2023 Suzuki Grand Vitara returns as hybrid crossover  

India’s Maruti Suzuki has resurrected the Grand Vitara nameplate, five years after it was discontinued worldwide in 2017. In keeping with the current push toward electrification, the new machine that bears the name is now a hybrid model, split into two available powertrains.

Introducing The Grand Vitara | A new breed of SUVs

Although it shares its bones with another Indian release, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, the new Grand Vitara is being positioned as a global model. This will also likely fill the gap left by the Hungary-sourced Vitara which was phased out of our market just this year.    

Exterior

The fifth-generation Grand Vitara measures 4,345mm long, 1,795mm wide, and 1,645mm high on a 2,600mm wheelbase. Those figures effectively maked it smaller than the third-generation model which last sported the name back in 2005.

The Suzuki Grand Vitara comes back to life in India for the 2023 model year

In contrast with the overt SUV styling of the fourth generation Vitara, the Grand Vitara somewhat carries an MPV vibe. Suzuki refers to this aesthetic as “Crafted Futurism,” evident on the trapezoidal grille where the Suzuki badge sits against a chrome bar. This is surrounded by blocky headlamps seated directly below LED daytime running lights.

Copious amounts of body cladding can be found from the front lip to the fenders and rocker panels, in a bid to still emphasize ruggedness as a Grand Vitara attribute. A semi-floating roof design adds a touch of sleekness to the crossover’s silhouette, while available roof rails on higher variants hint at utility.

Its styling blends both MPV and SUV design elements

Full-width LED brake lamps surround the tailgate, with the turn signals and reversing lights arranged vertically halfway towards the rear bumper. The base variant wears a set of 17-inch steelies, while the rest of the range comes standard with alloy wheels in the same size.

Interior

The cabin features hard plastics for robustness combined with soft-touch materials, while customers can choose between a dual-tone palette comprising black and bordeaux with silver or a monotone Champagne Gold contrast accents on the dashboard and door panels.

Inside the 2023 Suzuki Grand Vitara

Up to five people can take their places on leatherette seats, with ventilation offered for the front occupants. An available panoramic sunroof lets in more natural light. Meanwhile, the new Grand Vitara also offers a luggage compartment behind the second seating row.

Tech & Safety

Drivers will appreciate the colored Head Up Display that projects pertinent vehicle information on the windshield such as vehicle speed, fuel economy, automatic air-conditioning functions, and even navigation.

The digital multi-information display that serves as the instrument cluster is accompanied by a Smartplay Pro+ 9-inch high-definition touchscreen that offers wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Wireless charging is available, as well as a built-in Suzuki Connect telematics system that allows specific remote operations, apart from connecting the vehicle to Amazon Alexa through Suzuki Connect Skill.

The new Grand Vitara comes with up to six airbags

Safety equipment includes six airbags, a 360-degree surround view camera, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system. In addition, the new Grand Vitara also has a geo-fencing feature, which alerts drivers when the vehicle is stolen and tracks its location.

Engine & Drivetrain

The 2023 Grand Vitara comes in a choice of two electrified powertrains. For the Sigma, Delta, Zeta, and Alpha trims, propulsion is handled by a Smart Hybrid mild-hybrid setup partnering a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with a 12-volt integrated starter generator. Total output is at 101 horsepower and 137 Nm of torque, with either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox. AllGrip all-wheel-drive is offered as an option.

Top-spec trims of the new Grand Vitara use the same powertrain as the Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid

Meanwhile, the more upscale Zeta+ and Alpha+ variants run on a full-fledged Intelligent Electric Hybrid powertrain. This comprises a 1.5-liter gasoline engine paired with an electric motor, with a total output of 114 horsepower, while the motor itself packs up to 141 Nm of torque. A front-wheel drivetrain is the only available option, receiving power through an e-CVT.

Suzuki claims that the new Grand Vitara can do up to 27.97 kilometers per liter on the full hybrid version, with the mild-hybrid with manual transmission managing 21.11 kilometers per liter.

Price

This could be the Vitara's replacement in the Philippine market

The 2023 Suzuki Grand Vitara has been reported to retail in India for Rs 950,000 (Php 672,000) for the base Sigma trim, reaching Rs 160,000 (Php 1.131 million) for the top-spec Alpha+ variant. These are quite competitive prices for what it offers, and only time will tell if Suzuki Auto Philippines brings this new crossover to our market.

See more familiar automotive nameplates reborn at Philkotse.com.