Maruti Suzuki has one of the largest model line-ups in India. But look closer, and you will realise that it does not have a model that caters to the sub-4 metre compact seven-seater segment. The Renault Triber and Nissan Gravite currently represent this segment. Will the scenario change anytime soon? Well, only time will tell. However, there are rumours that Maruti is working on a model to challenge Nissan and Renault in this space. It could be a hybrid seven-seater MPV inspired by or based on the Solio, one of Suzuki’s international five-seater MPV offerings. So, what do we know about it so far? Here’s a look.
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New Maruti Suzuki 7-Seater MPV: Design and Size
The Suzuki Solio can be best described as a WagonR on steroids. Its overall shape and silhouette are very similar to the Maruti hatchback. At 3.8 metres long, the Solio is only around 155 mm longer than a WagonR, yet offers a cabin approaching MPV levels thanks to its boxy proportions and clever packaging. This aspect could be one of Maruti’s key focus areas for developing the India-spec seven-seater.
Though the Solio is a five-seater, its tall-boy stance and packaging open up the possibility for adding an extra row of seats; there is even scope for increasing the overall length, which will still keep it under the four-metre mark. The Solio also comes with power-sliding rear doors, but for India, these could be replaced with standard doors to keep costs in check. But if not, it could become one of the MPV’s biggest attractions.
Also Read: Maruti Solio 7-Seater Coming – What To Expect
Engine Details
Codenamed ‘YVF’, the Maruti seven-seater could become the first sub-4 metre compact MPV in India to get a hybrid powertrain. The Solio is sold in global markets with Suzuki’s 1.2-litre NA, three-cylinder petrol (Z12E) hybrid powertrain paired with an eCVT gearbox. The power and torque figures stand at 80.8 bhp and 109 Nm. The Z12E engine already powers the Swift and Dzire in India. Though the Solio also gets an all-wheel drive (AWD), this segment does not demand this functionality in India.
Here’s the best bit about the Solio. The current generation of the MPV has a claimed mileage of 22 km/l (WLTC figure), and the previous generations were capable of delivering up to 32 km/l! Will the India-spec model be able to match these fuel efficiency figures with hybrid tech? Time will tell.
Also Read: New Cheapest SUV Coming To India: Spotted Testing
New Maruti Suzuki 7-Seater MPV: Launch Details
Maruti is expected to locally produce this MPV in India, for domestic sales and international exports. However, although the Solio was first spotted in India in 2018, the launch of the India-spec model is still fairly far away. Industry sources suggest the new Maruti seven-seater MPV could arrive in 2028 or 2029. Once launched, the model will sit between the WagonR and Ertiga.