Maruti unveils its first full hybrid SUV

Maruti Suzuki has unveiled its SUV, the Grand Vitara which it said features a distinct exterior design, sophisticated interiors, segment-leading features and an industry redefining fuel-efficiency powered by its revolutionary hybrid powertrains.

The SUV will be the company’s fifth-gen offering and will go on sale in India first, and is expected to be sold in multiple overseas markets. It has been developed jointly with Toyota, and will be built at latter’s Karnataka plant along with its sister model — the Hyryder SUV  — that was unveiled a month ago. The Grand Vitara will be made exclusively in India.

The Grand Vitara will be sold through Maruti’s premium Nexa dealership network.

For Maruti, a lot is riding on this launch as the company is in a very competitive market for SUVs taking on rivals such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, VW Taigun and Skoda Kushaq. While the company has a 67 percent share in the non-SUV segment, its share in the SUV segment is about 12 percent.

Both the Grand Vitara and its Toyota badge-engineered sibling will share a platform, powertrain, some body panels and interior, but will have unique exterior styling and differences in trims. 

The Grand Vitara will be Maruti’s first full hybrid in the Indian market. Deliveries are expected to begin around the festive season.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, said, “Maruti has led the market with its slew of new product launches across segments, catering to the diverse needs of the new-age Indian customer. With the global unveiling of the Grand Vitara, we bring an SUV which embodies the best of Suzuki design, technology and performance. Packed with the Suzuki ALLGRIP legendary off-roading prowess as well as a strong & aggressive design, it inherits the pure SUV DNA of the iconic brand, Vitara. Moreover, with the introduction of the revolutionary Intelligent Electric Hybrid system, the Grand Vitara paves the way for a cleaner, greener, sustainable and carbon-neutral world.”

Shashank Srivastava, Senior Executive Director (Sales & Marketing), said, “The SUV segment has grown tremendously in the past four years as customers have shown a strong inclination towards an assertive design, dominant road presence and new-age technology. With our diverse product range, Maruti Suzuki has been a leader in the UV segment continuously for the last five years.”

C V Raman, Chief Technical Officer said, “The Grand Vitara, with its revolutionary powertrain options, class-leading features, immersive driving experience and the NEXA signature “Crafted Futurism” design language, is set to usher in a new era in the mid-SUV segment.”