Maruti Grand Vitara

The chapter discusses the Maruti Grand Vitara, a hybrid vehicle that features a Toyota engine. The author highlights a car perfume from Involve Your Senses, specifically the Citrus scent, which he finds to be refreshing and energizing as soon as one enters the vehicle. He encourages the viewer to click on the link provided to purchase the perfume with a 10% discount using the coupon code "fastbeam". The author then transitions to the main focus of the chapter, which is an overview of the Maruti Grand Vitara.

### Engine Bay

The chapter discusses the engine bay of the Maruti Grand Vitara. The author notes that the car is currently running on battery power, and there is ample space in the engine bay, but no engine cover, indicating cost-cutting measures. The author also points out the insulation and the presence of an extra product, which appears to be a Nexus-like lighting system with a three-piece LED DRL setup. The main headlight is a bright projector-type LED unit. The author mentions that this is the most expensive Maruti model, costing around 23 lakhs for the top-end strong hybrid variant. The grille has a bronze chroma treatment specific to the hybrid model, and the author comments on the ample ground clearance and the towing hook. Moving to the side, the author notes the decent length of the vehicle at 4.4 meters, with a wheelbase slightly shorter than the Hyundai Creta, its primary rival. The author also mentions some issues with space in this particular strong hybrid model, which will be discussed later in the chapter.

### Tires

The tires on the Maruti Grand Vitara are sized 215/60 R17 alloy wheels, with a design that the author finds quite nice. The wheels feature a squared V-latch design similar to Jeep vehicles, finished in a gloss black color. There is a camera for the indicator request sensor, and a shark-fin antenna - in fact, two of them, which the author considers revolutionary. The rear of the vehicle gets disc brakes. The Maruti Grand Vitara is available in a wide range of variants, including mild-hybrid options with both manual and automatic transmissions, as well as an all-wheel-drive version. The rear of the car features a continuous light treatment that the author deems quite nice, along with a rear wiper.

### Rear Wiper and Washer

The rear wiper and washer system on the Maruti Grand Vitara is present, though the author is unsure of the exact source of the washer fluid. The vehicle also features a high-mounted stop lamp, and the Suzuki logo is prominently displayed. There is no Toyota badging, which the author finds disappointing. The exhaust system is present, and the spare wheel is located underneath for the strong hybrid variant due to space constraints, though it is not an alloy wheel. The tire size remains the same 215/60 R17. The vehicle is equipped with rear parking sensors and a reverse camera, though the taillights use a combination of halogen reflectors and LEDs, which the author feels could have been fully LED for improved efficiency. Overall, the rear lighting setup is quite impressive in the author's opinion.

### Boot

The boot of the Maruti Grand Vitara has a capacity of only 255 liters, which the author finds disappointing, especially for the strong hybrid variant where the battery is placed in the boot area, significantly reducing the available space. However, the author notes that the non-hybrid variants likely have more boot space. The boot does feature a parcel shelf, and the rear seats can be folded down in a 40:60 split to increase cargo capacity. The boot also includes a light, a 12V charging socket, and a hook, though the author is unsure of the location of the washer and wiper fluid reservoir. The chrome-bronze treatment on the rear of the vehicle is intended to create a floating roof appearance.

### Rear

The rear seating area of the Maruti Grand Vitara offers mixed impressions. The author notes that the space appears quite impressive, with the presence of a sensor, though the placement of the batteries under the rear seats compromises headroom, which the author describes as "really poor." The leather stitching and piano black finishes are praised, as is the inclusion of six airbags, though lower variants only get two. Legroom and knee room are deemed good, but the cabin width is insufficient for three adult passengers, making it more suitable for two adults and two children. The adjustable seat recline helps marginally improve headroom, but tall occupants will still find their heads touching the roof. The center armrest with cup holders is thoughtfully designed to remain in place during heavy braking, and all rear passengers get proper headrests and seatbelts, including ISOFIX child seat mounts, indicating attention to safety features.

### Dashboard

The dashboard of the Maruti Grand Vitara is quite similar to other Maruti vehicles, with familiar parts and controls. The author notes that the dashboard reclines to increase boot space, and the doors shut with a satisfactory feel. The wiper controls are highlighted as an area of focus, though the overall impression of the dashboard is positive, with the author expressing a general liking for the layout and design.

