Maruti Suzuki To Waste No Time In Revealing Creta Challenger

Note: All images in this article used for representational purposes. 

• Maruti Suzuki’s Hyundai Creta challenger will break cover on July 20.
• It will be based on the Toyota Hyryder and will get the same powertrains.
• The 1.5-litre engine gets mild and segment-first strong-hybrid assist.
• Features include a head-up display, ventilated front seats, and a digital driver display.
• Prices are likely to start at around Rs 9.5 lakh and will be sold via the Nexa retail chain.

Maruti Suzuki will take the wraps off its Creta Challenger, which is likely to be called the Grand Vitara, on July 20. The SUV – co-developed with Toyota – will enter the hotly contested compact SUV segment and will be Suzuki’s version of the Toyota Hyryder. It will be a petrol-only model with mild-hybrid, strong-hybrid and all-wheel drive options. 

Like the Hyryder, the upcoming Grand Vitara will be produced at Toyota’s facility in Karnataka and both SUVs will enter production in August. The Maruti compact SUV will utilise the same powertrain as the Hyryder, meaning it will get a 1.5-litre Suzuki-derived mild-hybrid and 1.5-litre Toyota-derived strong-hybrid power units. The former will also get all-wheel drive. 

Take a look at the detailed specifications:

When it comes to the styling, the Maruti version will feature distinctive bits to have its own unique identity and stand apart from the Hyryder. That said, don’t expect styling changes to be as profound as say the Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun. Even on the inside, the differences should be minor and could be limited to upholstery and colour options.

In terms of features, the SUV should get everything from the Hyryder, including a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, connected car tech, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, digital driver display, ambient lighting, a head-up display, Arkamys-tuned sound system and cruise control. Safety kit consists of six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, and ISOFIX anchorages. 

The Maruti SUV is likely to be priced from Rs 9.5 lakh (ex-showroom). Series production will commence from August, followed by launch soon after that. It will rival the Hyundai Creta, Skoda Kushaq, Kia Seltos, VW Taigun, MG Astor, and the upcoming Toyota Hyryder.