₹2 lakh cheaper than Ertiga? Maruti's rumoured 7-seater has a big surprise

Budget bombshell

A seven-seater Maruti Suzuki for nearly ₹2 lakh less than the Ertiga? That's the possibility generating interest among budget-conscious families. Reports suggest Maruti is developing a Solio-inspired compact MPV that could start at around ₹8 lakh on-road, compared with the Ertiga's stated starting on-road price of₹10.36 lakh in Mumbai. But the attractive price remains an estimate, and Maruti has yet to officially confirm the model's Indian specifications.

Space gamble

Imagine squeezing seven seats into a car shorter than four metres! Maruti's rumoured compact MPV could borrow its design inspiration from the Suzuki Solio sold in Japan, which measures just 3,810 mm in length. With its tall, boxy body and WagonR-like proportions, the proposed Indian version could appeal to families looking for an affordable three-row vehicle. However, the compact dimensions raise a big question: how comfortable would the third row actually be for adults?

Sliding surprise

Electric sliding doors on an affordable Maruti? That could be one of the most interesting features of the upcoming Solio-inspired MPV. The Japanese model already offers powered sliding rear doors, and reports suggest Maruti could introduce similar technology in India. A touchscreen infotainment system with wireless connectivity is also expected, although expensive features such as ADAS and a 360-degree camera may be omitted to control costs. The final equipment list remains unconfirmed.

 Hybrid mystery

Maruti's rumoured seven-seater could share its engine with two familiar cars already on Indian roads. Reports suggest the compact MPV may use the Swift and Dzire's 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine, producing approximately 80 bhp and 112 Nm. A CNG option is also being discussed, while a new hybrid powertrain could eventually join the lineup. But with no official engine specifications announced, buyers will have to see which powertrain options actually reach production.

Launch suspense

The Suzuki Solio has appeared on Indian roads during testing before, but it has never reached Maruti showrooms. Now reports suggest a Solio-inspired MPV could arrive around 2028 or 2029, although some estimates point to late 2027. The new model could be positioned below the Ertiga and compete with affordable family cars such as the Renault Triber. For buyers hoping to get seven seats at a lower price, the biggest unanswered questions remain the official launch date and final pricing.