In the ever-evolving landscape of the Indian automotive market, the Maruti Grand Vitara has emerged as a formidable contender in the compact SUV segment.
This vehicle, which marks Maruti Suzuki’s ambitious foray into the premium SUV space, has been turning heads since its introduction. Let’s delve into the various aspects that make the Grand Vitara a noteworthy addition to Maruti’s lineup.
Design and Exterior
The Grand Vitara’s exterior design is a departure from Maruti’s typically conservative styling, showcasing a bold and modern aesthetic that commands attention on the road.
The front fascia is dominated by a large, chrome-accented grille that exudes confidence and premium appeal. Flanking this grille are sleek LED headlamps with distinctive daytime running lights, contributing to the vehicle’s contemporary look.
One of the standout design elements is the strong SUV stance, accentuated by muscular wheel arches housing 17-inch alloy wheels.
The side profile features clean, sculpted lines that flow seamlessly towards the rear, where connected LED taillamps create a striking visual signature.
The dual-tone color options available for certain variants add an extra layer of sophistication, allowing buyers to personalize their Grand Vitara to their taste.
The attention to detail in the Grand Vitara’s design extends to practical elements as well. For instance, the inclusion of roof rails not only enhances the SUV’s rugged appeal but also provides functional utility for those who enjoy outdoor adventures.
The overall dimensions of the Grand Vitara strike a balance between commanding presence and urban maneuverability, measuring 4345mm in length, 1795mm in width, and standing at a height of 1645mm.
Interior and Comfort
Step inside the Grand Vitara, and you’re greeted by an interior that challenges preconceptions about Maruti’s cabin quality.
The dashboard and door panels feature soft-touch materials, with leatherette accents and contrast stitching that elevate the premium feel.
The champagne gold accents scattered throughout the cabin add a touch of elegance, while the overall build quality represents a significant step up for the brand.
The spacious cabin comfortably accommodates five occupants, with ample legroom and headroom in both rows. The front seats offer good support and can be equipped with ventilation in higher trims, a welcome feature for hot Indian summers.
The rear bench features a two-step recline function, allowing passengers to find their optimal seating position for long journeys.
One of the Grand Vitara’s party pieces is its panoramic sunroof, which is among the largest in its class.
This feature floods the cabin with natural light, enhancing the sense of spaciousness.
However, some users have noted that the sunroof’s light curtain could be more effective in blocking out harsh sunlight on particularly hot days.
Practicality hasn’t been overlooked, with numerous storage spaces scattered throughout the cabin.
The boot space, while not class-leading, is adequate for most needs at 373 liters. The 60:40 split-folding rear seats add versatility when extra cargo capacity is required.
Technology and Features
Maruti has equipped the Grand Vitara with a comprehensive suite of technology features that position it competitively in the segment.
The centerpiece of the dashboard is a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
The interface is responsive and user-friendly, with clear graphics and intuitive menu layouts.
Higher trims benefit from a 7-inch digital instrument cluster that provides a wealth of information in a clear, easy-to-read format.
The inclusion of a head-up display in top-spec variants is a premium touch that keeps essential information in the driver’s line of sight.
Other notable features include:
Wireless smartphone charging
360-degree camera system
Automatic climate control with rear AC vents
Cruise control
Push-button start
Connected car technology with remote functions
It’s worth noting that some premium features, such as the digital instrument cluster and ventilated seats, are reserved for the strong hybrid variants, which may influence buyers’ decisions when choosing between powertrain options.
Performance and Powertrain
The Grand Vitara offers two petrol engine options, catering to different driving preferences and efficiency requirements:
1.5-liter K15C Smart Hybrid (Mild Hybrid):
Power output: 103 PS
Torque: 137 Nm
Transmission options: 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
Fuel efficiency: Up to 21.11 km/l (manual) or 20.58 km/l (automatic)
1.5-liter TNGA Atkinson Cycle Engine (Strong Hybrid):
Combined power output (petrol + electric): 115 PS
Transmission: e-CVT
Fuel efficiency: Up to 27.97 km/l
The mild hybrid system offers a good balance of performance and efficiency for everyday driving.
