Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara: exterior design

After the main criticism of the S-Cross, Maruti has made sure to give the Grand Vitara an overtly SUV-like design. Well-proportioned overhangs, a flat bonnet, squared wheel arches, block-like nose and a strong shoulder line give the design plenty of form, and the sloping roofline prevents the rear from looking too utilitarian. The linked tail-lamps and split headlamp setup will also draw attention.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara: interior and seating

The Grand Vitara’s front seats are comfortable and suitable for tall drivers. They are wide, well bolstered, offer good support and cooled on top variants too. There’s a fair amount of legroom at the rear but headroom is tight if you are above six feet tall. You’re sat at a good height, though and there is a recline function.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara: features

Equipment is on par with the best in segment. You get a panoramic sunroof, but the thin sunshade lets in a lot of heat. Other highlights are a 9-inch touchscreen, 360-degree camera and wireless smartphone connectivity. The strong hybrid version of the Grand Vitara also gets digital dials with several modes and display options.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara: engine and performance

The 3-cyl strong hybrid, when driven in a relaxed manner, is smooth and refined, with enough pep low down. It can even be driven in EV mode up to 120kph if there’s enough charge in the battery, and even in hybrid mode, fuel efficiency is exceptional. However, if you try and push it hard, you’ll note it lacks the gusto of rivals’ turbo-petrol engines.

The 4-cyl mild hybrid version shared with the Brezza, however, feels underpowered in this bigger SUV. Its 5-speed manual is light and easy to use, and the AllGrip AWD system on offer is genuinely effective off road. Still, in 2WD guise, this engine is best suited for the price-conscious only.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara: ride, handling and comfort

Bump absorption in general is excellent in the Grand Vitara, and it is light and easy to drive in traffic. The steering has nice amount of weight and the visibility is good. It’s also especially happy at speed on a highway and feels stable and confidence-inspiring. The well-weighted steering and good body control also pay dividends on winding roads.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara: Price and verdict

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, at Rs 10.45-19.49 lakh (ex showroom) it is more expensive than rivals, 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.