In its initial foray into the Indian market, the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, though praised by many automotive experts, was not able to create much of a stir. Having received a face lift in the recent past, it was thought that the Suzuki Grand Vitara would continue in its current form for a few years, but the Japanese manufacturer has thought of building the SUV on the Kizashi platform, for 2015. One can expect the 2015 model to have greater agility and body control due to the change in platform.
Though the first face lift of the vehicle was not seen in India, the 2015 model would come as a CBU (Completely Built Unit), as per Financial Express. This would house a 2.4 litre petrol engine, capable of producing a power of 163.5 bhp. It would have Variable Valve timing and would be mated to a 5 speed manual gearbox. The Grand Vitara may also get a 4 speed automatic gearbox, as a variant.
In the European automotive market, the Grand Vitara is powered by a 1.9 litre Fiat Multijet diesel engine, which generates a power of 128 bhp. The diesel variant is known to be delivering a mileage of 18.2 kmpl. One feels that the diesel variant is ideally suited to meet the demands of Indian customers. However, Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) feels that it is bringing the Kizashi and the Grand Vitara only for brand building, and not to boost sales. Currently, it is the hatchback and the entry-level sedan segments that drive sales for MSIL in the country.
