Maruti Suzuki is gearing up to expand its SUV lineup with the launch of the all-new Escudo, a compact SUV that will slot between the Brezza and the Grand Vitara. The Escudo, which was initially planned as a seven-seater, will now debut as a five-seater, offering more boot space than the Grand Vitara. This strategic move aims to strengthen Maruti’s position in the highly competitive compact SUV segment. The Escudo will be sold through Maruti’s Arena dealerships, while the eVitara, an upcoming electric SUV, will likely be available through Nexa outlets.
The Escudo is expected to come loaded with premium features, including ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), a 360-degree camera, ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. These features position the Escudo as a more premium offering compared to the Brezza, targeting buyers who want advanced tech and comfort without stepping up to the Grand Vitara’s price range.
Powertrain Options for the Escudo
Maruti Suzuki is well-known for providing a variety of engine options, and the upcoming Escudo will follow the same approach. Buyers can look forward to three different powertrains:
- 1.5L Z12E Petrol Engine – This engine will come with a choice of a 5-speed manual or an automatic gearbox. It’s expected to offer a good mix of fuel efficiency and performance, much like other Maruti cars that use this motor.
- 1.5L Z12E Petrol Mild Hybrid – Instead of the Grand Vitara’s strong hybrid setup (which relies on Toyota’s system), the Escudo is likely to feature Maruti’s own mild-hybrid technology mated to an eCVT. This combination should help enhance mileage while keeping the price more affordable than a full hybrid.
- 1.5L Z12E CNG Version – For those who prefer an economical and greener choice, Maruti will also offer a CNG variant with a 5-speed manual transmission. This option will appeal to budget-minded buyers looking for lower day-to-day running costs.
Expected Pricing and Launch Timeline
The Escudo is expected to be priced starting at around Rs. 9 lakh (ex-showroom), positioning it as a more affordable alternative to the Grand Vitara while offering better features than the Brezza. This pricing strategy could help Maruti attract buyers looking for a well-equipped SUV without stretching their budget too much.
Maruti Suzuki is likely to launch the Escudo after the eVitara, its upcoming electric SUV. The official launch date is yet to be announced, but the Escudo is anticipated to arrive in showrooms before the end of this year.
Once launched, the Escudo will compete with rivals like the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon, and Mahindra XUV300.
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Why the Escudo Matters for Maruti Suzuki
The compact SUV segment is one of the most hotly contested in India, and Maruti has been relying heavily on the Brezza to drive sales. However, with competitors offering more premium features and multiple powertrain options, the Escudo will help Maruti fill the gap between the Brezza and the Grand Vitara.
By offering ADAS, a panoramic sunroof, and a hybrid option, the Escudo could appeal to tech-savvy buyers who want advanced safety and comfort features. Additionally, the CNG variant will attract budget-conscious customers, especially with rising fuel prices.
Final Thoughts
The Maruti Suzuki Escudo is shaping up to be an important addition to the brand’s SUV lineup. With a competitive price, multiple engine options, and premium features, it has the potential to become a strong contender in the compact SUV space. If Maruti prices it aggressively and ensures good availability, the Escudo could replicate the success of the Brezza and further strengthen the company’s dominance in the Indian market.
Car buyers looking for a feature-packed, fuel-efficient, and practical SUV should keep an eye out for the Escudo’s official launch later this year. With Maruti’s trusted after-sales service and widespread dealership network, the Escudo could soon become a popular choice in its segment.
