Maruti Suzuki Augusta Set to Crush Toyota Fortuner’s Style Launch Date and Price Revealed

If you’ve always dreamt of owning a luxury SUV with a bold design and powerful performance like the Toyota Fortuner but without spending a fortune, Maruti Suzuki might have the perfect solution for you. The Indian auto giant is reportedly preparing to launch a premium SUV named Maruti Suzuki Augusta that aims to rival the Fortuner in design and presence—while being much more affordable.

Although Maruti has not yet officially revealed all the specifications or features of the Augusta, excitement has been building after a recent post by AutoJournal India on Instagram teased its upcoming launch. The teaser hints at a design that will appeal to SUV lovers, especially those who admire Toyota’s Fortuner but want a more cost-effective alternative.

A Fusion of Maruti Reliability and Toyota Design Inspiration

Maruti Suzuki is well-known for producing reliable, fuel-efficient cars tailored for the Indian market. Now, with the Augusta, the company is aiming to break into the luxury SUV segment. The design is expected to be heavily influenced by the Fortuner, especially because of a recent collaboration between Maruti and Toyota to share design elements and cosmetic updates across select models.

From the information currently available, it appears that the Maruti Suzuki Augusta will blend Toyota’s bold, rugged styling with Maruti’s practicality and cost-effectiveness. This collaboration is expected to result in a vehicle that looks like a Fortuner but comes at a significantly lower price tag.

Exterior Design: Rugged Yet Stylish

The Augusta’s exterior will likely be a fusion of bold SUV proportions and contemporary aesthetics. Reports suggest that the front profile will resemble the Maruti S-Presso but with a more upscale approach. Expect features like:

• A large grille with chrome accents

• Sharp LED headlamps

• LED tail lamps

• A high bonnet and strong shoulder lines

The SUV is likely to feature steel wheels in its base variant, while the top-spec models will sport alloy wheels with a design similar to that of the Fortuner. However, it’s important to note that while the Augusta might look like a Fortuner, it may not match it in terms of build quality or off-road performance.

Interior & Cabin: Premium Meets Practical

Inside the cabin, the Augusta is expected to offer a balanced mix of luxury and practicality. While official images or details of the interior are yet to be released, early reports suggest that it will feature an upgraded dashboard and premium leather upholstery.

Maruti seems to be working towards providing a cabin experience that draws inspiration from Toyota’s high-end interiors, but with a more Maruti-like execution that keeps costs in check. This likely means:

• Dual-tone dashboard

• High-quality leather seats

• Plenty of storage compartments

• Spacious legroom and headroom for all passengers

The design language of the dashboard and interior panels may show elements from both brands—Toyota’s premium flair and Maruti’s ergonomic layouts.

Features: Packed with Technology

In terms of features, the Maruti Suzuki Augusta is expected to be quite well-equipped, especially in the top trims. Here are some of the key expected features:

These features suggest that Maruti is aiming to deliver a comprehensive premium driving experience, one that rivals even some higher-end SUVs in India.

Engine & Performance: Inspired by Fortuner?

While there is no confirmation from Maruti yet, speculation points towards the Augusta being offered with engine options similar to the Toyota Fortuner. This includes a:

• 2.7L Petrol Engine delivering 116 BHP and 245 Nm of torque

• 2.8L Turbo Diesel Engine with a whopping 240 BHP and 500 Nm of torque

Transmission options are expected to include:

• 5-speed manual

• 6-speed manual

• 6-speed automatic

In diesel variants, the inclusion of a 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive) system is also likely, making the Augusta capable of handling rough terrain, just like the Fortuner.

If Maruti manages to implement even a scaled-down version of this setup, it would be a major step up for the brand in terms of performance.

Safety Features: Prioritizing Protection

Maruti Suzuki is gradually increasing its focus on safety, and the Augusta is expected to carry forward that mission. The SUV is expected to be equipped with:

• 6 airbags

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

• Hill Hold Assist

• Reverse Parking Camera

These features will provide a robust safety net for families and long-distance travelers, although the Fortuner might still have an edge in crash-tested build strength.

Expected Price and Launch Timeline

One of the most exciting aspects of the Maruti Suzuki Augusta is its expected price. While Maruti has not officially announced the pricing, auto experts believe it will be priced at around ₹30 lakh (ex-showroom). This places it significantly below the Toyota Fortuner, which typically starts above ₹35 lakh and can go well over ₹50 lakh for the top trims.

As for the launch date, there is no official confirmation yet, but the teaser campaign and social media leaks indicate that the vehicle may debut sometime later this year or early next year. Auto enthusiasts and prospective SUV buyers are eagerly awaiting more details.

Read more: Mahindra Thar Roxx Shocks Market with Bold New Look, Drive Home This Beast with Just ₹2 Lakh Down

Conclusion

The Maruti Suzuki Augusta promises to be a game-changer in India’s premium SUV segment. With a bold, Fortuner-like design, a feature-loaded cabin, and an expected price tag that’s far more accessible than its Toyota counterpart, it could redefine what Indian buyers expect from a luxury SUV. Whether you’re looking for style, tech, or road presence without burning a hole in your pocket, the Augusta might just be the SUV you’ve been waiting for.