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Bringing back the Grand Vitara nameplate after a decade, Maruti’s new global flagship hybrid SUV is the sister car to the Toyota Urban Cruise…Hyryder. It’s also the brand’s first strong hybrid vehicle, using a 115hp, 141Nm, 1.5-litre Atkinson Cycle petrol engine that’s paired to an e-CVT transmission. The Grand Vitara is optionally powered by a 103hp, 137Nm, 1.5-litre petrol mild-hybrid engine that’s mated to a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission, and there’s even the toption of Suzuki’s AllGrip all-wheel drive system on one manual variant. The Grand Vitara rivals the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, Nissan Kicks and MG Astor in India.  

The Grand Vitara is a new and very different take on the popular mid-size SUV formula. Yes, it does some things conventionally, with its good road … presence, well-judged ride and handling balance, hushed refinement and long, modern equipment list. But then the big differentiator is its pair of hybrid – mild and strong – powertrains. The former feels a bit too meek and lacks punch, but then you do get the option of AWD, which outside of the Hyryder, is not available in this segment. The strong hybrid is the more compelling option, packing a bit more punch and also delivering incredible fuel economy. However it is more expensive than any rival, including diesel versions of the Creta and Seltos. Still, there’s no doubting it’s a fitting rival to the best in the class, and worth considering if fuel economy is of the highest priority.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara