that the company is comfortable selling cars above ₹20 lakh, pointing to the Grand Vitara and Invicto as examples of higher-priced Maruti models that have found success.
Banerjee also highlighted the shift in the Indian car market over the last decade. Average vehicle prices have risen from around ₹4 lakh in 2011-12 to ₹15–16 lakh today, with Nexa’s launch in 2015 pushing Maruti’s average to ₹8 lakh back then. The new SUV is expected to tap into this trend of buyers opting for better-equipped, higher-priced cars.
Powertrain Choices and Technology
The mid-sized Maruti SUV is expected to offer a range of powertrain options. These include a 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 101.65 hp and 139 Nm of torque, a CNG variant with 86.79 hp, and a strong hybrid with a combined output of 113.97 Bhp.
Transmission choices will include a five-speed manual, six-speed automatic, and e-CVT for the hybrid. Both 2WD and 4WD versions are planned, with the latter using Suzuki’s AllGrip technology for better traction in varied conditions.
It will share the Global C platform with the Grand Vitara. This is expected to give it a longer wheelbase, improving cabin and boot space. Platform sharing allows Maruti to reduce development costs while offering familiar reliability.
Features and Safety
In keeping with the demands of the mid-size SUV segment, the Maruti mid-size SUV is expected to include a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, ventilated front seats, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a wireless phone charger, an all-digital instrument cluster, and a panoramic sunroof. These features show that Maruti is focusing on technology and convenience to attract buyers.
On the safety front, top trims are expected to get six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP with hill hold assist, and all-wheel disc brakes. Maruti is reportedly aiming for a five-star Bharat NCAP safety rating, which would help position the SUV as a secure family vehicle.
The Flanking Game
Maruti is known to “flank” its products: Brezza has Fronx as its Compact SUV partner, there are myriad hatchbacks priced and sized closed to each other. With the new SUV, it will straddle the higher end of compact SUV segment and perhaps the lower and mid-end of mid-size SUV segment where Grand Vitara sits pretty.
The September 3 launch comes just ahead of the festive season, traditionally a strong period for car sales. Utility vehicles now make up around 65 per cent of total passenger vehicle sales, up from 60 per cent last year. The new SUV's launch is timed to take advantage of this demand.
With an expected starting price of around ₹9.75 lakh ex-showroom, the new car will compete on value against well-established models like the Creta and Seltos. Maruti’s strengths in fuel efficiency, a wide service network, and resale value are likely to help it stand out.
A rebadged version for Toyota is also possible, following the companies’ successful collaborations on the Grand Vitara and Urban Cruiser Hyryder. This could further extend the model’s reach in the market.