Maruti Grand Vitara: The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara is a stepping stone for the Indian automobile behemoth, as it is their first proper offering in the hotly contested mid-size SUV segment.
The premium Maruti model, created in partnership with Toyota, brings a lot of firsts to the brand and also migth pave way for Maruti’s future blocks in premium segment.
Maruti Grand Vitara: Design Philosophy
Design Maruti’s newfound design language is evident on the Grand Vitara, which marries bold SUV cues with nicer details that raise it above their plain-jane models.
At the front, the uniquely designed split-headlamp system is enhanced by slim LED daytime running lights that sit above the main headlights at bumper level. Chrome-studded prominent grille has a substantial road presence and also looks in line with Maruti’s other SUVs.
The profile is good to look at, with neat lines, some squarer wheel arches that can house 17-inch wheels (if you choose one of the range-topping specs).
The floating roof design of the fight spread the roof Rails are reinforced by the different color options on the door, and the rear gets connected taillamps in LED assembly that stretches across the width of the tailgate, a modern design element that lends premium appeal to the vehicle.
Interior and Technology
On the inside, the Grand Vitara is the most advanced Maruti to date inside the cabin. The tiered dashboard features soft-touch surfaces, piano black accents and brushed aluminum-finish trim for a premium feel.
At the top of the dash is a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a digital instrument cluster that can be tailored to show specific information.
Feature content is a big step up from what Maruti has offered in the past, with the Seltos-equipped ventilated front seats, panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charger, head up display, 360-degree camera and ambient lighting for a thoroughly modern feel.
The attention to detail even carries to little things like grippy switchgear and good storage solutions that ultimately make the Leon more adier to live with on a daily basis.
Powertrain Innovation
The Grand Vitara brings two major offings to Maruti’s platter. The Hybrid Strong Hybrid system it shares with Toyota has a 1.5-litre petrol engine mated that works alongside an electric motor with a small battery, aiding the compact model with an impressive fuel economy of around 27.97 km/l—something very competitive in the segment.
It’s system that allows for pure electrive driving for limited distances, with a smooth transition from electric power, to hybrid, to gasoline operation.
Alternatively, Maruti has the proven 1.5-litre K-series engine on offer with mild hybrid help, which churns out 103 bhp and 137 Nm of torque.
Available as either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed auto, with Suzuki’s AllGrip all-wheel drive available on certain models, the Grand Vitara stands out with the provision of 4WD in a segment filled with similar offerings.
Driving Dynamics
Behind the wheel, the Grand Vitara shows off how far the refinement and handling of Maruti vehicles have come.
The platform, which is also used in Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder offers a firm foundation with great manoeuvrability and ride comfort.
The ride tuning knocks out the regular Indian road messy and additionally offers but body handle during cornering.
The powerful hybrid version in particular is a very refined and quite luxurious ride, with the electric motor providing relatively seamless torque at low speeds, for enhanced stop-and-go performance and on local needs until it can be seamlessly supplemented with the internal combustion engine for maximum strength and the system will make smart management decision to drive power sources for the best mix of power / low fuel consumption.
The all-wheel-drive versions boast real low-range off-road ability and can be left in full-time or locked into two-wheel drive, making it a good competitor to the four-door Jeep Wrangler, as well as the other smaller utes–each of which has some off-road chops to it.
Market Positioning
This while funnelling and widening the gap between the top-of-the-line Ertiga and the Grand Vitara – Maruti Suzuki’s undisputed halo car, which also serves to bridge a divide into more premium segments currently unavailable to the brand.
The Grand Vitara pairs Toyota’s expertise in making hybrids with Suzuki’s knowledge of what sells in India to make a strong challenger to the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and Volkswagen Taigun players.
This stance takes into account the continuing transition of Indian consumer tastes to be in favor of higher feature and technology content vehicles but also capitalizes on Maruti’s unmatched service network and reliability reputation.
Maruti Grand Vitara:
The Grand Vitara is a giant leap for India’s top auto maker to showcase, its ability to develop world class products that can strongly challenge competition in premium Premium – segments.
By adopting hybrid technology, adding high-end features and going with better designs and materials, Maruti has come up with a car that retains the DNA of the models that made it a market leader but also allows it to move into uncharted territory.
The Grand Vitara is Maruti’s most premium SUV and not only competes in one of the fastest growing segments in India, but also gives us a peek into the carmaker’s future plans in a more electrified future.