Driven by family-oriented travel and tourism boost, the MPV segment has witnessed phenomenal growth in recent years. This can be seen across the entry-level, premium andluxury MPVsegments bot in Indian market and abroad.
Maruti Suzuki currently leads in the entry-level and premium MPV segments with theErtiga and XL6. However, Maruti does not have any dedicated offering in the sub-4-meter MPV segment. Thats where the Solio-based MPV can be a good option to expand Marutis MPV portfolio. Lets check out the details.
New Maruti Sub 4m MPV based on Solio
Suzuki Solio is available in select global markets such as Japan and Hong Kong. Based on past developments, it appears that Maruti has been thinking about a Solio-based MPV for India for several years. For context, the Solio hybrid was showcased at the 2019 Future Mobility Show in Bengaluru. Test mules were also spotted in India around 2018-19.
However, the plan was apparently shelved at that time or put on the back burner. With MPV segment expected to register strong growth in the coming years, a Solio-based MPV for India seems more relevant now. Reports indicate that Maruti has already started work on this new MPV model, codenamed YVF.
It is expected to be a premium compact MPV, although exact dimensions have not been revealed. The Suzuki Solio sold overseas measures 3,810 mm in length, 1,645 mm in width and 1,745 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2,480 mm. In the sub-4-meter MPV segment in India, theres currently only one option Renault Triber.
Next year,Nissan Gravitewill be available in showrooms. Gravite shares the same CMF-A+ architecture as Triber. The latter is 3,985 mm long, 1,734 mm wide, 1,643 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,636 mm. While Triber and Gravite are 7-seat MPVs, the upcoming Solio-based MPV will be a 5-seater. It will be better suited for folks who are looking for spacious seating for all passengers.
This seating format will also be suited for global markets such as Europe. Moreover, the Solio-based MPV for India will be getting segment-first features such as powered rear sliding doors. This can serve a wide variety of practical applications and ensure more comfort for heavyset or elderly passengers.
Hybrid powertrain
Powertrain details for the Solio-based MPV for India have not been revealed. The international-spec Suzuki Solio utilizes the Z12E 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol-hybrid powertrain. It is paired with a CVT transmission and has a mileage of 22 km/l (WLTC standards). This petrol engine is already in use with the Swift and Dzire in India.
With the Solio-based MPV for India getting the hybrid option, Maruti can introduce this configuration for its other models as well. Marutis new premium compact MPV is expected to be launched around 2028-29. This new model will also be exported to global markets. Initial production is expected to be around one lakh units per year, out of which around 12,000 units will be hybrid variants. Around one-third of the production will be allocated for export markets.
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