Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara: The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara is Maruti’s second attempt in the mid-size SUV segment but this time around, it seems to be taking things quite seriously.
With Toyota collaboration, it’s not as “ordinary” of an urban SUV, boasting hybrid action and solid mileage numbers along with its bold design.
It is out to challenge the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and the Tata Harrier and provide buyers with a more stylish, efficient alternative.
SUV-inspired Design with a Premium Flair
For its part, the Grand Vitara is wearing a muscular and contemporary look. The upright stature, a bold grill with chrome garnish, a split LED headlamp layout and the tyre-heavy design of the wheel arches lend it true SUV character.
There are connected LED taillights, connected by a full-width sculpted bumper that visually widens the rear.
Size-wise, it is based on the same lines as the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, however, the Grand Vitara has been given its own Maruti touch in styling.
The 17 inch alloy wheels, body cladding, roof rails and dual tone colour options make sure it checks all boxes for enthusiasts who seek both the edgy and classy on the road.
Tasteful and Well Equipped Interior
Lock the doors and the Grand Vitara greets you with an interior that looks and feels upscale.
The dashboard design is clean and the materials it is made from — soft-touch surfaces, stitched panels, piano black inserts — give the cabin an upmarket feel.
The SUV offers a 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, voice commands, and a digital driver display on higher trims.
Other features include a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, power-adjustable front seats, wireless charger and 360-degree camera – stuff that is now pretty much mandatory in the segment.
Its seating comfort for the passenger is quite good. There’s decent leg and headroom on the rear bench and you get rear AC vents and charging ports for comfort.
Boot space is decent in the mild-hybrid, but somewhat compromised in the strong-hybrid by a battery pack.
Engines and the ZF Hybrid System
Where the Grand Vitara really shines, however, is under the hood. It comes in two main variants:
1.5L mild-hybrid petrol -103 PS and 137 Nm – with 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic.
Strong-Hybrid 1.5L petrol, with a combined output of 115 PS, with e-CVT gearbox.
The mild-hybrid is more affordable and has respectable efficiency, while the strong-hybrid offers up to 27.97 km/l, making it one of India’s most fuel-efficient SUVs.
The strong-hybrid will also run on pure electric mode for very brief trips, whether a park-and-crawl commute around town.
And for those that like a bit of an off-road adventure every once in a while, the Grand Vitara is also available in select mild-hybrid manual forms with AllGrip AWD, something that you don’t see very often in this segment.
Safety and Driving Experience
The Grand Vitara receives a lengthy list of safety features, such as:
6 airbags (in top trims)
ESP with hill-hold assist
ABS with EBD
Tyre Pressure Monitoring(Most popular method of TPMS is the direct TPMS)
ISOFIX child seat mounts
Front and rear sensors with a 360-degree camera
The ride quality’s good —supple enough for potholes, planted enough for freeways.
The steering is light and intuitive, great for maneuvering around town, but it isn’t the most communicative at higher speeds.
Pros:
Fuel efficient hybrid powertrain
Good looking SUV and premium interiors
Well loaded including sunroof, 360 camera, cooled seats
All-wheel-drive in mild-hybrid AWD option available in mild-hybrid trim
Top variants get strong safety equipment
Cons:
The strong-hybrid model is pricey for a rival
No diesel engine option
Performance not as punchy as turbo rivals
Cargo space reduced a little in hybrid model
No AWD available with automatic or hybrid trims
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara: Conclusion
The first was the Ford Endeavour, and the latest a Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, a complete offering catered more towards practicality, comfort and contemporary design.
It may not be the sportiest SUV in its class, but the C-HR makes up for it with low running costs and practical features, and benefitting from strong hybrid tech.
The Grand Vitara is intelligent family vehicle for those who want a long term vehicle that can turn heads and keep them!