Maruti Suzuki is preparing for a major expansion of its product portfolio. The latest reports suggest that the carmaker will launch seven new SUVs and five electric vehicles (EVs) by 2031. It will continue investing in CNG and hybrid technologies and take a multi-powertrain approach here. Some of the upcoming models are already known, while details about others remain limited.
SUVs are surging in acceptance in the country. Maruti Suzuki wants to capitalize on this demand and launch new products into this space. One of the reported models is a seven-seat SUV based on the Grand Vitara. It will give Maruti an entry into the bulging seven-seater SUV segment. Test mules of this vehicle have already been spotted. The Grand Vitara that is already on sale here is a five-seater.
The seven-seat SUV will be longer than the current Grand Vitara, and will have a longer wheelbase. There will be a decent amount of equipment sharing between the seven-seat and five-seat versions. The 7-seat SUV will likely borrow its engine options from the outgoing Grand Vitara and may even come with an underbody CNG tank.
The Grand Vitara itself may get a facelift in the coming months. It was launched in 2023 and is now awaiting an update. The facelift is expected to bring minor styling changes and more features to the SUV. Powertrain options and platform are likely to remain unchanged. The facelift will help in keeping the Grand Vitara competitive in the high-demand mid-size SUV space.
The Fronx is another SUV (read crossover) that is awaiting a facelift. Expected to launch in India sometime soon, it will feature minor styling updates, and get features like level 2 ADAS ( similar to what we saw in the latest Baleno). It is also expected to transition to the Z-series engine, just like the Baleno.
Some reports suggest Maruti Suzuki is developing a series hybrid based on the same, while others say it will be a strong hybrid. The actual direction that Maruti will take with ‘hybridising’ the Fronx remains unclear for now.
Another expected SUV is a Tata Punch rival. This micro-SUV project is known by the codename Y43. When launched, it will replace the now-discontinued Ignis, and will be sold through NEXA dealerships. It is expected to be made at the company’s second Kharkhoda plant. The entry SUV (also known as micro-SUV) segment has strong traction today, and the Punch is a leader there. Having a proper product in this segment can be rewarding for Maruti Suzuki.
Maruti is also working on additional SUVs covering different size and price categories. Details of their names and specifications have not yet been revealed, but the wider plan is to build a much stronger SUV portfolio by 2031.
Maruti Suzuki has announced a roadmap of five EVs over the next five years. At the time of writing, the e-Vitara remains its only all-electric offering and is based on the Heartect-e, a dedicated EV platform co-developed with Toyota and Daihatsu. This architecture will form the base for future EV models as well.
The company plans to launch a three-row electric MPV by 2027. This project is currently codenamed YMC. Test mules have already been spied in India, indicating a not-so-distant launch. YMC’s production form is expected to use the same battery options as the e-Vitara- 49kWh and 61.1kWh, but will likely have rear wheel drive (RWD). The e-Vitara, on the other hand, has front wheel drive.
Another expected product is a small electric hatchback. This will also be based on the HEARTECT-e platform and will likely be the production form of the e-SKY concept. When launched, it will become the carmaker’s first electric Kei car. These models are expected to expand the company’s presence beyond a single electric SUV body style. The exact names, battery capacities and launch timelines of the other upcoming EVs are yet to be disclosed.
Maruti Suzuki’s future plans are not limited to EVs. The company is expected to continue offering CNG and hybrid powertrains alongside petrol and electric models. This gives it room to address different customer needs and segments.