Maruti is known for offering the most affordable and reliable cars no matter what segment. While the brand dominates the lower segments, it is missing out on offering a sub-4-meter 7-seater, like the Renault Triber and the Nissan Gravite. However, that may soon change as Maruti could bring in a new 7-seater, which could be the cheapest in India. Here are 5 key details you should know about this upcoming 7-seater.
Attention Readers! Join us on the WhatsApp Community for daily auto news updates.
Maruti Solio – What To Expect?
Maruti Solio is a compact 5-seater available in a few international markets. However, Maruti is expected to bring in a 7-seater version of the Solio to India and offer it as the cheapest 7-seater in India, presumably undercutting the Renault and Nissan options. That said, here are 5 key highlights of the Solio.
Design
Much like the WagonR and the S-Presso, the Solio will have a boxy tall-boy design. However, it does have an attractive front fascia with a bold chrome grille, stylish LED headlights, and a low front bumper. The side profile of the car is also quite nice with stylised alloy wheels and massive glass area thanks to the upright boxy stance. Coming to the rear, it has roof spoiler along with a chrome strip running across the rear, connecting the two stylish LED taillights. On the inside, it is unlike a classic Maruti, as the speedometer is mounted in the middle of the dashboard instead of in front of the driver behind the steering wheel. The cabin has a dual tone design with black and grey fabric upholstery and brown plastic panels for contrast. Overall, the Solio does look quite good, and its design might be liked by many Indians.
Maruti Solio – Features
Maruti isn’t usually the brand that offers a plethora of features, but usually only offers the essential features only. The international-spec Solio follows the same trend as it gets features like a 7-inch touchscreen, a reverse parking camera, 6 airbags, and a few more. However, the India-spec model could get a larger 9-inch touchscreen, a 360-degree camera, automatic climate control, and a few more features.
Safety
Maruti’s focus has shifted towards safety as more Indian buyers are now leaning towards safer cars over fuel-economical cars. So, we believe that Maruti will try to strengthen the chassis and body of the Solio to ensure it gets a great score in the BNCAP. The India-spec Solio will likely get safety features like a 360-degree camera, 6 airbags as standard, ESC, ABS, and much more.
Maruti Solio – Powertrain
In the Japanese market, the Solio is sold as a Kei car, which essentially means a compact car with a 660cc engine. However, the India-spec model will likely get a 1.0-litre NA petrol engine or a 1.2-litre NA petrol engine, which is available in other Maruti cars. Moreover, we could also expect to see Maruti’s new 1.2-litre series hybrid powertrain options as well for maximum fuel efficiency.
Pricing And Launch
Maruti, being Maruti, will price the Solio quite aggressively. We believe the Solio could carry a price tag ranging from Rs 6.50 lakh to Rs 11 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). Maruti could launch this 7-seater by the end of 2027.