Latest news with #MarutiSuzukiGrandVitara


Hindustan Times
26-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Delhi: 5 held for impersonating cops, kidnapping chef for extortion
A property dealer and his four associates impersonated police and kidnapped a 30-year-old chef of a south Delhi restaurant to extort him of money by accusing him of being a drug peddler, police said, adding that the accused let the victim go after realising he had only ₹ 50 and a mobile phone. The accused were arrested on Wednesday, police said on Thursday. The victim in the latest case was identified as Joshua Hmar, who works at a restaurant in Malviya Nagar. (Representational image) During the crime the property dealer, identified by his single name Parvesh, wore a white t-shirt that said 'Delhi Police' along with the Delhi Police logo. Such t-shirts are worn by trainee police or city police sports teams, police said. Parvesh told police that he had worked as a 'police informer' but could not identify the team or individuals he worked with, police said. The accused told police they had committed two abductions for extortion using the same modus operandi in south Delhi recently but police said no complaints were filed in those cases. The victim in the latest case was identified as Joshua Hmar, who works at a restaurant in Malviya Nagar. 'Around 1.30 am on June 16, Hmar was walking on a road in Munirka and going to meet the manager of his restaurant in Malviya Nagar. Hmar was near a medical store when a Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara car stopped. Its five occupants identified themselves as Delhi Police officers and told him they were conducting surprise raids to nab drug peddlers. They accused Hmar of being a drug dealer and pulled him inside their car on the pretext of questioning him,' said deputy commissioner of police (southwest) Amit Goel. 'They drove for 30-35 minutes on south Delhi roads and threatened Hmar with arrest on drug selling charges if he did not pay them money. Hmar told them that he was not a drug peddler but a chef working in a restaurant who only had ₹ 50 in cash with him. Once convinced, the accused dropped him at an isolated spot in Munirka and fled,' said a second investigator. Hmar lodged his complaint the same day. Police registered a case of abduction for ransom, extortion, impersonating public servants, and criminal intimidation at the Kishangarh police station on June 24. Through technical investigation and human intelligence gathering, investigators first identified the car, established its ownership and arrested Parvesh, the mastermind of the crime. His interrogation led to the arrest of his four accomplices, police said. The other four were identified as Aryaman Chaudhary, 22, Ritik Gauhar, 23, Dev Anand Yadav, 23, and Sharman Rai, 22. Parvesh and Yadav are from Rajasthan while Chaudhary and Rai are from Kangra in Himachal Pradesh. Gauhar is from Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh.


Hindustan Times
07-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara: 5 reasons why the SUV is so popular in India
The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara was also showcased in an Adventure Concept earlier this year. The Maruti Grand Vitara brings a compelling mix of efficiency, AWD capability, tech features, and affordability, making it a top pick in the mid-size SUV space. Its strong hybrid variant sets a new benchmark for fuel economy, while recent updates keep it in tune with customer expectations. No wonder it has surpassed 3 lakh units in under three years, a figure that reflects its strong appeal across Indian markets. The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara recently crossed the 3 lakh sales milestone in just 32 months, a remarkable feat in India's highly competitive SUV segment. This mid-size SUV, which shares its platform and powertrains with the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, has quickly built a strong reputation. Leading the charge is its strong hybrid technology, backed by unique drivetrain options and a wide range of features. Here's a detailed look at five key reasons why the Grand Vitara continues to thrive: 1 Hybrid powertrain and fuel-efficiency A major reason behind the Grand Vitara's success is its 1.5-litre strong hybrid petrol engine, developed by Toyota and branded as the Intelligent Electric Hybrid system. This powertrain combines a 1,490cc three-cylinder Atkinson cycle M15A petrol engine producing 90 bhp and 122 Nm, with an electric motor delivering 79 bhp and 141 Nm. The combined system output is 1090 bhp, paired with an e-CVT gearbox. What makes this system highly efficient is its ability to run solely on electric power at low speeds, especially in stop-and-go traffic. The self-charging lithium-ion battery is recharged via regenerative braking and the petrol engine when required, meaning there's no need to plug it in. The result is an impressive ARAI-certified mileage of 27.97 kmpl, making it the most fuel-efficient SUV in its segment. For buyers on a budget, Maruti also offers a 1.5-litre K15C mild-hybrid engine producing 101.5 bhp and 137 Nm, mated to either a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed automatic, or AllGrip AWD (manual only). This engine has been made E20 ethanol-blend compliant, aligning with India's shift towards greener fuels. 2 AWD With automatic While several mid-size SUVs offer multiple drive modes or traction control settings, the Grand Vitara and its cousin, the Hyryder, are the only ones to offer true all-wheel drive (AWD) in this price bracket. Maruti calls it the AllGrip Select AWD system, which is available exclusively with the mild-hybrid MT variant. However, Maruti Suzuki has gone a step ahead by offering automatic transmission convenience on other variants, even though the AWD is manual-only. This gives the Grand Vitara a unique edge, it's the only SUV in its segment that offers AWD capability along with hybrid power and automatic gearbox options across the lineup. 4 Extensive service network and cost advantage Backed by Maruti Suzuki's 3,500+ strong dealer and service network, the Grand Vitara gets a clear advantage in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Despite the advanced hybrid tech, Maruti has priced the SUV competitively with lower running costs and an 8-year/1,60,000 km warranty on the hybrid battery, ensuring peace of mind. In terms of ownership cost, the Grand Vitara hybrid is one of the lowest in the segment, thanks to excellent fuel economy and Maruti's affordable spare parts and servicing. Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2024, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date: 07 Jun 2025, 10:59 AM IST NEXT ARTICLE BEGINS


