BY Mike Ochonma.
The Suzuki Grand Vitara nameplate is making a comeback but the new version is nothing like the spec that one might remember.
While the previous Grand Vitara, which bowed out in 2019, was a rugged off-road vehicle with part-time four-wheel drive, the teaser image shows that the new version will be an urban-biased SUV based on the new Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder.
For industry followers not to be confused with the current Urban Cruiser and Vitara Brezza, the new Toyota Hyryder is a somewhat larger vehicle that is similar in size to the Hyundai Creta.
While it has become the norm for Indian-built Toyota models to be built by Maruti Suzuki, the new Grand Vitara will in fact be produced by Toyota at its plant in Bengaluru.
Expect the Grand Vitara to mirror the Hyryder in offering two powertrain options in the form of a conventional 1.5-litre petrol engine that produces 75kW and a hybrid version that’s good for 85kW.
Although most models will inevitably be front-wheel driven, an all-wheel drive option is also said to be on the cards for the Suzuki model.
“Prepare to witness a new breed of SUVs that is about to change the game following the planned introduction of the retooled Grand Vitara,” Suzuki said.
