Maruti Suzuki is planning to launch a new SUV to take on the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos in the compact SUV segment.
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S-Cross Not Good Enough
While it is already in the SUV game with the S-Cross, its sales have not been good enough to shake off the dominance of the Creta or Seltos.
It will, however, still introduce a facelift version of the S-Cross.
It will likely partner with Toyota Motor to develop the new SUV.
Joint Venture With Toyota
It already has a deal in place with the carmaker to share models in the Indian markets.
Toyota has rebadged versions of Maruti Baleno and Brezza in India.
But Maruti hasn’t yet come out with any rebadged Toyota model in the country.
Opportunity For Toyota
The compact SUV segment provides an opportunity to both carmakers.
Toyota currently does not have any car in the compact SUV segment that is entirely its own.
In India it largely depends on sales of its Fortuner SUV and Innova Crysta MPV.
RAV4 To Serve As Base
The carmaker may introduce one of its best-selling SUVs globally, the RAV4, to capture the Indian market.
It is this model which can serve as a base for Maruti to develop the Creta rival.
Its Japanese partner Suzuki already has a model called Across which is largely based on the RAV4.
There’s a high chance Maruti and Toyota are likely to follow the same to build a new SUV made for India soon.
Launch In Distant Future
Seeing as an official announcement has not yet been made, the SUV is unlikely to arrive any time before 2023.
The developing pandemic situation and the ongoing supply crisis could dent Maruti’s plans in the meanwhile.
If and when it does launch, it can be expected to compete against Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Harrier, Skoda Kushaq, VW Taigun, etc.
5-Door Jimny Launched
In other news, Maruti Suzuki will be launching the 5-door Jimny SUV in India.
The news was confirmed at a dealer conference.
The three-door Jimny was unveiled at the 2020 Auto Expo, but the automaker decided against introducing it to the Indian market due to the product pricing.
It then pivoted to the five-door version, which is under 4 metres in length- a 300mm increase over its 3-door counterpart.
It will go head to head with the likes of Mahindra Thar and Force Gurkha.
Pricing is expected to be upwards of Rs 10 lakh for the base version.
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