### Seats

The seats in the Maruti Grand Vitara are described as comfortable, particularly in the front. They feature leather upholstery with stitching and perforation details. The author notes the presence of a proper dead pedal and various controls on the dashboard, including those for the hood, fuel lid, 360-degree camera, and headlight leveler. The engine start button is highlighted as being different from previous Maruti cars. The author also mentions some personal items left in the car, joking about potentially shipping them to a potential buyer. The glove box is noted to be of decent size, and the author expresses appreciation for the easy-to-use and leak-proof air freshener that brings freshness to the car's interior. The author then describes the instrument cluster and infotainment system, appreciating the 360-degree camera quality while noting some minor inconsistencies in the display.

### Reverse Parking Camera

The Maruti Grand Vitara is equipped with a 360-degree camera that provides adaptive guidelines, allowing the driver to change the camera view during reverse parking. However, the author notes that only the left side view is available, and not the right side, likely due to the car not being equipped with the more expensive variant. The vehicle also features an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a sunglass holder, and well-placed interior lights. The infotainment system is similar to that found in other Maruti models, with an easy-to-use interface and various functions, including a tire pressure monitoring system and alerts. The author highlights the effective air conditioning system and the presence of a wireless charging pad and 12V charging socket. Overall, the camera and interior features are described as useful and well-executed.

### Icy Road Warning

The Grand Vitara is equipped with an icy road warning system that alerts the driver to potentially hazardous conditions. The vehicle also features an energy flow display that shows how the hybrid system is functioning, including when the engine kicks in. Additionally, the car has a wireless charging pad and other standard interior features. The audio quality from the sound system is described as decent, with the inclusion of Arkamys sound processing.

### Steering Wheel

The steering wheel features standard buttons for phone calls, voice commands, audio system controls, and accessing the display screen. It also has cruise control functions and the standard Maruti horn, which is described as not being great. The steering wheel is adjustable for both reach and rake, which is noted as a positive feature. The dashboard display is fully digital.

### Digital Instrument Cluster

The digital instrument cluster in the Grand Vitara hybrid features a comprehensive display that provides a wealth of information to the driver. It showcases the digital speedometer, parking sensor data, driving time and date, audio system controls, warning indicators, and various settings that can be customized. The cluster also shows how the hybrid system is functioning, which is a helpful feature. While the font quality could be improved, the overall design and information presented in the digital instrument cluster is considered a positive attribute of the Grand Vitara.

### Fuel Efficiency

The fuel efficiency of the Grand Vitara hybrid is impressive, achieving around 14.4 kilometers per liter. The digital instrument cluster displays the real-time fuel economy history, providing the driver with useful information typically found in hybrid vehicles. Additionally, the cluster shows the power flow, engine temperature, and fuel level - all valuable data points for monitoring the hybrid system's performance.

### Wipers

The wipers on the Grand Vitara work decently well, with ample spray to clear the windshield effectively. The controls for the wipers are conveniently located and easy to operate. The vehicle also features automatic headlights, providing added convenience for the driver.

### Rear Wipers

The rear wiper on the Grand Vitara functions well, with the spray neatly integrated into the design at the top of the rear windshield. The rear wiper operates smoothly and is similar in performance to the front wipers. The interior design features a dashboard layout familiar to other Maruti vehicles, with soft-touch materials used in key areas. The overall interior has a predominantly black color scheme, with chrome accents, though the specific trim and color combinations may vary across different variants of the model.

### Sunroof

The sunroof on the vehicle is a panoramic design that opens significantly wide, providing an impressive view. However, the sunblind used to cover the sunroof is made of a very cheap, flimsy material that feels subpar. This allows a considerable amount of light and heat to enter the cabin, suggesting Maruti could have used a higher-quality sunblind. When the vehicle is turned off, the system displays driving time and other information. The key fob is basic, with the mirrors folding in when the car is locked and unlocked. The sunroof can be operated manually if the button is held, rather than automatically closing when the vehicle is turned off.

### Heads Up Display

The Heads-Up Display (HUD) in the vehicle provides essential information such as the speedometer, current gear, clock, and fuel efficiency. The driver can toggle through different display modes, including one that shows the energy flow of the hybrid system. The HUD is well-integrated and provides a clear view of the necessary driving data.

The vehicle is powered by a 1.5-liter, three-cylinder engine that operates on the Atkinson cycle, prioritizing efficiency over low-speed performance. This engine produces 92 horsepower and 122 Newton-meters of torque. The electric motor, which is paired with a small 0.76 kWh battery pack, generates 80 horsepower and 141 Newton-meters of torque. The combined output of the hybrid system is 116 horsepower, making it the least powerful car in the segment. However, the linear and smooth power delivery, along with the boost from the electric motor, ensures the car is not lethargic. The real-world fuel efficiency of 27.97 kilometers per liter is impressive, though the higher cost of the strong hybrid system may be a trade-off for some buyers.

