The Grand Vitara 3-Row (codenamed Y17) is essentially a stretched derivative of the regular Grand Vitara, built on the same Suzuki Global C platform. Maruti has been spotted testing it heavily, and the production plan is tied to the brand's new Kharkhoda plant in Haryana.

Design-wise, it moves away from the standard Grand Vitara's look. Spy shots reveal a refreshed front end, wing-shaped DRLs sitting up top, with the main headlamps repositioned lower on the bumper, much like the e Vitara. At the rear, a longer overhang makes room for the third row, and connected LED tail-lamps wrap across the back.

Inside, expect an all-new dashboard layout with a large free-standing touchscreen as the centrepiece. The powertrain options are expected to carry forward unchanged. The 1.5-litre mild hybrid petrol and the 1.5-litre Toyota-sourced strong hybrid, with the same transmission choices.

It will slot below the Invicto in Maruti's lineup and go up against the Tata Safari, Hyundai Alcazar, and MG Hector Plus. A launch in the second half of this year looks likely.