Maruti Grand Vitara: The market for Indian SUV has been rather competitive in the past few years and Maruti Suzuki’s Grand Vitara is an all out effort to change the dynamics of the SUV market.
Jointly developed with Toyota and serving as a flagship mid-size SUV, the Grand Vitara combines a pair of hybrid powertrains, decent fuel economy, and sharp looks all under one familiar badge.
This SUV is more than just features and looks—it’s a move to say Maruti wants to make a statement that it’s a modern carmaker for modern buyers; ones who want a mix of performance, efficiency, and green credentials. Let’s see if it lives up to the hype.
Maruti Grand Vitara Design – Bold, Muscular and Upmarket
GRAND VITARA SUBJECT: A SOUVENIR FROM THE SUSHI BARI The truck looks good at first glance. It’s a muscular and modern-looking SUV, all relying on the invigorating new front grille, highlighted LED DRLs, beefy wheel arches and dynamic body lines.
It’s a fresh design language from Maruti and has been kept to woo the young and the premium-centric buyers.
While the blacked-out pillars, chrome highlights and dual-tone paint options provide a touch of class, the 17-inch alloy wheels give it a bit more street-cred. It seems to be quite a box-ticking design, overall, that of an SUV in this market segment.
Inside: Quality Finishing for Functional Spaces
Enter the cabin, and you are greeted by an uncluttered, ergonomically laid-out fascia, replete with soft-touch materials and piano black inserts. That premium feel is helped along by the two-tone upholstery. T
he seats are broad and comfortable, with especially comfortable front ones, which translates to minimal body soreness after long trips.
Space at the back is reasonable, you get enough leg and headroom, and if your car has a sunroof (ditto for the higher variants), the cabin gets an airy feeling too.
It isn’t quite as plush as some of its European rivals, but this is a big big step forward for Maruti in terms of cabin quality.
Features & Tech: Fully-Featured, but Plenty of Room for Growth
The Grand Vitara comes equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a digital instrument cluster (in strong hybrid trims), connected car technology, 360-degree camera, wireless charger and ventilated front seats.
It has most contemporary bases covered, but one or two rivals add just a bit more in the way of cabin tech and infotainment slickness. But for the average user, it’s more than plenty and works great.
Performance: Hybrid Is the Headliner.
Where the Grand Vitara really distinguishes itself is with its powertrains. Buyers can choose between:
A 1.5L mild-hybrid petrol powertrain is available with manual or automatic transmission options.
An efficient 1.5L strong hybrid system (which it took from Toyota) that has a great fuel economy rate
The strong hybrid powertrain gives around 115 PS and though not sporty, is creamy smooth and highly efficient, with claimed mileage being close to 27 kmpl.
Neighborhood driving is virtually silent when the car is in EV mode, and the switch from electric to petrol is almost imperceptible.
Instead, the mild-hybrid version is fine with gentle driving, high-30s mpg is decent, if short of some rivals, but is a bit doughy when you push on.
Ride & Handling: Composed and smooth
The Grand Vitara is a smooth rider, taking potholes and ruts in stride. The steering is light, making it perfect for city use, while high-speed stability feels good. No, it’s not for aggressive cornering, yet the balance is just right in everyday driving.
There’s also an AllGrip all-wheel drive incarnation of the mild-hybrid added to the range, seeking to be one of the few small Crossovers in this class able to offer genuine 4×4 tractability.
Pros of Maruti Grand Vitara
Strong hybrid rendition offers class-leading fuel economy
Good looking, muscular stance and Road presence
cabin that is roomy and pleasant to sit in
Real 4-wheel-drive with AllGrip AWD
Packed with current features (sunroof, wireless charging, 360 camera)
Years of reliable, low maintenance Maruti
Cons of Maruti Grand Vitara
Infotainment system isn’t the fastest
Soft-hybrid to limp for period
No diesel option available
Interior is not the most luxurious in the segment
A few iterations cost almost as much as more potent competitors
Maruti Grand Vitara Final Verdict
A family-friendly SUV with efficiency, comfort and style in the 2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara for sale! Its hybrid branding provides it with a unique advantage in the market, particularly for those who are fuel conscious. It’s not the fastest or most tech-filled SUV, but it delivers all the essentials with conviction.
If you are looking to switch to a hybrid without burning a hole in your wallet — and at the same time want the practicality and reliability and the Maruti badge — the Grand Vitara is a sound choice.