Maruti Grand Vitara Review: Suzuki finally launched it popular SUV in India as CBU (Complete Build Unit), that means it is being imported and sold and service by Maruti Suzuki India. The Vitara was launched in Japan as 3 door part time four wheels drive SUV in 1988. The Suzuki Grand Vitara is a compact SUV in new avatar is being made by Suzuki since 1999. It is being sold in USA, Canada, Japan, Chile, Mexico, Latin America, New Zealand, and Russia and also in Iran. Vitara was given twice face lift in 2002 and 2004 in 2006 a second generation Grand Vitara was launched.
It was earlier launched in 2003 but withdrawn due to low sales. The model launched is also known as Suzuki Escudo a third generation Vitara .This time it has been launched without much publicity to see if it can do well in host of SUV being marketed by Hyundai, Toyota, Ford, Honda, Mitsubishi, Mercedes, General Motors and BMW in a wide range of prices from Rs 7 lacs to Rs 70 lacs and also domestic SUV like Tata Safari and Mahindra Scorpio.
The Suzuki Grand Vitara is available in India in MT (Manual Transmission) and AT (Automatic Transmission) variants priced Ex New Delhi of Rs 13.8 lacs and Rs 14.80 Lacs respectively. It is powered by 4 cylinder DOHC 16 valve 1995 cc petrol engine featuring Variable Induction System ( VIS) , “Drive by Wire” and Chain Drive Timing. The engine develops maximum power 119.50 bhp @ 5500 rpm and maximum torque of 170 Nm @ 3500 rpm is a powerful engine.
The manual transmission is 5 speeds forward and one reverse and automatic transmission is 4 speeds forward and one reverse. It has independent front and rear suspension for better handling. The steering is power assisted hydraulic rack and pinion. Suzuki Grand Vitara is fully loaded with all comforts required in a SUV. It also has SRS front dual airbags, ABS with EBD (Antilock Braking System with Electronic Brake Distribution) and antitheft device.
The Suzuki Grand Vitara is positively good looking, comfortable, fully loaded SUV. It has safety features and high ground clearance and good drivability and handling. The running cost is high as it is petrol SUV and fuel efficiency is low also 2000 cc engine is not exactly the power you look in a premium SUV and hence underperforming. Though Suzuki claims 11Kmpl for manual transmission and 10.5 Kupl for Automatic Transmission, but the actual consumer reports point to lower mileage. It is reported that Suzuki is planning to offer more engine options and also diesel DDIS engine, which may add to its customer base.
These are still early days for this SUV and with market getting jammed with models and customer spoiled for choice; Suzuki needs to revamp strategy to have a decent presence in this segment.
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Prices (MT)
Mumbai: 13.8 Lakhs
Delhi: 14.05 Lakhs
Chennai: 14.15 Lakhs
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Mileage
| Model | Citi | Highway | Overall |
| Grand Vitara MT | 9.4 | 12.7 | 10.1 |
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Specifications (MT)
Engine:
No. of cylinders: 4
No. of valves: 16
Camshaft: DOHC
Induction system: VIS
Accelerator control: Drive by wire
Piston displacement: 1995
Bore x stroke: 84 mm x 90 mm
Maximum output: 119.5 bhp @ 5500rpm
Maximum torque: 170 Nm @ 3500rpm
Ignition system: Direct ignition system
Dimentions:
Length: 4470 mm
Width: 1810 mm
Height: 1695 mm
Wheelbase: 2640 mm
Front track: 1540 mm
Rear track: 1560 mm
Turning radius: 5.5 mts
Ground clearance: 200 mm
Drivetrain:
Transmission: 5 forword,1 reverse
4 X 4: All time, 4 mode
Differentials: 3 (centre lockable)
1 Comment
Hi,
Thanks for sharing this. Maruti has been playing a good role in the Indian auto market. Now with launch of Grand Vitara it has entered into Sedan world. Grand Vitara has a stunning exterior and it is really attractive. The car is so eye catchy. But I don’t know whether it is friendly to the Indian roads or not. I think a car with such a high price would surely do well. In Kolkata it is quite tough to get a parking place for such a huge car.