Maruti readying Suzuki Spacia-based mini MPV for India

Expected to arrive in 2026, the compact MPV will sit below the Ertiga and rival the Renault Triber.

Published On Jan 08, 2024 03:25:00 PM

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Japan-spec Suzuki Spacia used for representation only.

Maruti Suzuki is readying the launch of its fourth-gen Swift and Dzire along with its first EV, the eVX, in India. However, the brand’s long-term plans include bringing a Suzuki Spacia-based compact MPV by 2026. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming three-row model for India that is codenamed YDB.

Maruti YDB MPV will be longer than Japan-spec Spacia
Unlike the Japanese model, the Indian MPV will seat seven
Expected to be sold via Maruti’s Nexa outlets

Maruti Suzuki YDB MPV: what to expect

When it is brought to India, the Spacia-based MPV will look different than the model sold in Japan. For one, the India-spec model will be stretched – the Japanese car has a length of 3,395mm – but it will still be a sub-four-metre model. Another change may be the lack of sliding doors as cost targets may not allow this feature. Nonetheless, the YDB MPV is likely to retain the overall boxy silhouette in the interest of cabin room.

Japan-spec Spacia's sliding door unlikely for YDB MPV.

The interior of the YDB MPV is also expected to carry significant changes over the Spacia, especially considering the increase in size and the fact that the Japanese version has two rows of seats. Expect a cleverly designed three-row cabin in a compact footprint along with a decent features list as it will directly take on the Renault Triber. Whether the rear seats with their ottoman-like extensions seen on the Spacia will come to India is yet unknown.

The YDB will be positioned under the Ertiga and XL6 in Maruti Suzuki’s line-up, but will be retailed from the company’s premium Nexa showrooms. Naturally, as a Kei car, the Japan-spec Spacia gets a 660cc engine, however, for India, it would likely get the 1.2-litre Z Series petrol engine that will debut on the upcoming Swift. Manual and automatic gearbox options are likely to be offered.

Also see:

Maruti Suzuki readies Exter, Punch rival

Maruti Suzuki Jimny 5,000km long term video

Maruti Nexa outlets sold over half a million cars, SUVs in 2023