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| Credit: Maruti suzuki |
Sept. 03, 2025- In a pre-festive season surprise, Maruti has today launched its long-awaited mid-size SUV, the Escudo (C-name Y17), which will bridge the gap between the Brezza and the Grand Vitara. Although the name has not been confirmed yet, media are leaning towards the use of the name Escudo.
The timing can be nothing less but strategic as Maruti
Suzuki has just launched when India is in its most golden purchasing period.
Escudo will help further cement Maruti as the leader in the SUV segment as
utility cars sell about 65% of passenger vehicles sold in India.
The Maruti also proposes to cover a bigger range of consumer
preferences as well as price points by having a kind of flanking strategy with
its own Brezza on a budget-end and its Grand Vitara on the upper-niche end of
the spectrum by offering a near-premium experience with the Arena channel
Competition For Creta & Seltos ?
Sitting to direct the segment-leaders such as the Hyundai
Creta and Kia Seltos, the new SUV enters the Indian market with a specific goal
in mind: improved appeal and competitive pricing to become a premium car. As an
aspiration-meets-mass-market product, Escudo will pass through Maruti through
its mass-market Arena dealership network, a contrast to its twin sibling, Grand
Vitara, which is marketed through Nexa points of sale.
New Structure :
The Escudo is based on Maruti Global C-platform, its design
is quite updated. Spy shots and early visual leaks indicate the front and rear
reimagined design based on the design language of the e-Vitara, including sleek
LED lighting and updated wheel design. These modifications give the SUV a
unique character that has not been lost in the structural sense of the word.
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| Credit: Maruti suzuki |
Cabin Comfort & Info :
Inside, Escudo continues some elements of the Grand Vitara
cabin architecture with healthy additions. There are reports of an adoption of
a flat touchscreen infotainment unit, i guess its 10-inch, wireless Android
Auto, Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, ambient lighting, front seats with
ventilation, a panoramic sunroof, and a 360-degree camera system. The brand
will also be looking at a Bharat NCAP five star safety rating providing
features of six airbags and ESP with hill hold, ABS with EBD with all-wheel
disc brakes.
Power and efficiency :
Escudo will have a wide array of powertrains, led by a
turbocharged gasoline engine under the bonnet:
- 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol (103 - 104bhp),
- A CNG option (87 bhp) was also offered.
- A powerful hybrid variant (approximately 115-116 hp), paired with an e-CVT,
- Options of transmission are 5-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, and e-CVT,
- Engines: Configurations will have 2WD and an optional 4WD through Suzuki All Grip system.
Value For Money Product :
Its expected price range of 10 to 16 lakh ex-showroom suggests that it would start as low as 9.75 lakh to begin with. Previous disclosures had pointed to a wider 9-16 lakh price band though, showing the smartphone in the middle of the road segment of the market.
Verdict :
The Maruti Suzuki Escudo, which was unveiled today,
September 3, 2025, captures Maruti desire to dominate the mid-size SUV market
with its tempting combination of new technologies, flexible power-train
alternatives, and low prices. Whether the Escudo badge crystallizes into a
production haven remains to be seen but what remains definite is the fact that
Maruti is ready to take a good shot against Creta, Seltos and the likes. The
fate of whether the Escudo is the one to define the SUV story in India or not
will depend on how it sells in the coming days.
