FASTag Annual Pass at ₹3,000: Save Big on Highway Tolls in 2025by Torque Tales / June 19, 2025Maruti Suzuki Escudo Launching This Diwali: Creta Rival?
Maruti Suzuki Escudo Coming This Diwali: Creta and Seltos Rival in the Making
India’s largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki, is all set to shake up the mid-size SUV segment this Diwali with its brand-new SUV – the Maruti Suzuki Escudo. Codenamed Y17, the Escudo aims to challenge segment leaders like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, while offering the brand’s signature reliability and fuel efficiency in an all-new package.
Slotting Between Brezza and Grand Vitara
The Escudo is expected to fill the gap between the compact Brezza and the premium Grand Vitara in Maruti’s SUV lineup. Unlike earlier speculations about a 7-seater, the final version will reportedly be a 5-seater to match market demand and directly compete with popular urban SUVs.
It will be sold through Maruti Suzuki Arena dealerships, making it more accessible to a wider audience across the country.
Platform & Dimensions
The Escudo will share the Global-C platform with the Grand Vitara but is expected to be slightly longer and more spacious. This should result in:
- A roomier cabin experience
- Larger boot space than both Grand Vitara (373L) and Hyundai Creta (433L)
- More comfort for small families and road-trip enthusiasts
Engine Options & Performance
Maruti is expected to offer multiple powertrain options with the Escudo, focusing on both fuel economy and variety:
| Variant Type | Engine | Power Output | Torque | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (NA) | 1.5L | 101.65 hp | 139 Nm | 5-speed MT / 6-speed AT |
| CNG | 1.5L | 86.79 hp | – | 5-speed MT |
| Strong Hybrid | 1.5L + Motor | 113.97 hp | – | e-CVT |
A major highlight is the possible inclusion of Suzuki’s AllGrip 4WD system, especially for the hybrid variant — something rare in this price range.
Pricing & Positioning
Maruti is likely to undercut rivals like the Creta and Seltos, especially in its entry-level petrol and CNG variants. This will position the Escudo as a value-for-money SUV with modern tech and fuel-efficient powertrains.
Expected price range: ₹11 lakh to ₹17 lakh (ex-showroom)
Toyota’s Version Also Incoming
Just like the Grand Vitara and Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Toyota is expected to launch a rebadged version of the Escudo soon after its Maruti debut. Expect a slightly tweaked front fascia and a new name, but identical specs under the hood.
Should You Wait for It?
If you’re planning to buy a mid-size SUV around Diwali, the Escudo could be worth the wait. With hybrid tech, spacious interiors, optional AWD, and a competitive price tag, it promises to blend practicality and innovation — something Maruti Suzuki fans have been waiting for.
Stay tuned to Tourque Tales for more updates on the Maruti Suzuki Escudo, official specs, launch date, and a full comparison once it hits the market.
Related Posts
MG M9 Electric MPV Packs Luxury, ADAS & Long Range
MG M9 Electric MPV Detailed: Features, Specs, Launch Timeline
Introduction
MG Motor India is gearing up to launch its most premium EV yet — the MG M9. Touted as India’s longest and widest MPV, the M9 will arrive via the CKD route and retail exclusively through MG Select premium outlets. Ahead of its expected late-July launch, the brand has officially revealed detailed specifications and features for the India-bound model.
Exterior Design Highlights
The MG M9 gets a commanding road presence with luxury-focused design elements. Offered in three colour options — Metal Black, Concrete Grey, and Pearl Lustre White (the latter two with black roof for a dual-tone look) — the M9 is styled like a presidential limo.
Key Exterior Features:
- LED headlamps & DRLs
- LED rear fog lamp
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Sliding doors for easy rear access
- Rear wiper for enhanced visibility
Premium Interior & Comfort Features
Step inside the MG M9, and the luxury becomes evident with its Cognac brown leather upholstery, dual sunroof, and ottoman-style rear seats. This MPV redefines comfort with first-in-segment features.