India Today
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- India Today
3 lakh units sold in just 36 months, this is Maruti Suzuki's new trump card
Maruti Suzuki's Grand Vitara has raced ahead in the mid-size SUV segment, becoming the fastest model in its category to clock 3 lakh unit sales in just 32 months. The milestone marks a significant achievement for Maruti Suzuki, solidifying its foothold in the competitive SUV space.A major driver behind this success is the popularity of the Grand Vitara's Strong Hybrid variants, which registered 43% year-on-year growth in FY24-25. The model's appeal is further bolstered by features like the Suzuki ALLGRIP SELECT 4x4 system with 6-speed automatic transmission, combining performance and versatility. Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara advertisementPartho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing and Sales, MSIL, credited the customers for the success: 'We thank our 3 lakh strong Grand Vitara family for their trust in Maruti Suzuki. The Grand Vitara has been a catalyst in strengthening our position in the mid-SUV market, combining bold design, advanced technology, and safety features tailored for the tech-savvy Indian consumer.' To commemorate the achievement, Maruti Suzuki has launched a new campaign titled 'Driven by Tech'. The television commercial depicts the Grand Vitara as an extension of its users' personalities — featuring a tech entrepreneur who values hybrid performance and a businesswoman who thrives off-road with ALLGRIP 2025 Grand Vitara also brings refreshed offerings, including optional panoramic sunroofs in Zeta and Alpha variants, alongside upgrades like R17 alloy wheels, 360 camera, ventilated seats, wireless charging dock, and a Clarion sound system. Safety remains a key focus with six airbags, 3-point seat belts on all seats, ESP with hill hold assist, ABS with EBD, and Isofix child seat mounts standard across all Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara comes with two distinct powertrains: a 1.5-litre Intelligent Electric Hybrid and a 1.5-litre K-series Dual Jet, Dual VVT engine paired with Smart Hybrid technology. The electric hybrid variant, coupled with an e-CVT, delivers a combined output of 115.56bhp and 122Nm of peak torque. In comparison, the K-series engine produces 103bhp and 136.8Nm of torque, and is available with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic the K-series engine also offers a four-wheel drive option equipped with Suzuki's ALLGRIP system, featuring Auto, Sport, Snow, and Lock drive modes for enhanced versatility across Suzuki India Limited reported total sales of 180,077 units in May 2025, reflecting a 3.2% growth over the 174,551 units sold in the same month last year. This increase was primarily driven by a sharp rise in exports, which surged by 79.8% to 31,219 units from 17,367 units in May domestic sales saw a slight dip, with 138,690 units sold compared to 146,694 units a year earlier. Within this, passenger vehicle sales declined to 135,962 units from 144,002 units, while sales of the Super Carry light commercial vehicle edged up to 2,728 units from 2,692 units. Deliveries to other OEMs also dropped slightly to 10,168 units from 10,490 the overall domestic decline, the utility vehicle segment — which includes popular models like the Brezza, Ertiga, and Grand Vitara — showed resilience, posting a modest 1.3% increase in sales to 54,899 units from 54,204 units in May to Auto Today MagazineMust Watch


