The Indian automobile industry is evolving at a fast pace, and the current leader in this evolution is Maruti Suzuki. Among the company’s latest special deals is the Grand Vitara Hybrid, an SUV that is powered by petrol as well as electric. With a 1.5-litre engine and up to 31 kmpl mileage, this vehicle has become a great option for anyone seeking power performance with less fuel consumption.
In this article, we are going to discuss all the essential aspects of the Grand Vitara Hybrid from design to features and price, so that you can make a judgment call on whether it is the right car for you or not.
Design and Style
The exterior design of the Grand Vitara Hybrid appears quite bold and luxurious. The huge chrome finished front grille provides it a stylish appearance, while the angular LED DRLs and projector headlamps provide it a contemporary look.
In the side view, its powerful body, sporty alloy wheels and roof rails provide it with a sporty appearance. In the rear, the joined LED taillights and sleek bumper design contribute to the perfection of the car. In general, this car appears to be perfect for urban streets and freeways.
Discussing its interiors, it gets a dual-tone theme and soft-touch materials have been employed. The design is plain but purposeful. Leather upholstery and improved finish in higher models give it a more premium feel.
Engine and Performance
Its most unique feature is its strong hybrid powertrain. Here, a 1.5-litre petrol engine is coupled with an electric motor. This has been termed strong hybrid because it can travel short distances using only electric power. This not only conserves petrol but also decreases pollution.
The petrol engine delivers approximately 91 bhp of power, and the electric motor provides an extra power of 79 bhp. Combined, the configuration is powerful and smooth enough for day-to-day driving. It has an e-CVT automatic transmission that makes the vehicle very comfortable.
The vehicle provides a quiet and smooth ride at all turns — whether city roads or highway speeds. At lower speeds, the electric motor powers the vehicle, which saves on petrol.
Ride and Handling
The Grand Vitara Hybrid provides a smooth ride, particularly for Indian roads. Its suspension is properly tuned so that potholes and rough roads are not felt.
It starts in electric mode, so it is nearly silent — very useful in town. The steering is light, so it is pleasant to drive around in traffic or to park. It provides sufficient stability on motorways.
It is not designed for off-roading, but its ground clearance is high enough for even nasty roads.
Features and Technology
Maruti has infused numerous contemporary features in it that make it a technologically developed car:
- 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Digital instrument cluster
- 360-degree camera
- Head-up display (HUD)
- Ventilated front seats
- Panoramic sunroof
- Cruise control
- Ambient lighting
- Push button start and keyless entry
This vehicle is also not lacking when it comes to safety. It comes equipped with features such as 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, hill hold assist, vehicle stability control and tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
Fuel efficiency and mileage
The largest aspect of the Grand Vitara Hybrid is its mileage. The company asserts that it can provide a mileage of 27 to 31 kilometers per liter, which is very good for any SUV.
This is made possible by the fact that the electric motor operates during the regular stop-and-go traffic times and recharges itself using regenerative braking. So you don’t have to charge it independently – it recharges itself.
It quite comfortably gives a mileage of 23-26 kmpl under real-world driving conditions.
Price and variants
The Grand Vitara Hybrid has several variants. The high-end variants – Zeta+ and Alpha+ – come with the robust hybrid system, while the base trims are equipped with mild hybrid technology.
- Starting price of strong hybrid variants: ₹18.29 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Starting price of mild hybrid variants: ₹10.70 lakh (ex-showroom)
Although the strong hybrid variants are a bit costly, they recover the difference in the long run by saving fuel.
Conclusion
If you want an SUV that is fashionable, feature-loaded, and offers unparalleled mileage — the Grand Vitara Hybrid can be an excellent option. It transcends the limitations of traditional petrol cars and provides you with a new and intelligent driving experience.
FAQs
Q: What is the mileage of the Grand Vitara Hybrid?
A: It offers a claimed mileage of 27–31 km/l, depending on driving conditions.
Q: Is the Grand Vitara Hybrid a plug-in EV?
A: No, it uses a self-charging hybrid system with regenerative braking.
Q: How many people can it seat?
A: It has a seating capacity of 5 persons.
Q: What type of gearbox does it have?
A: It comes with an e-CVT automatic transmission.
Q: What is the starting price of the strong hybrid variant?
A: The strong hybrid variant starts at approximately ₹18.29 lakh (ex-showroom).
