Maruti Grand Vitara

Maruti Suzuki has typically used a single petrol engine in its vehicles, combined with either an AMT or a torque converter gearbox, but with the Grand Vitara, the company has gone all out. So you get the 1.5-liter K15 petrol engine, which is also available in the new Brezza. You can choose between a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The AllGrip variant all-wheel drive is also available with the same engine, but only with a manual transmission. Then there's the Electric Hybrid, which only comes with an e-CVT transmission.

Performance is adequate in most conditions and can readily cruise at triple-digit speeds, but it falls short when more power is required. However, according to Maruti, this engine's strength is efficiency. According to Maruti, the hybrid model can travel 1200km on a 45-liter tank; that's a task we'd love to take on. However, there is a snag in the works. While the K15 engine is adequate in the Brezza, it falls short in the Grand Vitara. It simply lacks the punch that one would expect from a vehicle in this class. While its city performance is adequate, it falls short when compared to the 1.4-liter turbo engine found in the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. Meanwhile, Volkswagen's 1.5-litre TSI engine is in a different league entirely.

The premium exteriors continue on the inside. Because of the soft-touch materials and bronze inlays, the dual-tone dash looks and feels great. The nine-inch infotainment screen is identical to that seen in the Baleno and fits well in the Grand Vitara as well. The driver's seats are reasonably comfortable and provide adequate support all around; nevertheless, all adjustments are manual. Moving to the back bench, there is enough leg and headroom, and the Vitara is broad enough to comfortably seat three people; however, we do wish for improved under-thigh support.

The Grand Vitara comes with a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, a digital multi-information display, a wireless charger (only in the hybrid variant), 40+ connected car features, a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control, paddle shifters (only in the petrol AT variant), ventilated seats, and more. The Grand Vitara is equipped with six airbags, rear disc brakes, ABS with EBD, TPMS, rear sensors, three-pointed seat belts for all passengers, a hill assist, a 360-degree camera, and hill descent control. That is quite an impressive list.

What remains to be seen is how well the Grand Vitara performs in the global NCAP crash test. However, although the strong hybrid form comes with a good amount of equipment, the other variations do not. Wireless charging, powered driver seats, an electric parking brake, and ventilated seats are available in lower-tier vehicles but are conspicuously absent in a luxury product like the Grand Vitara.

The Grand Vitara from Maruti Suzuki appears to be a premium SUV with a lot to offer. It looks terrific, has a variety of powertrain options, including the crucial Hybrid, and isn't afraid to get its boots filthy owing to the AWD option. The Grand Vitara will compete against Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, MG Astor, Taigun/Kushaqs, and its own relative, the Toyota Hyryder. While it does not have a feature or performance advantage over the Toyota, it does have the advantage of being the only one to offer AWD and, more crucially, an extremely efficient Hybrid option.

And if Maruti manages to undercut Toyota's pricing, the new Grand Vitara will finally taste the success that has eluded its predecessors.

Marui Suzuki claims that the Grand Vitara is all about premium appeal, but does it seem premium? Yes, it is. Starting with the grille, this isn't your usual imposing SUV grille. There are glossy black design components in the center with a chrome outline and even more chrome at the top in the form of a thick bar. The three-point LED DRLs, which look really beautiful, provides a cool touch. Then there are the LED headlamps, which are located below. The bash plate design, which juts out and gives the Grand Vitara a strong jawline, was also appealing to us. Moving to the side, there is less prominent side cladding, but we like the strong shoulder line that runs across, giving it a very muscular stance.

The 17-inch wheels are stylish and complement the side profile. The back is equally appealing. Starting at the top, there's this lovely spoiler and the major feature, the tail lamps. Again, the three-point tail lamps are thin and virtually run the width of the automobile. These shrouds that house the reversing lamps but add a muscular vent-like touch at the rear are a nice design touch. Overall, we think the Grand Vitara is stunning. It has a premium appearance, and presence, and is sure to turn heads.