This New Maruti SUV Will Beat Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos In India? India Launch, USPs & More

By Shreya Bose Last updated Jun 15, 2021

Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) is looking to enter the C-SUV segment which the Creta presently dominates.

It had earlier tried its hand with the S-Cross but the reception was lukewarm at best.

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Top Executive Hints At Future Plans

MSI Executive Director (Marketing and Sales) Shashank Srivastava lamented that they have only 13.2% of market share in the SUV segment.

He further hinted during the analyst call that they are still keeping a close eye on the segment and will come up with a product plan.

Though he could not divulge any further details, he did say one thing that set the rumor mills into a tizzy.

He reportedly said that “definitely, we will see some action there” which has fueled speculations about MSI’s next move.

This could be indicative of the automaker’s future plans to once again attempt to break into the midsize SUV market.

Maruti’s joint venture (JV) with Toyota has already produced the Baleno (Toyota Glanza) and Vitara Brezza (Toyota Urban Cruiser).

It could also be making its foray into the EV market as a Toyota WagonR EV was spotted on roads.

The JV’s Creta competitor will be shared by both brands who will lend their unique touches to it.

Here are some things we can expect from their project

The car could be based on Toyota’s TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform which was responsible for some of Toyota’s recent lineup.

It is also specially designed for emerging markets.

The production will take place at a facility in Bidadi, Karnataka.

If everything goes smoothly, the TNGA platform would be making its debut in the Indian market.

It could possibly run Maruti’s 1.5-litre petrol engine under the hood which could combine with a hybrid system from Toyota.

This powertrain also ran the Vitara Brezza, XL6, Ertiga, and Ciaz.

Power output is 103 bhp and 138 nm of peak torque.

A diesel variant is also likely to be on offer.

Design-wise it could borrow some elements from the Grand Vitara making it boxy and muscular.

Maruti could price the vehicle on the affordable side while Toyota might market it as a premium car.

Maruti has already tasted success with the Vitara Brezza which was tailored for the affordable SUV market.

Debut of the unnamed Creta-rival could take place in the second half of 2022

The new vehicle has the potential to turn the tides in Maruti’s favor once again.