Interior & Comfort:
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- 55-litre frunk (front trunk)
- 7-inch digital driver’s display
- Digital IRVM (internal rearview mirror)
- 12-way power driver seat with lumbar
- 8-way power co-driver seat with lumbar
- Heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats
- Sliding third-row seats
- Powered rear sunshades
- One-touch up/down power windows (all doors)
- Auto-folding ORVMs with memory
- Rear seat Boss Mode
- Wireless phone charger
- Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) & Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) charging
- 16-way power adjustable ottoman rear seats with massage
- 64-colour ambient lighting
- Integrated air purifier
Infotainment & Tech
MG has packed the M9 with top-tier infotainment and in-cabin entertainment systems to appeal to tech-savvy buyers.
Infotainment Highlights:
- 12.3-inch touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- 13-speaker JBL premium sound system
- Steering-mounted audio & cruise controls
Advanced Safety Suite
The M9 is not just luxurious — it’s also one of the safest MPVs in its class, boasting a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating. It features a comprehensive Level-2 ADAS suite and other active & passive safety features.
Safety Features:
- 7 airbags
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- 360-degree camera
- Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with auto hold
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Auto headlamps
- Seatbelt reminders for all rows
MG M9 Powertrain & Range
Under the floor lies a massive 90 kWh battery pack, powering a single front-wheel-drive motor. MG claims over 500 km of range, making it ideal for both city and highway luxury cruising.
Powertrain Specs:
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Battery Pack | 90 kWh |
| Motor | Single (FWD) |
| Power Output | 245 PS |
| Torque | 350 Nm |
| Claimed Range | 548 km (internal testing) |
Expected Price and Rivals
The MG M9 will be positioned as a premium electric MPV with an expected starting price of ₹60–70 lakh (ex-showroom). While it won’t have a direct EV rival at launch, it will stand as an electric alternative to luxury MPVs like the:
- Toyota Vellfire
- Kia Carnival (Diesel only)
Our Take
The MG M9 is shaping up to be a game-changer in the premium MPV space — offering limousine-level comfort, segment-first EV features, and future-ready safety tech. With a compelling spec sheet and luxury credentials, it could attract buyers seeking a zero-emissions upgrade without compromising on space or sophistication.
Also read:
Tata Harrier EV Gets 5-Star Bharat NCAP Rating
Skoda Octavia RS Confirmed for India Launch in 2025
Performance Icon Returns as CBU; Expected Price North of ₹50 Lakh
Skoda has officially confirmed the return of the much-loved Octavia RS to India in 2025. Enthusiasts, rejoice—this sharp-handling, performance-packed sedan will hit our shores by the festive season, albeit as a fully imported CBU (Completely Built Unit).
Ashish Gupta, Skoda India’s brand director, recently stated, “The Octavia RS is something that we will definitely bring to India this year.” While no exact date has been shared, sources suggest a launch before Diwali.
What to Expect Under the Hood
The fourth-gen Octavia RS will be powered by a 265hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, the same motor seen in the new VW Golf GTI. Mated to a DSG gearbox and front-wheel drive layout, this RS is expected to deliver driving thrills both on road and track.
At the Bharat Mobility Global Expo earlier this year, the Octavia RS made its India debut, garnering serious attention from loyal fans. Given its cult following, demand is likely to be high despite a projected ex-showroom price of over ₹50 lakh.
Other CBU Models on Hold
While the RS gets greenlit, plans to bring in the Kodiaq RS, Superb diesel, and even the regular Octavia diesel have been paused. The delay stems from ongoing uncertainty around FTA agreements and changing global trade policies, which make pricing and planning difficult for imported models.
Focus Shifts to India-Made Models
For now, Skoda is concentrating on its local lineup, particularly the Kylaq, which has already become a sales success, averaging 5,000 units a month. Upcoming updates for the Kushaq and Slavia will help strengthen the brand’s footprint in the Indian market.
The Octavia RS may be limited in numbers, but it’ll serve as a halo model—a performance flagship that keeps petrolheads and brand loyalists engaged.
