It’s now official. After Toyota showed off the
Urban Cruiser Hyryder
, Suzuki has done the same; only this time it’s taking on a very familiar nameplate: Grand Vitara.
Launched in India, but slated to be a global model, the all-new Grand Vitara shares its underpinnings with the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. In turn, it rides on Suzuki’s Global C platform which happens to be used on the
Suzuki Brezza
and S-Cross too.
Separating the Grand Vitara from its Toyota cousin, it gains what the brand calls, “Crafted Futurism.” As such, it gets a differently designed grille and vertically-split headlamps with three-part LED projectors and DRLs. Over to the side, it has a “floating roof” motif along with differently styled 17-inch alloy wheels. At the back, there’s a full-length LED bar with multi-layered elements.
Like its Toyota counterpart, the Grand Vitara gets a choice between two electrified powertrains. The first is a mild-hybrid developed by Suzuki, while the other is a full-hybrid developed by Toyota.
The former pairs Suzuki’s K15C engine with a 12-volt 6-Ah lithium-ion battery for a total of 102 horsepower and 135 Nm of torque (Suzuki Smart Hybrid). It’s the very same engine used in the
Ertiga Hybrid which was just launched for the ASEAN market
. On the other hand, the full-hybrid system pairs Toyota’s 1.5-liter 3-cylinder motor with an 80-horsepower AC Synchronous Motor (Suzuki calls it Intelligent Electric Hybrid). Total output is rated at 116 horsepower and 141 Nm of torque.
The mild-hybrid is available in both manual (5-speed) and automatic (6-speed) versions, while the full-hybrid only comes with Toyota’s e-Drive CVT. It’s also worth noting that for buyers who want all-wheel drive, the Suzuki AllGrip system can only be had with the mild-hybrid. Like its application in the Vitara, it comes with multiple drive modes.
According to Suzuki, the Grand Vitara is the most fuel-efficient SUV registering up to 27.97 km/L with the full-hybrid powertrain (21.11 km/L on the manual and 20.58 km/L for the automatic in mild hybrid guise). The AllGrip manual does 19.38 km/L.
In terms of available features, Suzuki is pulling out all the stops. Aside from offering a panoramic sunroof for the first time, it gets ambient interior lighting, a wireless device charger, digital instruments, ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera, and a 9-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
For safety, it gets up to 6 SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, hill descent control, tire pressure sensors, and electronic stability control.
With Suzuki Philippines discontinuing the Hungarian-made Vitara in favor of sourcing it from India, it’s not a matter of ‘if’, but ‘when’ it’ll be brought into the country. What are your thoughts on the all-new Grand Vitara?
Keyword: 2023 Suzuki Grand Vitara: This Is It