Maruti Suzuki has launched its much anticipated Grand Vitara SUV earlier this week. The brand has launched the Grand Vitara with a plethora of features and two different engine options. The Grand Vitara comes with a starting price of Rs 10.45 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up to Rs 19.49 lakh (ex-showroom). In this article we'll have a look at the pros and cons of the newly launched Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara SUV.
Pros
Fuel Efficient Mild-Hybrid & Strong Hybrid Powertrain
The 1.5-liter smart or mild hybrid engine and the 1.5-liter strong hybrid engine are the two alternative engine options available for the Grand Vitara. The strong hybrid engine is combined with a battery that enables the automobile to operate entirely in electric mode (for short distances). Additionally, both engines have good fuel efficiency numbers. With a manual transmission, the mild hybrid engine is claimed to deliver 21.11 km/l of fuel efficiency, compared to 20.58 km/l with an automatic transmission, and the AllGrip AWD variant delivers 19.38 km/l of fuel efficiency. The strong hybrid, on the other hand, offers a fuel efficiency of 27.97 km/l.
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Mid Delta MT Variant Walkaround - Here's What It Offers
First SUV in the Segment with All-Wheel Drive
The Grand Vitara is the first SUV in the C-segment with an all-wheel drive system. The Suzuki AllGrip AWD system is offered in a single variant which comes with a mild hybrid engine and manual transmission. The Grand Vitara also has 4-wheel-drive lock mode, as well as snow and sport drive modes. The AWD is also offered in the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder which is built on the same platform as the Grand Vitara and share same specifications.
Loaded with Features
A wide range of features have been incorporated into the Grand Vitara by Maruti, including a 360-degree camera, 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ventilated front seats, wireless charging, panoramic sunroof, LED projector headlamp, LED DRLs with integrated turn signals, and other features. Even the entry-level model has plenty of features.
Good Number of Safety Features
Six airbags, a 360-degree camera, reverse parking sensors, adjustable front seatbelts, all five ELR seatbelts, a tyre pressure monitoring system, an Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), hill-hold assistance, and hill-descent control (AWD only) are among the Grand Vitara's strong safety features. However, the variant selected will affect these features.
Maruti's Wide Sales & Service Network
Being the biggest automaker in India, Maruti Suzuki has a sizable sales and service network all over the nation. There will undoubtedly be better coverage for Grand Vitara owners and potential customers' cars.
Cons
Some Features Limited to Hybrid Trims Only
Without a doubt, Maruti packed the Grand Vitara full of amenities, but the way those features were distributed throughout the variants could have been better. Zeta Plus and Alpha Plus models are the only ones that provide features like ventilated seats, a complete LCD instrument cluster, wireless charging, TPMS, and puddle lamps.
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Vs Toyota Urban Cruiser HyRyder Hybrid - Price Comparo
No Turbo or Diesel Engine Available
The performance component of the Grand Vitara's engines is sacrificed to offer good fuel efficiency. The absence of turbocharged petrol and a diesel engine from the manufacturer has an adverse influence on enthusiasts' interest in the car.
AWD is Limited to a Single Trim & Transmission
At present the AllGrip AWD configuration is only available in a single Alpha AWD variant and that too with a manual transmission only. The Grand Vitara will be able to attract more customers if the AWD could have been offered in other trims as well.
Verdict
The Grand Vitara is the ideal SUV for people looking for a vehicle with high-end features and better fuel economy. Maruti Suzuki has included a respectable amount of features in every variant. Additionally, customers who desire a clean fuel choice but are hesitant to buy EVs will be drawn to the hybrid powertrain.
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