Maruti Suzuki Launches Flexible EMI Scheme to Help Small Car Owners Upgrade to Grand Vitara

In a bid to make SUV ownership more accessible to entry-level car buyers, Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) has rolled out a new financial scheme that allows customers to upgrade from small cars to its flagship SUV, the Grand Vitara, through a low-cost and flexible EMI plan. The initiative, which will be piloted in Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, is targeted at existing owners of compact cars such as the Alto, WagonR, or similar models — regardless of brand. Under the scheme, buyers can purchase the Grand Vitara for a monthly EMI of just ₹9,999, which the company says is approximately 20% lower than standard market EMIs.

Upgrade Made Easy and Affordable

“Our target is people who already own a small car and are ready to move up. We want to make that upgrade easy and accessible,” said Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer – Sales & Marketing at MSIL, in a conversation with Business Standard. According to Maruti, the customer’s existing vehicle will be treated as the down payment, with its valuation depending on factors such as age, ownership history, and mileage. Buyers will also be eligible for an exchange bonus, further reducing the initial financial burden. The remaining cost will be financed over a five-year tenure, offering a structured path for entry-level car owners to transition into the SUV segment.

Guaranteed Buyback Adds Flexibility

One of the scheme’s standout features is the guaranteed buyback option. After five years or 75,000 km, customers will have the choice to return the vehicle at 50% of the original ex-showroom price, or retain it by paying off the remaining balance. “This is a flexible and low-risk option for customers. It gives them a sense of assurance and helps ease the financial burden of moving into a more premium vehicle,” Banerjee added. The offer will be available across all variants of the Grand Vitara, with EMI amounts adjusted according to the selected model.

A Strategic Response to Market Trends

This marks the first time a mass-market carmaker in India has launched such a structured EMI upgrade scheme. While premium automakers like Mercedes-Benz have long offered ‘guaranteed future value’ financing models, Maruti’s initiative aims to bring similar flexibility to the mass-market SUV segment. Banerjee noted that the company will closely monitor consumer response in the pilot cities before deciding on a nationwide rollout. “If the model works well, we’ll expand it to other cities and extend it to more models — especially our upcoming e-Vitara,” he said.

The move comes at a critical time for the Indian auto sector. The small-car segment has been witnessing a prolonged slowdown, which Maruti Chairman RC Bhargava has flagged as a cause for concern. With rising vehicle prices and stiff financing costs, many middle-income households are being priced out of car ownership. By offering affordability, flexibility, and a clear exit path, Maruti Suzuki hopes to tap into an underserved segment of aspirational SUV buyers. “This kind of scheme gives them affordability, flexibility, and a clear exit path — all rolled into one,” Banerjee concluded.