Maruti Suzuki launches new Grand Vitara at Rs 10.45 lakh

Passenger vehicle market leader Maruti Suzuki India has launched the new Grand Vitara at prices ranging from Rs 10.45 lakh - 19.65 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). A cousin to the recently launched Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, the Grand Vitara not only boasts of hybrid powertrains but also brings back the AWD system to a Maruti Suzuki since the discontinuation of the Gypsy. The Grand Vitara is now Maruti’s flagship model in India and also the first to arrive from the brand’s upcoming SUV onslaught.

Bookings for the Grand Vitara, which have been underway for a token amount of Rs 11,000, have already crossed 55,000 units, with waiting period stretching up to five-and-a-half months.

The biggest talking point of the Grand Vitara is its engine options, both of which it shares with the Hyryder. The 103hp, 1.5-litre K15C petrol mild-hybrid engine, which already does duty on a range of Maruti Suzuki models, comes mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. And like in the Hyryder, the AWD system is only available with the mild-hybrid manual variants.

Additionally, the Grand Vitara also gets a Toyota-sourced 92hp, 1.5-litre, three-cylinder Atkinson cycle petrol engine paired to an electric motor that makes 79hp and 141Nm of torque. Combined, the hybrid powertrain makes 115hp and is paired to an e-CVT gearbox. Maruti claims an efficiency of 27.97kpl for this powertrain.

Styling as a differentiator
The Grand Vitara’s biggest differentiator from the Toyota Hyryder is its front styling. With cues similar to the Suzuki S-Cross sold abroad, the front fascia of the Grand Vitara boasts of a large, chrome-lined hexagonal grille, three-point LED daytime running lamps, bumper-mounted main headlamp cluster and a healthy dose of body cladding.

The side body panels, the tailgate and even the rear bumper with integrated tail-lamps are identical to the Hyryder. A chrome applique on the C-pillar, a different design for the alloy wheels and full-width LED light bar on the tailgate, however, are unique to the Maruti.

Interior and features
On the inside, the Grand Vitara looks similar to the Hyryder with the only major difference being the colour schemes. Both get the same steering wheel design, which is also seen on other, newer Maruti Suzuki models. The touchscreen infotainment, instrument cluster and all the switchgear are identical on both SUVs as well.

As for features, top-spec variants of the Grand Vitara get a panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, wireless charger, ambient lighting, connected car tech, ESP, hill-hold assist, tyre pressure monitoring system, and six airbags. For a detailed break-up of the features available on each trim, click here.

Grand Vitara’s rivals in India
The Grand Vitara enters the hotly-contested and ever-growing midsize SUV segment, with well-established rivals like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Nissan Kicks and, of course, its cousin, the Toyota Hyryder.

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