The Maruti Grand Vitara has taken the Indian automotive market by storm, offering a blend of style, performance, and advanced features.
This flagship SUV from Maruti Suzuki has caught the attention of car enthusiasts and families alike, promising a driving experience that combines luxury with practicality.
With its striking exterior design and sophisticated interior, the Grand Vitara aims to set new standards in the competitive SUV segment.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive into the first impressions of the Maruti Grand Vitara, explore what’s under the hood, and examine its cutting-edge features and technology.
We’ll also break down the pricing and variants available, helping potential buyers make an informed decision. Whether you’re considering the Grand Vitara hybrid or the standard model, this article will provide valuable insights into Maruti’s latest offering, including its on-road price across different cities and how it stacks up against rivals like the Toyota Hyryder.
Maruti Grand Vitara First Impressions
The Maruti Grand Vitara makes a bold statement with its striking exterior design. Its edgy looks might not appeal to everyone, but they certainly grab attention on the road.
The front fascia is adorned with chrome accents, giving the SUV a menacing appearance and strong street presence.
The rear of the vehicle is equally impressive, with standout tail-lights that add to its European-inspired design flair.
One of the Grand Vitara’s standout features is its panoramic sunroof, which opens fully, unlike some competitors where only the front glass slides back.
This expansive opening allows for an airy feel inside the cabin. The high seating position is another plus, offering drivers a commanding view of the road ahead.
Stepping inside, the interior ambiance is a mix of positives and areas for improvement. The cabin feels robustly put together, especially the dashboard. Faux leather-lined sections and metallic highlights add a touch of sophistication.
However, some might find the overall interior less plush compared to rivals. The quality of certain buttons could use enhancement, and the thin sunroof shroud lets in excessive sunlight, though Maruti now offers a tinted sunroof film as a fix.
Build quality is generally solid, but there are a few quirks to note. The doors are lightweight and require a bit more force to close properly, which can be irksome for some users.
Rear passenger space might feel somewhat compact, with less headroom compared to some competitors and limited under-thigh support. The rear windows don’t roll down completely, which could affect ventilation.
On a positive note, the Grand Vitara shines in its ability to tackle challenging road conditions. Despite a slightly stiff suspension, it handles rough terrain with impressive composure, making it a capable companion for diverse driving conditions.
Under the Hood
The Maruti Grand Vitara offers a range of powertrain options to suit different driving preferences. At the heart of this SUV lies a choice between two petrol engines and a CNG variant, each designed to deliver a balance of performance and efficiency.
Engine Options
The Grand Vitara comes with two petrol engine options. The first is a 1.5-liter K15C engine with a mild hybrid system, producing 103 PS of power and 136.8 Nm of torque. This engine focuses on providing a good balance between performance and fuel efficiency.
The second option is a more advanced 1.5-liter strong hybrid powertrain, which combines a three-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor. This system generates a total output of 116 PS, offering improved fuel economy without compromising on power.
The strong hybrid variant can operate in EV mode up to speeds of 120 km/h, showcasing its versatility in various driving conditions.
For those seeking an alternative fuel option, Maruti also offers a CNG variant with a 1.5-liter engine.
Transmission Types
The Grand Vitara provides multiple transmission choices to cater to different driving styles:
- 5-speed manual (available with the mild-hybrid powertrain)
- 6-speed automatic
- e-CVT (exclusive to the strong hybrid variants)
Some versions of the Grand Vitara also come with an all-wheel-drive option, featuring an ‘All Grip’ system with a lock function that can split power 50:50 between the front and rear wheels.
Performance Figures
The Grand Vitara’s performance is commendable for its class. The strong hybrid variant accelerates from 0-100 km/h in approximately 12 seconds.
The SUV boasts a top speed of 135 km/h and achieves 20-80 km/h in city driving conditions in 8.55 seconds.
Fuel efficiency is a standout feature, with the petrol variants delivering an ARAI-certified mileage of up to 27.97 km/l. The CNG variant offers an impressive 26.6 km/kg, making it an economical choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Features and Technology
The Maruti Grand Vitara comes packed with an array of modern features and technologies that enhance the driving experience. At the heart of its infotainment system is a 10.25-inch touchscreen unit with a clean and intuitive interface.
