India’s MPV market is undergoing a quiet but significant transformation. What was once a largely value-driven segment is now seeing strong demand for comfort-focused, feature-rich and even luxury people-movers. At the heart of this growth is the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, which has dominated MPV sales for six consecutive financial years — and is well on track to make it seven.
At the same time, premium MPVs such as the Kia Carnival, MG M9 and Toyota Vellfire are witnessing healthy demand, driven by buyers who prioritise space, convenience and a lounge-like cabin experience. With the MPV segment expanding by nearly 70 percent in recent years, Maruti Suzuki is preparing to enter a new, more premium compact MPV space.
New Premium Compact MPV in the Works
Maruti Suzuki is developing a new compact MPV inspired by the Suzuki Solio sold in Japan and Hong Kong. Internally codenamed YVF, the upcoming model is expected to debut around 2028–2029 and will sit above the Ertiga and XL6 in terms of positioning, technology and features.
Unlike Maruti’s current MPV offerings that focus on affordability and practicality, the YVF is being conceived as a more upmarket product, aimed not just at India but also global export markets.
Familiar Roots, Modern Execution
The Suzuki Solio nameplate is not new to India. It was showcased at the 2019 Future Mobility Show and even spotted testing on Indian roads at the time. However, the market wasn’t quite ready back then. Fast forward to today, and changing buyer preferences have made the business case far more compelling.
While Maruti has not confirmed the final dimensions, the Japan-spec Solio provides a strong reference point. Measuring roughly 3,810mm in length, it is expected to be smaller than the Renault Triber and Nissan Gravite, both of which offer three-row seating. Instead, Maruti’s new MPV is likely to adopt a 5-seat layout, which aligns better with export requirements and urban usage.
Segment-First Powered Sliding Doors
One of the most notable highlights of the YVF will be its powered rear sliding doors — a feature never before offered by Maruti Suzuki in the compact MPV category. Sliding doors significantly improve ease of entry and exit in tight parking spaces and are especially popular among chauffeur-driven users.
Until now, powered sliding doors have largely been exclusive to high-end MPVs such as the Toyota Vellfire and MG M9. Their introduction in a compact MPV signals how premium features are steadily trickling down to more accessible segments.
Hybrid Powertrain Likely for India
Another major talking point is the powertrain. The upcoming MPV is expected to use Suzuki’s Z12E 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine, already seen in the latest Swift and Dzire. However, in the YVF, this engine is likely to be paired with strong hybrid technology.
Internationally, the Suzuki Solio uses a petrol-hybrid setup with a CVT gearbox and delivers fuel efficiency figures of around 22kpl under the WLTC cycle. If adapted for India, this could make the YVF one of the most fuel-efficient MPVs in the country — and potentially the first compact MPV here with a strong hybrid system.
While an all-wheel-drive version is available overseas, it is unlikely to be offered in India due to limited demand and cost considerations.
Made in India, Built for the World
Production of the new Maruti Suzuki MPV will take place in India, with exports forming a key pillar of the project. Industry sources suggest that annual production could exceed 1 lakh units in the first full year, with approximately 30,000 units earmarked for overseas markets.
Hybrid variants are expected to account for a smaller but significant portion of the mix, helping Maruti Suzuki gradually expand its hybrid portfolio and meet stricter global emission norms.
What This Means for Buyers
With the YVF, Maruti Suzuki appears ready to redefine expectations in the compact MPV space. A premium cabin, hybrid efficiency, powered sliding doors and global build quality could give buyers a compelling alternative to conventional compact SUVs.
If priced competitively, the Solio-inspired MPV could carve out an entirely new niche — bridging the gap between mass-market MPVs like the Ertiga and the far more expensive luxury people-movers currently dominating the premium end.
As India’s MPV market continues to mature, Maruti Suzuki’s next big bet could arrive right on time.
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