‘Most fuel-efficient’: Maruti Suzuki unveils new Grand Vitara

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. has unveiled the new Grand Vitara, which is a sibling of the Toyota Cruiser Hyryder. This is for the first time that a Maruti vehicle will have self-charging technology. India's largest passenger vehicle company is eying its launch during the upcoming festive season. It is the latest entrant in the company's NEXA portfolio and will compete with the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and Volkswagen Taigun, among others.

The Grand Vitara, available in both mild and advanced hybrid options, claims to offer fuel efficiency of 27.97 kmpl for the intelligent electric hybrid model, while 21.11 kmpl for the 1.5-litre K-series engine.

Maruti says the Grand Vitara will provide the off-roading experience while ensuring a "cleaner, greener, sustainable and carbon-neutral world" via its electric hybrid system. The Grand Vitara comes with manual and 6-speed automatic transmission, with features like a panoramic sunroof and ventilated seats.

C.V. Raman, chief technical officer, Maruti Suzuki India, says a Maruti Suzuki vehicle will feature self-charging hybrid technology for the first time, a step toward electric mobility.

Toyota had earlier this month unveiled the iteration of the same SUV — Toyota Hyryder Urban Cross. The intelligent hybrid powertrain of these models allows them to run on the so-called 'pure EV mode' i.e. battery mode by working as an electric car. So, if people are using the smart hybrid powertrain of the Grand Vitara, those commuting short distances can really benefit from this feature.

Design: Grand Vitara is the latest entrant in the NEXA portfolio to feature its signature design language, ‘Crafted Futurism’. It comes with black and dark chrome accentuation, an integrated turn-lamp in front and three-element LED DRLs with integrated turn-lamp in front and 3 LED tail lamps.

Interiors: In terms of interiors, the new Grand Vitara will have an instrument panel with black faux leather elements with champagne gold accents and matching stitch patterns. The cockpit will also have faux leather with matching accents on the doors and piano black finishes in the cabin.

Powertrains: The electric hybrid powertrain comprises an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. The SUV has drive modes including Eco, EV, Power and Normal, and offers fuel efficiency of 27.97 kmpl, which as per the company is best-in-class. However, the Grand Vitara's other K-series dual jet, a dual VVT engine, with hybrid technology, will offer fuel efficiency of 21.11 kmpl.

Specifications, technologies: The Grand Vitara's hybrid engine will offer 122 Nm of peak torque at 4,00-4,800 rpm, while its 1.5-litre four-cylinder K-series engine belts out 136.8 Nm torque at 4,400 rpm. The use of technologies such as a coloured head-up display, 360-degree view camera and 22.86 cm infotainment system, and wireless charger offers a better driving experience.

Built on the Suzuki TECT platform, the Grand Vitara will have six airbags, an electronic stability program, high descent control and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Grand Vitara will come in six monotone colour options and three dual-tone colour options.

Toyota and Suzuki signed a memorandum of understanding for a business alliance in 2017. Under this cross-badging deal, both companies decided to sell each other's cars in countries, including India. In the country, Maruti supplied some of its best models like Baleno and Vitara Brezza to Toyota, while Toyota allowed Maruti to sell popular models like Corolla. The deal helped Toyota is strengthening its presence in the small car market and helped Suzuki to expand its product range to the executive sedan segment.