Last week, Toyota HyRyder made its global debut. While all information about the Creta rival is public, little is known about its Maruti Suzuki counterpart. In fact, the model's name has yet to be confirmed. However, new information suggests that Maruti may rename the model Vitara.
According to an update shared by Maruti Suzuki Senior Executive Director Shashank Srivastava, the much-anticipated Vitara mid-size SUV will be unveiled on July 20th. The SUV's series production will begin in August, with an official launch following. The Maruti Suzuki Vitara is poised to become a truly global product, with exports to Europe and Africa planned. It will replace the current international Vitara, which is due for a generation change.
The Vitara, which was developed in collaboration with Toyota, is essentially the Urban Cruiser Hyryder's cousin, sharing almost everything with it. Both SUVs are built on Suzuki's Global-C platform, which also supports the Brezza, Ciaz, S-Cross, and the new international S-Cross.
There will be two engines available: a 1.5-litre K15C petrol engine with mild hybrid technology and a 1.5-litre TNGA engine with Toyota Hybrid System (THS) and e-drive transmission.
The TNGA engine produces 91 horsepower and 122 Newton-meters of torque, while the motor produces 79 horsepower and 141 Newton-meters of torque. The combined output of the engine and motor is 114 HP. There is a pure EV mode in which the car can only run on electric power.
The K series engine produces the same 101 HP and 135 Nm as the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Brezza and is available with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. It also has the option of Suzuki's All Grip all-wheel-drive system.
The driver can select from a variety of driving modes with All Grip. The electronically controlled 4-wheel-drive system with selectable driving mode employs a simple turn dial to allow the driver to experience various driving styles depending on road surfaces or conditions.
The Toyota HyRyder and Suzuki's counterparts will face stiff competition. Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, VW Taigun, and MG Astor are among the notable rivals.