Maruti NEXA Grand Vitara

Expert Review by Maxabout

Overview

Maruti Suzuki has already updated some of its best-selling models, including the Alto, Swift, and Swift DZire, and introduced two entirely new models, the S-Cross and the Baleno, in the last year. While some of these have undoubtedly helped to change the brand's perception in the Indian market, the big one is yet to come. Vitara is Maruti Suzuki's answer to the compact SUV segment.

Spy shots of the test mule, which was first unveiled at the Paris Motor Show earlier this year, have already been making the rounds on the internet. Maruti has unveiled the new Grand Vitara, which is a sibling to the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. It is also the first model developed entirely by the Toyota-Suzuki alliance. Its Toyota counterpart, the Urban Cruiser Hyryder, debuted earlier this month. This festive season, the new Maruti Nexa Grand Vitara will enter India's competitive compact SUV segment.

Maruti Nexa Grand Vitara Design and Style

Despite sharing the same underpinnings as the Hyryder, the new Maruti Grand Vitara is a completely different design, created from the ground up by Suzuki. The SUV gets a new grille finished in black, as well as a chrome slat and surround, upfront. Then there are split headlamps, which feature three-point LED DRLs that also serve as turn indicators, while the unit below houses the LED projector headlight, which is further enhanced by a glossy black surround.

2023 Maruti Grand Vitara has blacked-out B and C-pillars on both sides, with a chrome accent on the top of the D-pillar. The 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels fill the chunky wheel arches with plastic cladding, and the roof rails are finished in a contrasting shade of silver.

The new Grand Vitara has wraparound LED tail lights, two-piece LED light bars, Grand Vitara lettering, a tailgate-mounted number plate recess, a set of vertically stacked lights on either side of the rear bumper that function as reflectors, turn indicators, and reverse lights, an integrated spoiler with a high-mounted stop light, a rear wiper and washer, and a shark-fin antenna. Front and rear bumpers are also outfitted with silver skid plates in contrasting colour.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Engine and Gearbox

2023 Maruti Nexa Grand Vitara will be available with two engines: a 1.5-litre K15C petrol engine with a mild-hybrid system and a 1.5-litre TNGA petrol engine with a strong-hybrid system, dubbed Intelligent Electric Hybrid in Maruti speak. The K15C engine produces 103 hp and 136.8 Nm of torque and is mated to a five-speed manual transmission and a torque converter automatic transmission. The AllGrip AWD system is also available, but only with the MT models.

The 1.5-litre TNGA petrol engine produces 92.45 hp and 122 Nm of torque, while the strong-hybrid motor generates 79.1 hp and 141 Nm of torque. This powertrain, which is only available with an e-CVT unit, is claimed to be India's most fuel-efficient SUV.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Suspension, Brakes and Tyres

Maruti Nexa will suspend the new Grand Vitara using a front MacPherson Strut suspension system and a rear Torsion Beam suspension system. The front Ventilated Disc and rear Solid Disc brakes are in charge of stopping. The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara will ride on Dual Tone Precision Cut Alloy Wheels with 215/60-R17 tyre sections.

Interior of Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

The interior of the Maruti Nexa Grand Vitara features a dual-tone black and brown theme. People who are familiar with Maruti vehicles will notice similarities, as a few parts, such as the centre console, steering wheel, and infotainment system, are shared with other models. The front row gets an armrest with storage, a 12V power outlet, and a USB port.

When you enter the second row, you'll notice a separate set of AC vents right behind the front armrest, one USB and one Type-C charging port, 60:40 split seats with reclining function, and a foldable armrest with cup holders. The boot size appears to be comparable to segment standards, though it is slightly higher in terms of placement due to the hybrid motor located below. The boot also has a 12V power outlet and a parcel tray.

Key Features of Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

2023 Grand Vitara, which is set to become Maruti's flagship model, is loaded to the gills with features. The panoramic sunroof and a fully digital instrument console make their debut on a Maruti automobile. A 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charger, Suzuki Connect telematics, Ventilated front seats, automatic climate control, cruise control, a Head-Up Display (HUD), a 360-degree camera, paddle shifters, tilt and telescopic-adjustable steering, and drive modes.

A height-adjustable driver seat, an engine start-stop button, steering-mounted controls, keyless entry, a gear shift indicator, electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMs, and an auto-dimming IRVM, are among the other notable additions. Dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, hill hold assist, speed alert system, rear parking sensors, and seat-belt reminder system are all standard on the model. Front side and curtain airbags, a reverse parking camera, TPMS, and hill descent control are also available.

Top Speed and Mileage of Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

The real-world figures are unknown at the moment, as the Grand Vitara will be released in the coming months. However, the company claims that mileage for Sigma, Delta, Zeta, and Alpha variants is 21.11 km/l (MT), 20.58 km/l (AT), 19.38 km/l (AllGrip MT), and 27.97 km/l (e-CVT) for Zeta Plus and Alpha Plus.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Colour Options

Arctic White, Splendid Silver, Grandeur Grey, Nexa Blue, Opulent Red (Delta/Zeta only), and Chestnut Brown (Not Available in Sigma) are the mono-tone colour options available in the new Maruti Grand Vitara. Arctic White+Black (Zeta+/Alpha/Alpha+ only), Opulent Red+Black (Zeta Plus/Alpha/Alpha Plus only), and Splendid Silver+Black (Zeta Plus/Alpha/Alpha Plus only) will be the three dual-tone options.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Price

2023 Grand Vitara will be available in six trim levels: Sigma, Delta, Zeta, Alpha, Zeta Plus, and Alpha Plus. According to the leaked price list, the Grand Vitara starts at Rs 10.45 lakh (ex-showroom) for the Sigma variant and goes all the way up to Rs 19.49 lakh (ex-showroom) for the Alpha Plus variant.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Competitors

The Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, MG Astor, Skoda Kushaq, Tata Harrier, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Volkswagen Taigun will compete with the Maruti Nexa Grand Vitara.

Conclusion

Maruti Suzuki has begun taking reservations for the Grand Vitara for Rs 11,000, with production set to begin next month. Maruti has confirmed that the prices for its mid-size SUV will be announced in September, though no specific date has been set.