Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Hybrid Offers New Pedestrian Safety Feature, Price Now Starts at Rs 18.29 Lakh

Maruti Suzuki has updated the Grand Vitara with a new safety feature. According to the company, the strong-hybrid variants of the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara are now equipped with an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS). Consequently, prices of all hybrid variants have gone up by up to Rs 4,000, effective from July 17, 2023. Buyers looking to buy the Grand Vitara hybrid have to shell out at least Rs 18.29 lakh, while the maximum amount is capped at Rs 19.79 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom. The prices of the non-hybrid version, however, remain unaltered. Underneath the bonnet, there is a 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine that runs on the Atkinson cycle (around 114bhp). Since this is a strong hybrid set-up, the petrol engine is mated to an electric motor. On offer is a CVT unit. The Grand Vitara hybrid is offered in the high-spec Zeta+ and Alpha+ trims.

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Another engine on offer is a 1.5-litre unit, which is from Maruti Suzuki's own stable. It is offered with a mild hybrid set-up. Transmission options include a five-speed manual and a six-speed automatic (torque converter), but the AWD system is only available with manual models.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Hybrid: What is AVAS?

The AVAS is a new safety feature, which alerts drivers and pedestrians regarding the presence of approaching electric drive vehicles. It works by emitting a low-level warning sound, which can be easily heard within five feet. The new safety feature has been introduced in order to adhere to the Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 173, which mandates hybrid electric vehicles, fuel-cell vehicles, and fuel-cell hybrids, with at least one electric motor or an electric motor generator, to be equipped with a pedestrian safety feature.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Hybrid: Features

In addition, the Grand Vitara features a head-up display, ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, connected car tech, six airbags, ESP, a 360-degree camera, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and different drive modes, among other things. On the outside, the car gets a split headlamp design, wraparound LED tail lights, new 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, etc.

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Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Hybrid: Market Competition

The mid-size SUV competes with a slew of SUVs in the sub-20 lakh price range, including the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Harrier, Volkswagen Taigun, and Skoda Kushaq.