New Suzuki Grand Vitara has Hyundai Creta in its crosshairs

New Suzuki Grand Vitara has Hyundai Creta in its crosshairs

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Last week, Suzuki showcased its all-new Grand Vitara, which is the latest entrant in the cut-throat mid-size SUV fold. It'll be built with the help of Toyota Kirloskar as per the mutual partnership between the two entities.

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Coming in with a length of 4,345 mm, a width of 1,795 mm, and a height of 1,645 mm, it's bigger by some margin compared to the current Vitara. On the outside, the new Grand Vitara features a flushed bonnet, crafted chrome grille, distinctive three-point signature lamps, a chrome grille bar, and a polygonal grille.

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The interior gets a black and burgundy dual-tone treatment with silver-stitched synthetic leather in the instrument panel; a panoramic sunroof, head-up display, ventilated seats, and a 360-degree camera. For added comfort, the Grand Vitara is fitted with built-in Suzuki Connect, wireless-charging and rear AC vents.

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The regular Suzuki Vitara that's currently sold in SA is available in two engine options; a 1.5-litre four-cylinder naturally-aspirated engine and a 1.4-litre turbocharged unit. The new Grand Vitara, on the other hand, is available in two hybridised powertrains for enhanced efficiency.

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These include a 1.5-litre intelligent hybrid engine with 85 kW of power. This particular engine is wielded to an e-CVT unit with multiple drive modes such as EV, Eco, Power, and Normal.

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The other unit is powered by a 1.5-litre K-series engine with progressive smart hybrid technology that's good for 76 kW and 137 Nm of torque, accessed either via a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The new Grand Vitara will come standard with a front-wheel-drive setup, but Suzuki will offer the All-Grip AWD system as an option.

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Suzuki's Grand Vitara is earmarked for export to the African continent. However, factors such as local availability, as well as local market-related specifics, remain unknown at this stage.

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