Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara CNG Re-Launched in India with 6 Airbags

Maruti Suzuki has re-launched the Grand Vitara CNG in India with a significant safety upgrade. The popular mid-size SUV now comes equipped with six airbags as standard across both its CNG variants. This move is part of Maruti’s broader safety strategy, where the company aims to offer six airbags in all its passenger vehicles by the end of 2025.

The Grand Vitara CNG had previously been discontinued for a short time amid the petrol model updates early this year, but now it's back with improved safety and value. The two models available are the Delta and the Zeta, which cost ₹13.48 lakh and ₹15.62 lakh (ex-showroom) respectively. These are about ₹95,000 more than their equivalent petrol versions. But the extra cost means improved safety and the benefit of running on CNG, which is much lower than petrol.

The SUV gets the same 1.5-litre K15C DualJet engine as its petrol equivalent. The engine in CNG operation produces 88 PS of power and 121.5 Nm of torque. It gets only a 5-speed manual gearbox. One of the biggest advantages of the Grand Vitara CNG is its reported mileage of 26.6 km/kg, one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in its class. This makes it an excellent option for those who commute long distances daily or wish to save on fuel expenses.

Safer Than Ever

Safety is the biggest advantage of the re-launched variant. Maruti Suzuki has also included six airbags as a standard on Delta and Zeta trims. These are supplemented with dual front airbags, side airbags, and curtain airbags, providing additional protection for every passenger. The SUV also gets other important safety aspects, including Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Hill Hold Assist, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), rear disc brakes, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and ISOFIX child seat anchor points. These features also make the Grand Vitara CNG a safer choice for families and people who drive in city traffic.

Feature-wise, the Delta trim receives all the fundamental comforts like a 7-inch SmartPlay Studio touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, steering-mounted switches, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), and ORVMs with electric adjustment. Even though it receives the fundamental necessities, those in need of more premium comforts may find the Zeta trim more attractive.

The Zeta CNG also has a host of features that make driving and comfort more convenient. The features include front ventilated seats, wireless mobile charging, an air purifier with PM2.5 filter, a rearview camera, automatic climate control, keyless go with push-button start, and a 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ touchscreen infotainment system with a 6-speaker Clarion audio system. It also has Suzuki Connect with over 40 connected car features and rear air conditioning vents for added passenger convenience. This further makes the Zeta trim more appealing for customers who are looking for a balance of functionality and premium features.

One trade-off of the CNG model is that there is a loss of boot space. Like most factory-fitted CNG vehicles, the Grand Vitara puts the tank inside the boot, taking up cargo space. This might be a problem for people who regularly load up big loads of luggage, but for commuting in cities and short runs, it will be irrelevant.

The Grand Vitara CNG stands out in the Indian automobile market as one of the rare CNG options in the mid-size SUV category. Its nearest competition is Toyota's Urban Cruiser Hyryder CNG, with which it shares its platform and engine. Maruti Suzuki introduced the Grand Vitara CNG as a fuel-efficient, secure, and family-friendly SUV for buyers who are looking for an affordable alternative to petrol or diesel.

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Overall, the return of the Grand Vitara CNG is a timely move by Maruti Suzuki. With decent fuel efficiency, improved safety with six airbags, and a host of features, it's a good value offering in the market. Whether it's an SUV that is city-friendly or a budget long-commute vehicle, the Grand Vitara CNG is a serious contender that is not easily resistible on both cost and safety fronts.