Maruti Grand Vitara: For a long time, Maruti Suzuki had neglected the full-blown SUV market and allowed others to seize the limelight.
But that changed with the Grand Vitara’s recent relaunch—only this time it returned not as a burly off-roader but as a urbane, tech-happy and environmentally sound city slicker. This go-round Maruti didn’t come with their pants down they came prepared.
The Grand Vitara, seriously, is a game changer for what has been India’s biggest carmaker. It’s stylish, it’s roomy, it has robust hybrid tech that’s more than a buzzword — it’s a game changer in this class.
Bold Design, Premium Vibes
First off, the Grand Vitara has amazing street presence. It’s wide front grille with chrome slats, stylish LED DRLs, aggressive headlamps and muscular wheel arches are a sight to behold.
The bi-tone paint options and machined alloy wheels only add to the premium feel.
Unlike some of Maruti’s previous designs, which looked a little too safe, this one stands out. Its not just a re-badged SUV, it has personality.
Inside, It’s a Mash-Up of Comfort and Class
Behind the wheel, Grand Vitara retains that feeling too. You’re then greeted by a cool-looking layered dash with some soft-touch materials, a panoramic sunroof and a generous 9-inch infotainment screen that wirelessly supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Seats are wide and well cushioned for long-distance comfort. Rear passengers have passable knee room as well as adjustable recline, so it’s good for the family.
It might not seem to pack in as much space as some of its rivals, the Hyundai Creta for example, but it doesn’t trail that far behind either.
Throw in options like ventilated seats, ambient lighting, wireless charging and a head-up display, and you have a car that genuinely feels modern.
Hybrid Heart: Stout and Stingy
The highlight of the Grand Vitara is certainly its muscular hybrid powertrain. The small SUV is co-developed with Toyota and teams together a 1.5L petrol engine with an electric motor to enable the vehicle to run on battery alone at low speeds.
This does not only add to the whisper-quietness in the traffic but also gives a competitive mileage—of up to 27.97 kmpl to be precise.
OE Some on more of a budget and in need of decent mileage minus the full EV experience, should appreciate the mild-hybrid version.
And yes, for the traditionalists, there’s a manual AWD option as well — perfect for those weekend getaways.
Ride Quality and Handling
Driving, AND RIDING, IMPRESSIONS On the road, the Grand Vitara is impressively well-mannered. It’s not sporty per se, but it can deftly handle city driving and highway cruising.
The suspension ride stool des bumps, and the hybrid setup makes for smooth transitions between electric and petrol power.
The steering is light — good for city use — but you won’t get much razor-sharp feedback. This SUV is more cushy than cornersome.
Safety and Tech
Maruti has somehow found itself getting serious about safety. It is a feature loaded car too with the higher variants offering six airbags, ESP, ABS with EBD, hill-hold assist and the 360-degree camera, and tyre pressure monitoring.
It’s also constructed from Suzuki’s Global-C platform so it has a strong structural base.
Pros
Appealing exterior for that street image
Exceptional fuel efficiency particularly for the hybrid models
Equipped with features such as panoramic sunroof and HUD
Limited city performance in EV mode, or, state rides, yours may be sweet and/or smooth SILENT.
AWD available as an option for those who need a mild off-roader
Cons
Could do with more in room in back seat
Hybrid versions are more expensive than standard petrol models.
No diesel engine option
Strong hybrid with batteries in the boot stifles space
Maruti Grand Vitara: Final Verdict
The Maruti Grand Vitara is not just any other SUV in the crowd-this is Maruti’s boldest effort and it shows. It ticks all the right boxes for those in the market for a smart, fuel-efficient and well-equipped family SUV.
While it may not get enthusiasts’ blood pumping with brute performance, it stands out where it counts – in terms of practicality, efficiency, and dare I say peace of mind, too.
If you want to go green on a budget and don’t want to sacrifice an ounce of SUV or wild, get the Grand Vitara on your list.