Maruti launches Grand Vitara

Maruti Udyog Ltd has announced that the Company on July 05, 2007 has launched the new Grand Vitara. It is a stylish, muscular, 5-seater SUV.

It comes with a 2-litre VIS engine, and offers authentic off-road experience alongside the luxury, driveability and superior ride quality required in city conditions.

The Grand Vitara is Suzuki's third generation SUV. It is among Suzuki's global strategic models, along with Swift and SX4 and has received rave reviews in advanced markets like Japan, USA and Germany.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. S Nakanishi, Chairman of the Company said, "India is a very important and evolving market for Suzuki. India's automobile market is ranked among the top 10 in the world in terms of volume. Suzuki and Maruti believe that we have to diversify our product line up to meet rapidly changing customer demands. The launch of Grand Vitara is a step in that direction."

The Grand Vitara will not be manufactured at the Maruti plants in India. It is imported from Japan as a completely built unit.

This is the fifth, new product offering by Maruti in the last 12 months. All the previous four models - WagonR Duo, Zen Estilo, Swift Diesel, and SX4 - have been huge successes.

Global engine with global performance

The new Grand Vitara is powered with J series, VIS engine with a capacity of 2.0 litre (1995 cc).

The 16 valves, dual camshaft, drive-by-wire engine produces, a maximum power output of 119.5 bhp @5500 rpm. The engine has a torque of 170 Nm @ 3500 rpm.

A unique feature of the new Grand Vitara is "All time 4-mode 4x4". This technology delivers optimum power to all four wheels all the time in any mode. This enables the vehicle to offer better control and authentic SUV experience.

The center lockable differential and 'traction enhancer' leads to an effortless movement in deep sand or mud, the preferred terrain of the SUV enthusiast.

The Grand Vitara also offers a choice of a 5-speed manual gearbox, and a 4-speed automatic gearbox with power mode.

Looks and Style

The new Grand Vitara is a stylish, muscular SUV with a clam shell bonnet. The rising waistline with wrap-around head & tail lamps, flared wheel arches impart a rich and sporty look.

The central instrumentation is done aesthetically, inspired by cascading waterfall. Together with steering mounted controls and rich dark interiors, this provides class.

The new Grand Vitara is available in an array of nine colours.

The SUV has a monocoque construction, with a built-in ladder frame. This enhances off road performance. The large 16-inch tyres, 225 mm wide and a high ground clearance of 200 mm lend stature and presence to the SUV.

Safety

As befits its class, the new Grand Vitara comes with Suzuki Total Safety package. This consists of ABS, EBD and Booster with Brake Assist, Dual airbags along with other safety features like seat belt pretensioners and force limiters.

In the EURO NCAP testing, the new Grand Vitara has got a high rating of 4.

The high seating provides better visibility. The Multi-reflector + halogen projector headlamps enhance lighting in designated areas.

Other feature include:

- A generous boot space of 398 litres. This expands to 758 litres once the rear seatback is tumble folded. The luggage capacity of the vehicle in maximum volume is 1368 litres

- A fuel consumption display

- Pollen filter in the AC

- Over a dozen storage spaces, big and small

- In-dash CD player with automatic volume control

Suzuki Motor Corporation and SUVS

While Indian customers are aware of Suzuki Motor Corporation's global leadership in mini and small cars, many do not know of its leadership in the 4x4 arena, particularly in compact SUVs.

The Suzuki connection with SUVs goes back three decades when SMC began manufacturing 4x4 vehicles way back in 1968 with the LJ-10. SMC was the first Company to go in for a mass production of 4x4 in Japan's domestic market.

A few years later, it evolved a modified version, called LJ-50. This one came with a 550 cc engine and made its mark in the export markets, including Australia where it was a runaway success. In the journey, SMC launched products like Samurai and Jimny which became world wide hits.

The brand Vitara was born in the year 1988. The first Vitara was a 3-door SUV with a 1.6 litre alloy engine, a separate steel chassis and part time four-wheel drive system.

Over the years, the Vitara underwent many changes and contributed to the evolution of SUVs. From vehicles known for Powerful Engines, Rugged Build Quality, Large and Durable Tyres and Four Wheel Drive Options, SUVs became vehicles that had all these features plus Status and Prestige, Great Styling and Looks, Plush Interiors and Convenience.

The new Grand Vitara is the third generation Vitara to be offered by SMC globally, after the second generation XL-7 which was launched in India in 2003.

Source : Equity Bulls

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