The SUV is now pricier by up to Rs 34,000 and has already been a part of three recalls over the last one year

Back in September 2022, Maruti launched the ‘Grand Vitara’ as its second attempt in the compact SUV segment. It replaced the S-Cross crossover as a stronger competitor to the Hyundai Creta and is positioned above the Maruti Fronx in the carmaker’s Nexa lineup. Let’s take a look at where things stand now, as the SUV completes one year since its launch:

An Increase In Prices

All prices ex-showroom Delhi

Compared to the Grand Vitara’s launch price, the SUV’s starting price has gone up by Rs 25,000. Its lower-spec mild-hybrid variants have become pricier by Rs 20,000, whereas the strong-hybrid variants now cost Rs 34,000 more.

Introduction Of CNG And Black Edition

Maruti introduced CNG variants of the Grand Vitara in early 2023, making it the first model in its segment to offer the alternative fuel option. The CNG variants were available in the Delta and Zeta trims of the SUV.

The CNG variants of the Grand Vitara are priced at a premium of up to Rs 1 lakh compared to their regular petrol counterparts.

Maruti briefly offered a Black Edition of the Grand Vitara, which was also showcased at the Auto Expo 2023. The Black Edition featured a fresh black shade, a matte silver finish for the chrome elements, and black treatment for the roof rails and alloy wheels. It was available in the higher-spec Zeta, Zeta+, Alpha, and Alpha+ variants.

Small Safety Feature Update

In July 2023, Maruti added an ‘acoustic vehicle alerting system’ (AVAS) to the strong-hybrid variants of the Grand Vitara. The AVAS alerts people around the SUV when it operates silently in EV mode.

No other changes have been made to the SUV’s equipment list. It still features a 9-inch touchscreen system, wireless phone charging, ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a heads-up display. Safety features include up to six airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounts, electronic stability program (ESP), and a 360-degree camera.

Also Read: Maruti Grand Vitara AWD 3000km Review

Recalled Thrice Already

The Maruti Grand Vitara has faced three recalls between late 2022 and early 2023. The first recall involved a possible problem in the shoulder height adjuster assembly of the front seat belts. The SUV was part of a total of 9,125 units of Maruti cars that were recalled. The second recall was due to a suspected issue in the airbag controller, affecting more than 17,000 models. The third recall was related to a possible defect in the rear seatbelt mounting brackets, affecting more than 11,000 units. All three recalls included its Toyota counterpart, the Urban Cruiser Hyryder.

Sales Performance So Far

The Grand Vitara received over 57,000 pre-orders even before its launch. The SUV’s strong-hybrid variants accounted for a quarter of the total bookings. In the last six months, the SUV has sold around 9,000 units, with total sales approaching 1 lakh. It holds over 20% of the market share in its segment, trailing behind the Hyundai Creta. Maruti also started exporting the Grand Vitara to 60 countries in early 2023.

Could Get A Crash-test Rating Soon

Maruti Suzuki may submit the Grand Vitara for crash tests conducted by the Bharat New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). This initiative by the government aims to evaluate car safety. If tested, the Grand Vitara could soon receive its own crash-test rating, further establishing itself as one of the safest compact SUVs.

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