Maruti Suzuki launches new Grand Vitara

Jagdish Khattar, manging director and CEO, Maruti Udyog, today launched the new Grand Vitara, saying, "Grand Vitara happens to be our fifth model in less than 12 months". The new Vitara has an engine capacity of 1995cc compared to an earlier more powerful 2600cc Vitara model.

The car will be imported from Japan as a completely built unit (CBU).

The newer version of the Grand Vitara is moderately priced, compared to the previous, larger engine vehicle. A manual transmission model costs Rs13.8 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) down from Rs18,28 lakh for the previous version. The automatic transmission model is priced at Rs14.8 lakh.

The aggressive pricing by the company pitches Vitara against base model of Ford Endeavour at Rs14.72 lakh and the Honda CR-V at Rs17.8 lakh .

Over the last one year, it has launched Wagon R Duo, Zen Estilo, Swift Diesel and SX4 over the last one year.

Khattar said, "The WagonR Duo, Zen Estilo, Swift Diesel and SX4, while being successful, also showcase the diversity of models that Maruti has been able to offer in the past year.

"The Grand Vitara takes that story forward. It widens the range of products that Maruti offers. We are reaching out to customers who want an authentic SUV experience, backed by the values and assurance of Maruti Suzuki."

The Grand Vitara is Suzuki''s third generation SUV. It is among Suzuki''s global strategic models, along with Swift and SX4 and has received rave reviews in advanced markets like Japan, the US and Germany.

Speaking at the launch, S Nakanishi, chairman, Maruti Udyog Limited, said, "India is a very important and evolving market for Suzuki. India''s automobile market is ranked among the top 10 in the world in terms of volume. Suzuki and Maruti believe that we have to diversify our product line up to meet rapidly changing customer demands. The launch of Grand Vitara is a step in that direction.

While Indian customers are aware of Suzuki Motor''s global leadership in mini and small cars, many do not know of its leadership in the 4x4 arena, particularly in compact SUVs.

Suzuki and SUVs
The Suzuki connection with SUVs goes back three decades when it began manufacturing 4x4 vehicles way back in 1968 with the LJ-10. SMC was the first company to go in for a mass production of 4x4 in Japan''s domestic market.

A few years later, it evolved a modified version, called LJ-50. This one came with a 550 cc engine and made its mark in the export markets, including Australia where it was a runaway success. In the journey, SMC launched products like Samurai and Jimny.

The brand Vitara was born in 1988. The first Vitara was a 3-door SUV with a 1.6 litre alloy engine, a separate steel chassis and part time four-wheel drive system.

Over the years, the Vitara underwent many changes and contributed to the evolution of SUVs. From vehicles known for Powerful Engines, Rugged Build Quality, Large and Durable Tyres and Four Wheel Drive Options, SUVs became vehicles that had all these features plus Status and Prestige, Great Styling and Looks, Plush Interiors and Convenience.

The new Grand Vitara is the third generation Vitara to be offered by SMC globally, after the second generation XL-7, which was launched in India in 2003.

The new Grand Vitara is a muscular, 5-seater SUV powered by a J series, VIS engine with a capacity of 2.0 litre (1995 cc). The 16 valves, dual camshaft, drive-by-wire engine produces a maximum power output of 119.5bhp@5500rpm. The engine has a torque of 170Nm@3500 rpm.

A unique feature of the new Grand Vitara is "all time 4-mode 4x4". This technology delivers optimum power to all four wheels all the time in any mode. This enables the vehicle to offer better control and authentic SUV experience.

The canter lockable differential and ''traction enhancer'' leads to an effortless movement in deep sand or mud, the preferred terrain of the SUV enthusiast.

The Grand Vitara also offers a choice of a 5-speed manual gearbox and a 4-speed automatic gearbox with power mode.

It has a monocoque construction, with a built-in ladder frame. This enhances off road performance. The large 16-inch tyres, 225 mm wide and a high ground clearance of 200 mm lend stature and presence to the SUV.

The new Grand Vitara has a clamshell bonnet. The rising waistline with wrap-around head and tail lamps, flared wheel arches impart a rich and sporty look.

The central instrumentation is done aesthetically, inspired by cascading waterfall. Together with steering mounted controls and rich dark interiors, this provides class.

The high seating provides better visibility. The Multi-reflector + halogen projector headlamps enhance lighting in designated areas.

Its safety features include the Suzuki ''total safety package'' that consists of ABS, EBD and booster with brake assist, dual airbags along with other safety features like seat belt pretensioners and force limiters.

In the EURO NCAP testing, the new Grand Vitara has got a high rating of 4.

Other features include:
A generous boot space of 398 litres that expands to 758 litres once the rear seatback is tumble folded. The luggage capacity of the vehicle in maximum volume is 1368

A fuel consumption display
Pollen filter in the AC
Over a dozen storage spaces, big and small
In-dash CD player with automatic volume control