Playing second fiddle is not something Maruti Suzuki likes to do and to address the S-Cross’ lacklustre performance in the mid-size SUV segment, it is readying the Grand Vitara. Besides being the company’s latest stab at the thriving segment, the Grand Vitara also brings in strong-hybrid technology as well as all-wheel-drive — both unique in this segment.
So, while on a media tour of its R&D facilities, when Maruti Suzuki asked if we would like a short drive, we said yes. And while it was a very short drive, with just a single loop of the banked track, highway loop and city simulation — we did gather some interesting first impressions.
Of the three powertrains we sampled, the strong-hybrid was the one we were most curious about given that it is a Toyota system integrated into the Suzuki Global-C platform that underpins the Grand Vitara. The three cylinder 1.5-litre Atkinson Cycle engine develops 92hp and 122Nm of torque and is paired to an electric motor that makes 79hp and 141Nm of torque. Combined power output stands at 115hp — modest numbers especially when held against the Creta 1.4 Turbo’s 140hp or the Skoda Kushaq’s 1.5 litre TSI that makes 150hp. And as you would expect it is not quick.
