Maruti Suzuki launches new Grand Vitara
05 Jul 2007
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
