Maruti Suzuki's Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos rival will be called Grand Vitara

The upcoming Maruti Suzuki SUV developed alongside the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder will be sold as Grand Vitara. Pre-bookings are open ahead of its global unveiling on July 20, 2022.

Ahead of the world premiere of Maruti Suzuki's new SUV for the Indian market on July 20, the company has announced that it will carry the Grand Vitara badge. Developed alongside the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara will take on segment favourites like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos as well as the MG Astor, VW Taigun and Skoda Kushaq.

While the platform, powertrain, dashboard layout and features will be shared with the Toyota Hyryder, the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara will sport a different look when compared with its Toyota badged counterpart. A teaser released by Maruti Suzuki reveals the rear LED tail lamp signature that extends almost across the boot. Dimensions will be similar, if not the same, as the Hyryder which measures 4,365mm in length, 1,795mm in width and 1,635mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,600mm.

Engine options will also be the same as the Toyota - 1.5-litre petrol mild hybrid and 1.5-litre petrol strong hybrid. The hybrid powertrain has a combined power output of 116bhp and comes with an automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels. The 1.5-litre mild hybrid produces 102bhp and 135Nm and pairs with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. This variant will be available in an AWD format as well.

July 20, 2022 is when Maruti Suzuki will showcase this new SUV for the first time, with a launch expected to take place before the start of the festive season. It will be sold through the Nexa sales channel. Pre-bookings are now open and can be made with an initial payment of Rs 11,000. Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara is expected to be priced between Rs 12 and Rs 20 lakh, although the AWD and hybrid variants could breach the Rs 20 lakh mark. As mentioned earlier, rivals include the recently unveiled Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder along with the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, MG Astor, VW Taigun and Skoda Kushaq.

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