It provides adequate power for city use and highway cruising, though some users have reported that it can feel a bit underpowered when fully loaded or during overtaking maneuvers at higher speeds.
The strong hybrid system, on the other hand, offers exceptional fuel efficiency that rivals many diesel engines.
It provides a smoother driving experience, especially in stop-and-go traffic, where the electric motor can take over for short distances. This powertrain is particularly well-suited for urban environments where its efficiency benefits can be fully realized.
An interesting addition to the Grand Vitara lineup is the availability of an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system in select variants.
This feature, rare in the compact SUV segment, enhances the vehicle’s capability in challenging road conditions and light off-road use.
The AWD system comes with drive modes (Auto, Sport, Snow, Lock) that allow drivers to optimize the vehicle’s performance for different terrains.
Ride and Handling
The Grand Vitara’s ride quality is one of its strong suits. The suspension setup strikes a good balance between comfort and stability, soaking up road imperfections well while maintaining composure at higher speeds.
The 210mm ground clearance allows the vehicle to tackle rough roads and speed bumps with confidence.
Handling characteristics are predictable and safe, with well-weighted steering that offers decent feedback. While it may not be the most exciting SUV to drive in its segment, it provides a reassuring and comfortable experience that will satisfy most buyers in this category.
Safety Features
Maruti Suzuki has equipped the Grand Vitara with a comprehensive safety package, addressing concerns about the brand’s previous offerings in this area. Standard safety features across the range include:
Dual front airbags
ABS with EBD
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Hill Hold Assist
ISOFIX child seat anchors
Rear parking sensors
Higher trims benefit from additional safety equipment such as:
Six airbags
360-degree camera
Tire pressure monitoring system
Hill Descent Control (for AWD variants)
While the Grand Vitara hasn’t been crash-tested by Global NCAP at the time of writing, its platform sibling, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, has received a 4-star safety rating, which bodes well for the Maruti offering.
Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs
One of the Grand Vitara’s key selling points is its impressive fuel efficiency, particularly in the strong hybrid variant.
Real-world testing has shown that the hybrid system can deliver fuel economy figures that rival or even exceed those of diesel engines, with users reporting consistent mileage in the range of 20-24 km/l in mixed driving conditions.
The mild hybrid variants, while not as frugal as their strong hybrid counterparts, still offer competitive fuel efficiency for the segment.
This focus on efficiency, combined with Maruti’s extensive service network and reputation for low maintenance costs, makes the Grand Vitara an attractive proposition for budget-conscious buyers looking for a premium SUV experience.
Market Position and Competition
The Maruti Grand Vitara enters a fiercely competitive segment, going up against established players like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Volkswagen Taigun. It also faces competition from its platform sibling, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder.
What sets the Grand Vitara apart in this crowded field is its combination of Maruti’s brand value, the availability of a strong hybrid powertrain, and the option of AWD – features that are rare or unique in this segment.
The pricing strategy, which ranges from Rs. 11.19 lakh to Rs. 20.09 lakh (ex-showroom), positions it competitively against its rivals.
Mini Range Rower
The Maruti Grand Vitara represents a significant step forward for the brand, showcasing its ability to produce a compelling offering in the premium compact SUV segment.
It successfully combines the reliability and efficiency that Maruti is known for with a level of sophistication and feature set that can compete with more established players in the market.
Key strengths of the Grand Vitara include its striking design, comfortable and well-appointed interior, class-leading fuel efficiency in the hybrid variant, and the availability of AWD.
The comprehensive feature list and improved safety offerings address previous criticisms of Maruti products in higher segments.
However, potential buyers should consider some limitations, such as the mild hybrid variant’s performance, which may feel underpowered in certain situations, and the restriction of some premium features to the top-end hybrid models.
Overall, the Maruti Grand Vitara makes a strong case for itself as a well-rounded, efficient, and feature-rich compact SUV. It’s likely to appeal to a wide range of buyers, from those seeking a premium urban runabout to those needing a capable and efficient family vehicle for longer journeys.
As Maruti Suzuki continues to refine and expand its presence in the premium segments, the Grand Vitara stands as a testament to the brand’s evolving capabilities and ambitions in the Indian automotive market.