The 5th generation of Suzuki Grand Vitara is introduced in India as the marriage of Toyota and Suzuki has started giving offspring. It began in Europe where Toyota [Rav4 and Corolla Touring] models were rebadged as Suzuki models, while in India, Toyota Urban Cruiser and Toyota Glanza are actually Suzuki products.
Joint Venture of Toyota & Suzuki
The new Grand Vitara seems to be a Suzuki, but it’s actually a twin of the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, which was revealed in India a few weeks ago. Basically, the new Grand Vitara is a joint venture product of Toyota and Suzuki. We can say more than it is prominently based on Suzuki Global C- Platform, also known as the TECT platform.
Exterior
On the exterior, Suzuki brings in their design language with a different grille, LED headlights and LED taillights, and some other minor aesthetics to make it looks different from Toyota model; otherwise, they share the same body panels. The new Grand Vitara is 171-inch long, 70.7-inch wide, with a wheelbase of 102.4-inch and a height of 64.8-inch.
Interior
The 5-seater Vitara and its Toyota twin have identical designs on the interior. 9-inch touch screen infotainment screen with smartphone integration and capable of Suzuki connect features. There is a 7-inch digital cluster, and a heads-up display is also available. Features like a premium sound system, panoramic sunroof, wireless charger, 360 camera and rear AC vents are also available depending on the trim level.
Engine
As for stuff under the bonnet, Vitara and Toyota Hyryder share an identical setup. There are two engine options. The base model gets a Suzuki 1.5L K-series dual Jet engine with mild hybrid technology, which uses ISG, a starter motor-generator, and a small 6Ah lithium-ion battery. This engine makes 101hp and 135Nm of torque. Meanwhile, a 5-speed or 6-speed automatic is available, and Suzuki AllGrip AWD technology is also an option. The AllGrip select has a dial-type controller, which can select Auto, Sport, Snow, or Lock. This engine variant will be capable of up to 21.11 kilometers per liter of fuel economy.
The second engine option uses Toyota’s 1.5L naturally aspirated engine and is a fully self-charging hybrid model. This uses a larger motor and lithium battery with a combined output of 114hp and 141Nm of torque. This model is only available with front-wheel drive and uses an e-CVT transmission which is again Toyota sourced.
Driving Modes
It comes with driving modes like EV, Eco, Power, and Normal. In EV mode, the model can travel up to 26 kilometers on fully electric without any input from the engine. As per Suzuki, this model will also be the most fuel-efficient crossover in India, with an expected fuel economy of 27.97 kilometers per liter.
Safety
The Grand Vitara will come equipped with 6 Airbags, including side and curtain, stability control, and Hill Descent Control. Indian market will not receive any active safety features, known as ADAS, but other markets are expected to get these features.
As of now, the Suzuki Vitara will be manufactured exclusively at the Toyota plant by Toyota in India alongside its twin Toyota Hyryder. The model will also be exported to other countries in Africa and possibly Europe.
Price
No pricing for India yet, but it is expected to be around 1 Million for the base model while fully loaded around 1.7 Million.
Toyota – Suzuki Mashup
Toyota- Suzuki joined hands on a global level around 03 years ago and signed a joint venture deal. As per the deal, Toyota bought a 4.94% stake in Suzuki worth $910 Million, while Suzuki will invest by acquiring Toyota shares worth $452 Million, which is 0.2%. The technical joint venture will develop shared technologies, engines, transmissions, hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles, and autonomous driving. The main aim is to help each other and get market penetration for their partner in their respective strongholds.
As an initial joint product offering, Suzuki will use Toyota’s global platform TNGA and release two Hybrid vehicles based on Rav4 and the 12th generation Corolla Wagon. These vehicles will be with the Suzuki logo but heavily based on Toyotas models. These Toyota-based vehicles will be offered in Europe by Suzuki. Suzuki will also offer a hatchback based on the Corolla hatchback for specific European countries. On the other side of the fence, Suzuki will make vehicles for Toyota, based on Ciaz and Ertiga. These will be sold with Toyota badge for Indian and some African markets.
The venture will help Toyota and Suzuki to expand their global market reach. The mutual relationship and product offering is not necessarily applied to every country, and market Toyota and Suzuki operate. It will only apply to certain countries in Europe and India. For reference, Toyota is already cutting down on its product offering in the Indian market, and an example, the world’s best-selling car, Corolla, is discontinued in India. Suzuki will rebadge Suzuki brand vehicles with Toyota badge on them for India.
India and Toyota Sales in India
Just before Covid-19, Suzuki sold over 1.5 million units in India in 2019, while Toyota sold less than 130,000. As for Europe, Suzuki sold around 260,000 units in 2019, while Toyota sold a little over a million units across Europe. This will help you understand the need for partnership. Please remember that the venture is only for Europe, African and Indian markets. Not for Pakistan, so don’t confuse it.
