Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara CNG Review

Introduction

In what can only be considered a brave move, Maruti Suzuki introduced CNG power to the Grand Vitara, its most costly model. This is a bold move on the part of Maruti since, as we all know, CNG was initially thought to be the fuel of choice for people on a tight budget. This is another significant advancement in Maruti's quest to provide alternative fuel sources.

It has now entered the Nexa line of vehicles, showing Maruti's direction for the foreseeable future. Before the release of the Grand Vitara CNG, Maruti had already offered CNG versions of the Nexa range's Baleno and XL6 vehicles.

The CNG model adds to the wide selection of Grand Vitara models, including petrol, mild-hybrid, strong-hybrid, and all-wheel drive models.

Starting at Rs 12.85 lakh (ex-showroom), Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara S-CNG is available in the nation in the Delta trim. Additionally, it is offered in the Zeta trim, which has an ex-showroom pricing of Rs 14.84 lakh. The Grand Vitara's S-CNG variants are designed to lower the SUV's operating costs significantly. Ultimately, it has a CNG fuel efficiency of 26.6 km/kg.

Shashank Srivastava, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India, commented on the occasion, saying,

"Since its launch in September 2022, the Grand Vitara has received a resounding response from Indian consumers, thanks to its SUV appeal, complemented by multiple future-ready powertrains."

The addition of the S-CNG option increases the Grand Vitara's attractiveness. By increasing our selection of green powertrains to 14 models, the Grand Vitara S-CNG will help us achieve our ambitious goals.

The renowned SmartPlay Pro+ touchscreen entertainment system is included with the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara S-CNG variant. Both Apple CarPlay & Android Auto are supported wirelessly by it. Additionally, it includes the Suzuki Connect telematics capability.

Specification

How is it on the inside?

The appearance and feel of the Grand Vitara's interior are the same between its CNG and petrol/mild hybrid versions. The only two noticeable alterations are the instrument cluster's CNG mode indication and the fuel switch button, located below the temperature control panel.

Compared to previous Maruti Suzuki models, the interior's design and construction are far superior. A large free-standing media screen dominates the cabin's interior design, a modern space with mostly high-quality plastics. The Grand Vitara's doors open widely, and entering the front or back accommodations is straightforward because the vehicle is elevated from the ground.

And once inside, there is enough room for four persons of average size to be comfortable.

What's on the feature list?

Both the Delta and Zeta versions of the Grand Vitara CNG are available. Thus, the middle two varieties receive the most modern characteristics. For instance, the pricier Zeta edition has automatic LED headlights, a rear wiper, auto-folding side mirrors, and a touchscreen infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

In addition to ABS and ESP, you receive up to six airbags. Unfortunately, Maruti does not provide CNG power in the top-tier Alpha edition, which has a panoramic sunroof, dual-tone exterior colors, a leather steering wheel, and a 360-degree vision camera system.

The Grand Vitara CNG's Zeta trim offers a good amount of standard equipment, including full-LED headlamps, 17-inch alloy wheels, a 9.0-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, connected vehicle technology, an engine start/stop button, four airbags, and a reversing camera with parking sensors. The SUV hasn't undergone any visual alterations besides a CNG emblem outside.

What's under the hood?

A 1.5-liter petrol engine with naturally aspirated combustion produces 103bhp and 136 Nm of torque to power the Grand Vitara CNG. These numbers are for the gasoline mode; however, switching to CNG gives you access to 87bhp and 121.5 Nm of torque.

The only available transmission for the CNG models is a five-speed manual, and neither an all-wheel drive setup nor a torque converter automatic is available. With Maruti boasting a mileage of 26.6 km per kilogram, the Grand Vitara CNG will be far less expensive to operate than any other type.

This engine, also available on the Ertiga and XL6 MPVs, generates 103 horsepower and 136 pound-feet of torque in petrol-only mode, which is 13 horsepower and 14.5 pound-feet fewer than the petrol model. Only a 5-speed manual transmission is available for the Grand Vitara CNG. In CNG mode, the Grand Vitara is advertised to have a fuel economy of 26.6 km/kg in comparison, the Baleno CNG produces 30.61km/kg.

Pricing and Rivals

There are two versions of the Grand Vitara CNG: Delta and Zeta. The Zeta, which has several contemporary amenities, costs Rs 14.84 lakh compared to the entry-level Delta's Rs 12.85 lakh. After saying goodbye to diesel power, Maruti is concentrating on the EV market. The company has released many CNG models in the previous two years, demonstrating its confidence in maintaining CNG power.

They are more affordable than identical petrol-powered versions and produce less emissions. Eventually, when diesel becomes less popular, petrol-CNG, hybrid, and BEV vehicles will be in demand, and Maruti will want to lead the way in developing alternative energy sources.

Variants

The Grand Vitara might provide a more extensive range of CNG variants than the Toyota Hyryder CNG, which is only offered in mid-spec S and G trims. For instance, the Grand Vitara's base trim can come with a CNG option. Currently, Delta and Zeta variants of the Grand Vitara CNG are confirmed to be available.

Grand Vitara CNG (Delta Variant)

• Halogen projector headlamps with LED DRLs
• Rear spoiler
• 17-inch steel wheels with wheel cover
• Front and rear silver skid plates
• Dual-tone black-brown interior
• 7.0-inch SmartPlay Pro infotainment screen
• Suzuki-connected car features
• Cruise control
• Rear fast-charging USB ports
• Paddle shifters (AT only)
• Android Auto, Apple CarPlay
• Alexa and Google Assistance
• 4-speaker sound system
• Reverse parking camera
• Steering mounted controls
• Keyless entry and go
• ABS with EBD
• Rear parking sensors
• ESP with hill hold
• 3-point seatbelts for all seats
• ISOFIX mounts

Grand Vitara CNG (Zeta Variant)

(In addition to Delta Variant)

• Chrome window line garnish
• Auto LED headlamps with follow-me-home function
• 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels
• Front wiper intermittent setting
• Rear windscreen wiper and washer
• Soft-touch dashboard and door inserts
• Ambient door lighting
• Auto-folding wing mirrors
• 9.0-inch SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment screen
• Arkamys sound system
• Side and curtain airbags

Final Review

The Grand Vitara will be the first Maruti SUV to provide compressed natural gas (CNG), following the release of the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder CNG. Although it is most likely to follow Grand Vitara CNG, Brezza CNG is also anticipated to come soon. Consequently, the Grand Vitara CNG may be unveiled simultaneously with the Toyota Hyryder CNG.

So, in contrast to other SUVs on the market, like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and several others, both cars will be the only Mid-size SUVs with the CNG grade. Here is a brief overview of the future car, including information on its engine, fuel economy, and trim levels that will support compressed natural gas.

The next-generation 1.5-liter, dual-jet, dual-VVT petrol engine used in the Grand Vitara CNG produces 86.6 hp of maximum power and 121.5 Nm of maximum torque in the CNG avatar and 99 bhp of maximum power and 136Nm of maximum torque in the petrol mode. No automatic transmission is available; the engine is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. According to claims, the Grand Vitara CNG gets 26.10 kilometers per kilogram.

The CNG Cylinder will be located in the car's trunk. Therefore, the outward profile of the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara CNG will be the same as the present Grand Vitara. The Toyota Hyryder CNG's 26.10 km/kg fuel economy will be equivalent to the new vehicle's. This is higher than the petrol engine with a moderate hybrid system and slightly less than the robust hybrid model's 27.97 km/l. A 5-speed manual transmission will be offered for the Grand Vitara CNG and Hyryder versions, respectively.