Not heard of a Grand Vitara 7-seater internally, says Maruti
The country's largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki India, recently announced that it will launch two new SUVs in FY26. While one will be an electric vehicle (EV), the e Vitara, the other will be an internal combustion engine (ICE) model.There have been speculations about the ICE model being the seven-seater version of the popular Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara. However, it could be otherwise, going by a recent statement from a top Maruti official.advertisementWhen asked if the seven-seater Grand Vitara will qualify as a new SUV or a variant, during Maruti's Q4 FY25 earnings conference call, the company's Corporate Affairs Executive Officer Rahul Bharti said: "We keep hearing about such concepts and models about ourselves from the magazines and from analysts."
"So, let's wait till the time comes. I have not heard of a Grand Vitara seven-seater internally at least," he added.The upcoming ICE model will be Maruti's fifth SUV after the Fronx, Brezza, Jimny and Grand Vitara. Although the company has a strong SUV portfolio, another model will only help the company in enhancing its share in the ever-growing SUV segment.India's burgeoning SUV segment expanded from 50.49% of the total passenger vehicle (PV) market in FY24 to 54.34% in FY25. With more buyers opting for SUVs, the carmakers are planning to further bolster their SUV line-up this fiscal.advertisementAt present, all Maruti SUVs are five-seaters. However, the company has been testing a seven-seater SUV, which has been spied on multiple occasions. This SUV could be based on the Grand Vitara's Heartect platform.Before, the new ICE SUV enters the market, Maruti will start sales of the e Vitara. According to the company, the electric SUV will be on Indian roads before the end of September 2025.With a couple of battery options, 49kWh and 61kWh, the e Vitara is claimed to have a range of over 500km on a single full charge.Subscribe to Auto Today MagazineMust Watch
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