Maruti Grand Vitara: The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara is a fresh assault on the premium SUV segment by India’s largest car company.
Co-developed with Toyota and based on the same roots as the Urban Cruiser Hyryder, the Grand Vitara isn’t a generic compact crossover; it’s a well-thought-out product designed to appeal to all the things Indian buyers look for in a SUV today: striking design, good fuel efficiency, lots of toys and a robust brand value.
Unlike the previous models of Suzuki SUVs, which were mostly about utility and function, the Grand Vitara is about style and class.
It’s a car that mixes SUV practicality with state-of-the-art hybrid technology, including mild-hybrid and strong-hybrid versions — a combination uncommon in this price bracket.
Maruti Grand Vitara Standout Exterior in a Strong Way
The Grand Vitara is styled like an SUV; it has that confident, no-nonsense look. At the front, bold grille with chrome inserts appear, contemporary and sharp three-element LED DRLs and sturdy bumper that gives it a strong stance.
The profile is neat and tidy, sharp lines, roof rails, and square wheel arches the only cues to its rough stuff pretensions.
At the rear are LED tail lamps that comes integrated with each other. Though it does have some common design cues with its Toyota sibling, the Grand Vitara sports enough Maruti-typical styling cues to looks a car like no other in the segment.
In general, it’s a stylish-looking SUV without too much fuss.
Inside – Useful, Upscale & Well-Appointed
Get in and the Grand Vitara has an interior which is a happy medium between utility and looks. The design is simple, with a tiered dashboard and soft-touch materials on the upper portion.
The SUV gets leatherette seat upholstery, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof (first in a Maruti product).
Both front and rear passengers have plenty of space. Rear-seat room is great with knee and slightly reclined backrest in some driving comfort.
Boot space is good but a touch down on the strong hybrid thanks to the battery’s position.
Features and Tech
Maruti has equipped the Grand Vitara with an array of features such as:
9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ touchscreen infotainment system.
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay Wireless
360-degree camera
Heads-up display (HUD)
Ventilated front seats
Connected car tech through Suzuki Connect
Climate control, plus push button start-stop, cruise control
Depending on the powertrain, the instrument cluster is a world apart: traditional analog dials for the mild-hybrid; a full digital TFT readout for the strong-hybrid, giving a clean, modern touch.
Powertrains and Performance
The Grand Vitara is available with two engines:
1.5L mild-hybrid petrol engine with 5 speed MT and 6 speed AT
1.5L strong hybrid (from Toyota) and an e-CVT automatic
The mild-hybrid engine is a tried-and-tested unit that makes approximately 103 PS and 137 Nm and is mapped for optimum daily driving ease and fuel mileage.
The strong-hybrid system, in the meantime, produces approximately 115 PS and even limited short electric driving aid is good enough to achieve far better fuel efficiency (more than 27 km/l in the real world).
Neither engine is sporty, but both provide a refined, controlled experience behind the wheel. The ride definitely has maturity to it, and the handling is predictable, making it great for both the city and the highway.
AllGrip AWD – The Pick of the Segment
With AllGrip AWD available (only in mild-hybrid manual) the Grand Vitara offers that something extra one expects of modern day adventures and off-roading. And thanks to selectable drive modes, it can handle light off-road conditions and lousy roads with extra confidence, something you don’t usually find in this class.
Pros:
Accelerates quickly and extremely fuel-efficient with strong-hybrid powertrain
Regular design with sunroof and connected features
LTE AWD for the gearhead with an itch for adventure.
Smooth, refined ride quality
Supported by Maruti’s extensive service network
Cons:
Lacks punch under hard acceleration in mild-hybrid form
Boot space compromised in hybrid model
No diesel option
Heavy-hybrid variant sold at all full cost
Common design and platform are likely to be a known factor by Toyota buyers
Maruti Grand Vitara Final Verdict
The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara is not out to be the flashiest or fastest SUV in its segment. Rather, it does so by way of a mix of great equipment, contemporary hybrid technology, practical versatility, and all of that secured by the trust in and service reach of Maruti.
Whether you’re a city commuter or a weekend cruiser, the Grand Vitara is an astute choice for those needing comfort and reliability.