This system supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, allowing seamless smartphone integration.
For added convenience and safety, the Grand Vitara is equipped with a 360-degree camera system. This feature provides drivers with a bird’s eye view of their surroundings, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces much easier.
The SUV also boasts advanced driver assistance features, including lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Comfort is a priority in the Grand Vitara. The SUV features a panoramic sunroof that adds to the airy and premium feel of the cabin.
The seats are designed for comfort and offer good support, with ample legroom and headroom for rear passengers. Ventilated seats are available in certain variants, adding to the overall comfort, especially during hot weather.
Other notable features include:
- Power steering and power windows
- Automatic climate control
- Alloy wheels
- Multi-function steering wheel
- Height-adjustable driver seat
- Rear AC vents
- Cruise control
- Keyless entry and engine start/stop button
- USB charger and wireless phone charging
The Grand Vitara also comes with SUZUKI CONNECT, offering advanced connectivity features.
This includes smartwatch connectivity, allowing users to remotely control various vehicle functions like starting the engine, controlling the AC, and locking doors.
The system also provides alerts for over-speeding, geofence breaches, and low battery status.
Pricing and Variants
The Maruti Grand Vitara offers a diverse range of variants to cater to different preferences and budgets. The SUV’s pricing starts at Rs. 10.87 Lakh for the base model and goes up to Rs. 19.97 Lakh for the top-end variant (ex-showroom).
Trim Levels
Maruti Suzuki presents the Grand Vitara in six primary variants: Sigma, Delta, Zeta, Zeta+, Alpha, and Alpha+.
Each trim level comes with its unique set of features and powertrain options. The base Sigma variant, while lacking a music system, offers good value with a decent equipment list.
Price Comparison
When compared to its cousin, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, the strong-hybrid variants of the Maruti Grand Vitara are priced Rs 50,000 higher than equivalent Hyryder variants.
However, the Grand Vitara’s mild-hybrid variants are competitively priced against naturally aspirated petrol or base turbo-petrol variants of its rivals.
Value Additions
For those seeking additional features, Maruti offers CNG variants in Delta and Zeta trims, priced at Rs 12.85 lakh and Rs 14.84 lakh respectively.
The Alpha variant, while pricier, provides good value with its comprehensive feature list. In the hybrid range, the Zeta Plus variant offers better value compared to the Alpha Plus grade.
Conclusion
The Maruti Grand Vitara has shown itself to be a strong contender in the competitive SUV market. Its blend of striking design, diverse powertrain options, and advanced features has an impact on both city drivers and adventure seekers.
The SUV’s ability to handle rough terrain, coupled with its fuel efficiency, makes it a versatile choice for various driving needs.
While the Maruti Grand Vitara has its strengths, it’s not without areas to improve. The interior quality and rear passenger space might not meet everyone’s expectations.
However, its competitive pricing and range of variants offer options to suit different budgets and preferences. To sum up, the Maruti Grand Vitara presents a compelling package for those looking to buy a feature-rich, efficient SUV in the Indian market.
FAQs
Is purchasing the Grand Vitara a good decision?
The Maruti Grand Vitara generally offers good performance and is considered a worthwhile purchase. However, it has been noted that the vehicle could benefit from a more powerful engine option, as the current engine lacks sufficient pickup, making the car feel underpowered.
Has the Grand Vitara been successful in the market?
The Maruti Grand Vitara has seen success, largely due to the trust Indian consumers place in Maruti Suzuki. It is increasingly visible on the roads, indicating that it has resonated well with buyers.
What are the expected maintenance costs for the Grand Vitara?
The estimated maintenance cost for the Maruti Grand Vitara over a period of five years is approximately Rs 25,654.
How does the Grand Vitara compare to the Brezza in terms of mileage, styling, comfort, and performance?
The Maruti Grand Vitara offers better mileage than the Brezza, with reported figures of 19.4-28 kmpl compared to Brezza’s 17.4-25.5 kmpl. However, in terms of styling, comfort, and overall performance, the Brezza is considered superior.
