Suzuki’s only true-blue SUV in India, the Vitara, has been spotted at a Maruti Suzuki dealership. The Vitara was first launched back in 2003 with a V6 petrol engine and was replaced by the next generation of the SUV in 2007. The speculations of the SUV making a comeback to India have gained momentum after the recent developments.
The Suzuki Vitara competes with the Honda CR-V and is a large 5-seater SUV. The twin-slat grille with twin wrap around headlamps dominate the front. The bumper gets an integrated skid plate with fog lamps and vertical daytime running lamps. On the side, the bold shoulder line and the slightly flared wheel arches give it a brawny look. The Vitara rear looks quite like the S-Cross.
Globally, the Vitara is sold with a 1.6-litre petrol engine that develops 120bhp of power and 156Nm of torque and comes with a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic option. It also gets the 1.6-litre diesel engine, the DDiS 320, which has already made it to India with the S-Cross. The 120bhp diesel engine develops 320Nm of torque and comes with a manual gearbox.
Maruti has been working on products for the SUV and crossover segment – the highest growing segment in India – to be sold under the premium Nexa dealerships. The Vitara will be an extension to the SUV/crossover portfolio of MSIL which has the S-Cross and the upcoming YBA sub-four-metre compact SUV and the Maruti Ignis.
Maruti Suzuki has imported only three units of the Vitara, one in a bright shade of orange with a white roof like the Range Rover Evoque while the other car is blue in colour and comes with a black top. The production car will be locally built which means, the three imported units will certainly be on display at the Delhi Auto Expo to be held in February 2016.
