The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara strong hybrid has been a game-changer in the Indian automotive landscape over the last decade. Its Toyota-based strong-hybrid technology not only makes it an especially fuel-efficient vehicle but also ensures a smooth and responsive driving experience.
Fuel Efficiency
During the eight months we spent with our 2023 Car of the Year winner, the Grand Vitara showcased remarkable fuel efficiency. Over 7,000 km, we consistently observed fuel consumption figures as high as 21-22 kph, which is about 40 percent more than what you'd expect from a petrol SUV of this size. Even in city driving conditions, it delivered between 17-18 kph. This efficiency can be attributed to the vehicle's ability to store energy during deceleration which is then utilized by the electric motor for propulsion. The base model of the Maruti Grand Vitara costs Rs. 10.76 lakh, while the top variant costs Rs. 19.97 lakh (average price ex-showroom).
Enjoyable Driving Experience
One of the highlights of driving the Grand Vitara was the swift deployment of torque from the electric motor making city driving an absolute pleasure. The immediate power delivery and the absence of a traditional gearbox meant no waiting for gear selection, just instant acceleration. The Grand Vitara's performance on rough roads was equally impressive. Despite some stiffness in the suspension, it excelled on challenging terrains providing a comfortable ride without disappointment.
Highway Performance and Luggage Space
However, the Grand Vitara's performance on the highway left something to be desired. While acceleration and overtaking capabilities were adequate, they didn't match up to some of its rivals. The placement of the lithium-ion battery in the boot compromised luggage space, resulting in only 265 liters of trunk space, which meant we had to leave the parcel tray at home to accommodate our bags.
Braking and Handling
The braking system, which relies heavily on regeneration for initial braking, lacked the initial bite and could have benefited from a better pedal feel. However, once the friction brakes kicked in, stopping power improved significantly. On the brighter side, the Grand Vitara's agility and balance made cornering and winding road drives a delight.
Cabin Comfort and Quality
The large and air-conditioned front seats and a comfortable rear seat made for an excellent level of cabin comfort. The dashboard's superb build quality combined with the metallic decorations and simulated leather, gave the interior a more expensive vibe. The efficiency of the sunroof's cover in protecting sunlight and the quality of some of the buttons, however, might use some work.
Infotainment System
The infotainment system's microphone picked up a lot of background noise, leading to poor audio clarity during phone calls. This was a minor irritation in an otherwise well-equipped cabin. The Maruti Grand Vitara is available with a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a heads-up display, a digital driver display, a panoramic sunroof, lighting effects, a wireless phone charger, and cooled front seats.
For our extensive review, the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara strong combination turned out to be a great partner. Strong-hybrid technology which provided great fuel efficiency without sacrificing driving enjoyment, was without a doubt its most distinctive attribute. The Grand Vitara is a formidable competitor in its class even though certain things may have been done better overall.