### Ecvt Gearbox

The vehicle is equipped with an e-CVT (Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission) gearbox, which operates as a single-speed transmission. This gearbox has a "rubber band effect," where the engine can be heard trying to catch up with the transmission, resulting in a vocal and non-sporty sound, especially at higher engine speeds. The performance in Eco mode is found to be unimpressive, and it is recommended to use a different mode to achieve a better driving experience and timely travel, even if it means slightly higher fuel consumption. The vehicle is front-wheel drive, and with the traction control turned off, it does not allow for wheel spin. However, there is noticeable road, wind, and tire noise, suggesting that the insulation levels could be improved.

### Weight

The weight of the Maruti Grand Vitara is around 1,215 kg, which is neither too heavy nor too light. Maruti has done a commendable job in calibrating the suspension, striking a nice balance between softness and stiffness. The vertical movements are well-controlled, and the steering feel is decent, though not the most responsive or feedback-rich, especially at high speeds. The vehicle is agile enough, and the ride quality is good. The brakes are decent as well. The only area of concern is the powertrain, particularly the mild-hybrid variant, which may disappoint some users. The strong-hybrid variant, however, is focused on efficiency, and it does a fantastic job in that regard. The pure EV mode is not easily accessible due to the limited battery size, which could have been slightly larger to improve the electric-only range. While changing lanes is not an issue, the grip levels could be slightly better. Lastly, the horn is rather peculiar, continuing the brand's long-standing criticism in this area.

### Traction Control

The traction control system in the Maruti Grand Vitara is effective, allowing the driver to easily disable it when more performance is desired. Without traction control, the vehicle can be driven with a good amount of power delivery without any wheel spin issues. The engine primarily focuses on charging the battery, and the electric powertrain provides instant torque, which is more efficient than a conventional internal combustion engine. The suspension tuning is also commendable, handling rough bumps well. While the Grand Vitara is relatively safe, it lacks advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which the author considers a smart move given the poor lane markings on Indian roads. The author also approves of Maruti's decision not to offer an electric variant, as the diesel engine remains a preferred choice. However, the author finds the pricing of the Grand Vitara, particularly the mild-hybrid variant, to be on the higher side compared to the diesel Ciaz, questioning the value proposition.

### Price Range

The pricing of the Maruti Grand Vitara starts quite low at around ₹12.52 lakhs on-road in Mumbai, which is similar to the pricing of the Creta and other high-riders in the segment. However, the author believes that the K15C engine powering the Grand Vitara is not powerful enough, and opting for the higher-priced mild-hybrid variant does not provide a significant value proposition, as the equivalent Toyota offering is ₹1 lakh cheaper with a better warranty. The author suggests that Maruti should have offered the more powerful 1.4-liter Booster Jet Turbo petrol engine instead of the K15C, as it would have made a real difference in the car's performance. The author also notes that while Maruti enjoys a dominant market share in India, it does not seem to prioritize advanced technology and engine options for the Indian market, unlike in other global markets where Suzuki offers more capable powertrain options. Overall, the author feels the Grand Vitara is a decent effort, but the pricing and engine choice could have been better to make it a more compelling proposition.

### Driving Position

The driving position of the Maruti Grand Vitara is good, providing the driver with a commanding view of their surroundings. The author feels the chassis is well-tuned, but a bit more performance from the engine would make the car much more enjoyable to drive. The overall driving experience is described as nice, though the author suggests that with a more powerful engine option, the Grand Vitara could be even more engaging and fun to pilot.

### Price

The Maruti Grand Vitara is priced quite high, with the base model starting at 21.3 lakhs on-road in Mumbai. The top-end strong hybrid variant is even more expensive at 23.26 lakhs. The author feels this is a premium price, especially considering the Maruti branding, and questions whether customers will be willing to spend that much on a Maruti-badged vehicle. The additional weight of the hybrid battery system, around 85 kg, is also a concern. While the hybrid technology and performance may appeal to some buyers, the author suggests the pricing could be a deterrent, noting that the same vehicle with a Toyota badge would likely command an even higher premium, which the author feels is unjustified.

### Drive Mode

The drive mode of the Maruti Grand Vitara is described as engaging, with the author noting that putting the vehicle in sport mode and keeping their left foot on the brake and right foot on the accelerator actuator provides a responsive driving experience. However, the author points out that the traction control system does not completely disengage, with the power being cut abruptly at times and the interaction control kicking in on its own. The author suggests that while the drive mode offers a sporty feel, the underlying electronic systems still intervene to some degree, limiting the full driver control experience.