India Today
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- India Today
Maruti Suzuki's new 5-seater SUV Escudo coming this Diwali
Maruti Suzuki is gearing up to introduce a new mid-size SUV, likely to be called the Escudo, which is expected to hit the market during the festive season this year. Codenamed Y17, the Escudo will slot between the sub-4 metre SUV, Brezza and the Grand Vitara, targeting the fiercely competitive mid-size SUV segment. The vehicle aims to challenge established players like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Escudo is expected to be built on the Global-C platform, featuring a longer wheelbase and increased boot space compared to the Grand Vitara. This new SUV will likely measure over 4,345 mm in length and will remain a 5-seater, focusing on spacious interiors. Its design is likely to incorporate elements from the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, while retaining the brand's signature styling. Image Credit: GaadiWaadi In 2024, Maruti trademarked the name "Escudo" in India. Suzuki already uses this name for the Grand Vitara in several international markets, including its home turf, Japan. The increase in size is likely intended to provide a larger boot, making the SUV more practical for families and long trips. Currently, the Grand Vitara offers 373 litres of boot space, while the Creta provides 433 litres. This strategic positioning ensures the Escudo appeals to families seeking a versatile yet stylish the hood, the Escudo will retain Grand Vitara's powertrain options, offering a range of options to cater to diverse preferences. A 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 104bhp will serve as the base option, while a CNG option delivering 88bhp will also be available, reflecting Maruti's focus on cost-effective fuel choices. A 116bhp petrol-hybrid variant for improved fuel efficiency is under Suzuki currently offers the Grand Vitara through its Nexa chain of dealerships apart from vehicles like Ignis, Baleno, Fronx, Jimny, XL6, and Invicto. The demand for a bigger and more premium SUV is rather strong in the Arena chain as well. therefore, Maruti has decided to create this new SUV to cater to the Arena dealerships. This will allow the new SUV to take on a larger market, thereby getting the company volumes. Through the Arena channel, Maruti currently sells only one SUV, which is the Brezza. Image Credit: GaadiWaadi Speculations had suggested that the new SUV might be a seven-seater variant of the popular Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara. However, it seems Maruti changed its plans and will launch the Escudo Escudo's arrival comes at a pivotal time for Maruti Suzuki, which is also preparing to launch its first electric SUV, the e Vitara, in September 2025. By offering both ICE and electrified models, Maruti aims to capture a larger share of the evolving automotive to Auto Today Magazine


NDTV
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- NDTV
Upcoming Maruti Suzuki SUVs To Wait For- E Vitara To Grand Vitara 7 Seater
Maruti Suzuki India, despite being the largest car maker in the country, is targeting sales growth. To gain numbers, the automaker has plans to expand its model lineup with the addition of new models in the range. These new cars will cover various segments, creating space for the Indian automaker in new territories. For instance, with the new models, the OEM will enter the market of electric vehicles among other segments. Here we take a look at the details of these upcoming models. Maruti Suzuki e Vitara When discussing the Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara, it's important to highlight that this will be the brand's first electric vehicle in its segment. Additionally, it will serve as the flagship model within a burgeoning segment that features competitors such as the Hyundai Creta EV, MG ZS EV, and Mahindra BE 6. To secure a robust market position, the EV will be available with two different battery capacities: 49 kWh and 61 kWh, offering a certified range of up to 500 km. Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara 7-Seater The Grand Vitara will be the brand's first SUV designed as a 7-seater. Based on earlier leaked spy images, it will adhere to the brand's design aesthetic. As a version with additional seating, this SUV will be relatively longer, maintaining shared styling elements with the current Grand Vitara. Additionally, the vehicle will feature a completely redesigned front end along with a new look for the rear. However, the overall shape is expected to remain consistent, albeit with a fresh design for the alloy wheels. Regarding the powertrain, the seven-seater Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara will probably utilize the same engine options as the existing five-seater model. This suggests it will come equipped with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, available in both FWD and AWD configurations, and transmission choices that include a five-speed manual or a six-speed torque converter. There will also be a hybrid engine option consisting of a 1.5-litre unit paired with a CVT. Maruti Suzuki Hustler The company is also working on another new SUV, called the Hustler. The design of the Maruti Suzuki Hustler reflects its Kei car heritage. It features a compact shape with a boxy profile. The variant that was previously spotted in the country showcased a dual-tone finish with plastic cladding along the sides. It also had a flat, upright hood and relatively small wheels. With all these characteristics, its length measures less than 3.3 meters, and the wheelbase is approximately 2.4 meters. Information about the Suzuki Hustler is limited, but it is anticipated to be equipped with a 660 cc engine, delivering 48 hp in its naturally aspirated variant.