[TusharK]

A heavily camouflaged test mule of the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara has been caught testing. It is believed to be the upcoming 7-seater version (codenamed: Y17).



While the overall design of the prototype looks similar to the existing Grand Vitara, the SUV has a slightly longer rear overhang to accommodate a third row of seats. Although camouflaged, the design of the front fascia appears to be heavily inspired by the Maruti e Vitara.



Another spy image provides a glimpse of the car’s interior. It seems like the 7-seater Grand Vitara will have a different dashboard layout with a large, free-standing touchscreen in the centre.



Reports suggest that the 7-seater version of the Grand Vitara will be based on the same C platform as the standard version. It is expected to be powered by the same powertrains as well: 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol and 1.5-litre petrol-hybrid.

The 7-seater Maruti Grand Vitara will be pitted against the Hyundai Alcazar, MG Hector Plus and Tata Safari.

Source: @motoring_world

Link to Team-BHP News

[theAutomaniac]

Originally Posted by TusharK

A heavily camouflaged test mule of the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara has been caught testing. It is believed to be the upcoming 7-seater version (codenamed: Y17).

Aww man that looks small by 7-seater standards! I don't see a reason to why Maruti would go with this. And no that 1.5L hybrid isn't working for a 7-seater! Hopefully they will give an option of the 1.4 Boosterjet or Innova's 2.0L Hybrid on the higher variants!

[Ananthang]

Maruti can sell anything even if it small, ugly and lesser safety. They cannot sell only if they make a very good car- First gen Baleno, s cross, ignis etc.

[romeomidhun]

There are differences in the bonnet shut lines at the front, which implies major design changes at the front compared to GV 5 seater.



Shut lines are different at teh rear hatch also:

[drift2race]

Using the same set of engines as on the 5-seater on a larger vehicle will make it lethargic to drive while still giving good fuel efficiency numbers. Perhaps the Hybrid drivetrain from the Invicto should be used in the Grand Vitara 7-seater.

[Carma2017]

I don't know the source of this 7 seater rumour but this is not a 7 seater. It's a 5 seater for sure. Maybe it's the Arena version of the Grand Vitara or even a more premium version that was rumoured previously - Like a Seltos to a Creta. Who knows?

[dr_TJ]

Did I just read that the 7 seater version will have the same 1.5 NA engine? That engine feels very lethargic on the current 5 seater Grand Vitara already. More so with the 6AT tune and dull throttle sensitivity.

[bik1906]

I honestly don't get it. Maruti has always had this annoying 19th century mentality about power. When will they understand that there is a set of customers who don't mind a compromise on mileage for a few extra BHP? Even if they had to have a top end model with a different engine they would have better sales.

To be very frank, lack of power is actually turning out to be a dangerous thing on highways these days. The ability to pass a vehicle in front of you quickly is paramount, especially with impatient drivers honking behind you. Manufacturers not understanding the ground reality of driving in the daily world is just really frustrating.

[romeomidhun]

Originally Posted by Carma2017

I don't know the source of this 7 seater rumour but this is not a 7 seater. It's a 5 seater for sure. Maybe it's the Arena version of the Grand Vitara or even a more premium version that was rumoured previously - Like a Seltos to a Creta. Who knows?

Yes, the car doesn't seem long enough to be a 7 seater, but Maruti's policy is "just enough" size, power, features and space, not "in abundance". Also Maruti usually don't change the body panels, shut lines and interiors during a mid life facelift.

IMO, a widened rear hatch door is hinting an MPV version of GV, with 7 seats squeezed into it, to replace XL6?

[DicKy]

Hope this doesn't turn out to be like the Alcazar.

The length doesn't look like it will give comfortable 3rd rows. That too, the Grand Vitara already is narrow too.

Maruti/ Toyota really should step up their engine offerings. Shouldn't even think of putting a K15 NA engine in a 1300+ kg car costing 20 lakhs.

[Skorp_Knight]

If Hyundai couldn't sell a 7-seater Creta with more premium interiors and significantly more powerful engines (petrol), what makes Maruti Suzuki think that a 7-seater Grand Vitara is a good idea? I'm also of the opinion that this might be a different 5-seater vehicle or even a facelifted Grand Vitara on test, but if it indeed is a grander Grand Vitara, good luck to MS, this will surely go down the Jimny way.

[manofinfinity]

Maruti should learn its lessons from the sales of Invicto, People will not seriously consider 25L> Maruti/Suzuki.

[Venkatesh.C]

I wonder why they are working on this product. They have two fairly successful 7 seaters already in their portfolio (Ertiga and XL6). A 6 / 7 seater Grand Vitara serves is confusing. I can understand that companies not having a MPV trying to milk their existing SUVs to get some 7 seater business. But why? Any insights?

[Carma2017]

Originally Posted by romeomidhun

Yes, the car doesn't seem long enough to be a 7 seater, but Maruti's policy is "just enough" size, power, features and space, not "in abundance". Also Maruti usually don't change the body panels, shut lines and interiors during a mid life facelift.

IMO, a widened rear hatch door is hinting an MPV version of GV, with 7 seats squeezed into it, to replace XL6?

Unlikely to be a XL6 replacement as that vehicle is almost 4.5m long and this one looks more compact but not within the 4m size probably. If its within 4m, a Renault Triber challenger maybe but then again the triber segment does not exactly set the sales charts on fire. My bet is still on additional vehicle in the 4.3m SUV segment with same/similar powertrain as Grand Vitara but with new Skin Panels and maybe a few extra goodies.

[rahul412]

Its definitely not a 7 seater version of Grand Vitara, car seems to be ~4.3m only. It could be a replacement of Scross. Maruti might offer two cars in same category, this one might be slightly more 'Premium'.