Maruti’s New Mini Bus Launched at ₹4.99 Lakh: 28 KMPL Mileage, Powerful Engine & EMI from ₹5,999 – Full Review

Maruti Suzuki has introduced its latest mini bus, designed to offer a perfect balance of efficiency, performance, and affordability for small business owners and fleet operators. With a starting price of just ₹4.99 lakh and an impressive mileage of 28 KMPL, this new mini bus promises low running costs, reliable performance, and a practical design for urban and semi-urban transport.

Combining fuel efficiency, a robust engine, and a spacious interior, Maruti’s new mini bus sets a new benchmark in the entry-level commercial vehicle segment.

Key Highlights

The new Maruti mini bus comes with a variety of noteworthy features:

  • Affordable starting price of ₹4.99 lakh
  • Fuel efficiency up to 28 KMPL
  • Powerful and reliable diesel engine
  • Smooth manual transmission for city and highway use
  • Seating capacity suitable for 12–16 passengers
  • Compact dimensions for easy urban maneuvering
  • Low EMI starting from ₹5,999 per month
  • High ground clearance for Indian roads
  • Modern safety and utility features

This combination makes it an ideal choice for small transport businesses, schools, and intra-city travel operators.

Exterior Design

Maruti has given its mini bus a practical yet modern exterior designed for both durability and aesthetics.

Exterior highlights include:

  • Streamlined body for better aerodynamics
  • Robust front bumper with integrated fog lamps
  • Large windshield for improved visibility
  • Wide-opening doors for easy passenger entry and exit
  • Side sliding or standard doors depending on variant
  • Sturdy steel frame for long-lasting durability
  • Compact overall footprint suitable for narrow city roads
  • Multi-reflector headlamps and tail lamps
  • Optional metallic and dual-tone paint finishes

The design emphasizes function and durability while maintaining a contemporary look.

Interior and Comfort

The cabin of the mini bus is designed for practicality, passenger comfort, and ease of maintenance.

Interior features include:

  • Comfortable seating for 12–16 passengers
  • Ergonomic driver seat with adjustable position
  • Durable fabric upholstery for high-traffic use
  • Ample headroom and legroom for all passengers
  • Simple, easy-to-clean interior surfaces
  • Large cabin windows for natural light and ventilation
  • Overhead storage compartments for small bags
  • Efficient air circulation and optional fan system
  • Foldable seats in select variants for cargo flexibility

Maruti ensures that both drivers and passengers experience a comfortable, functional cabin.

Infotainment and Technology

While primarily a commercial vehicle, the mini bus includes essential modern amenities to enhance driver convenience and passenger experience.

Technology highlights include:

  • Basic infotainment system with AM/FM radio
  • USB charging ports for passengers
  • Rear-view mirror with integrated digital display
  • Simple dashboard layout for easy access to controls
  • Driver-centric instrument cluster with fuel and trip information
  • Optional Bluetooth connectivity for phone calls
  • LED cabin lighting for better visibility at night
  • Easy-to-maintain control switches

The setup focuses on utility while providing essential comfort and connectivity.

Powertrain and Performance

Performance is a key highlight of Maruti’s new mini bus, ensuring reliability even under heavy load conditions.

Powertrain features include:

  • Efficient diesel engine delivering adequate torque for urban and highway travel
  • Smooth 5-speed manual transmission
  • Engine tuned for both fuel efficiency and durability
  • High torque output for better hill-climbing and load carrying
  • Low maintenance and long service intervals
  • Engine mounted for reduced noise and vibration in the cabin
  • Optional CNG variants for cost-effective operations

This powertrain offers an ideal balance between power, efficiency, and low running costs.

Ride Quality and Handling

The mini bus provides a stable, controlled ride suitable for city streets and longer journeys.

Ride and handling highlights include:

  • Sturdy suspension system for passenger comfort
  • Reinforced chassis for load-bearing capability
  • Responsive steering for tight city navigation
  • Reduced cabin vibrations under full load
  • Good braking performance for safety
  • Stable ride even when fully loaded
  • Compact turning radius for narrow roads

Maruti ensures that both ride comfort and handling are optimized for commercial use.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Maruti has integrated essential safety features for driver and passenger protection.

Safety features include:

  • Anti-lock braking system (ABS) for safe stopping
  • Seat belts for driver and co-passengers
  • Side-impact resistant structure
  • Headlamp leveling for improved night visibility
  • Easy-to-access emergency exits
  • High-strength steel frame for collision protection
  • Driver alert system for longer journeys
  • Basic parking and reverse assistance

These features provide dependable safety for daily operations.

Practicality and Utility

The new mini bus is designed with practicality and business efficiency in mind.

Utility highlights include:

  • Spacious cargo and luggage areas
  • Flexible seating configurations
  • Durable flooring for easy cleaning and maintenance
  • High payload capacity suitable for goods or passengers
  • Roof rack compatibility for additional storage
  • Fuel-efficient design for low operational costs
  • Easy engine access for maintenance
  • Adaptable for city, suburban, or school transport use

This makes it an excellent choice for operators looking for a cost-effective commercial vehicle.

Pricing and Availability

The mini bus is competitively priced to appeal to small business owners and fleet operators.

Expected pricing (approx.):

  • Base variant: ₹4.99 lakh
  • Mid-level variant: ₹5.49 lakh
  • Top variant with extra features: ₹5.99 lakh
  • EMI options starting from ₹5,999 per month

Maruti also offers extended warranty and service packages to reduce ownership costs.

Final Verdict

Maruti’s new mini bus delivers a compelling mix of affordability, fuel efficiency, and reliability. With seating for 12–16 passengers, a powerful engine, and mileage up to 28 KMPL, it stands out as a practical solution for small businesses, school transport, and urban commuting. Low EMI options, durable design, and easy handling make it an excellent choice for operators seeking an efficient, cost-effective, and versatile mini bus. This launch strengthens Maruti’s position in the commercial vehicle segment and provides a trusted, high-value option for Indian customers.