All roads lead to hybrid: 2023 Suzuki Grand Vitara lands in Indonesia, PH next?

The 2023 Suzuki Grand Vitara with Suzuki's mild hybrid technology was introduced at the 2023 Indonesia International Motor Show.  

Featuring an all-new design and a new engine and transmission, the latest edition of the Japanese company's crossover will be geared towards more fuel-efficient operation while serving the needs of SUV buyers.

"Currently, there is a movement in trends and needs in the automotive industry, with SUVs dominating. In addition, public awareness of environmentally friendly vehicles is also increasing. With a comprehensive study, Grand Vitara offers premium SUVs that are equipped with the latest sophisticated features and electrification technology so that fuel use will be more efficient," explained Matsushita Ryohei, Sales Marketing Director of Suzuki Indonesia.

Tale of the tape

Based on information and photos provided by our Autofun Indonesia colleagues, the 2023 Suzuki Grand Vitara is slightly longer than the Hyundai Creta, the Kia Seltos, and its old Vitara namesake. The Grand Vitara is 4,345 mm long, 1,795 mm wide, and 1,645 mm tall. Its wheelbase stretches to 2,600 mm. 

A new K15C Duel Jet engine resides under the hood, different from the 1.5-liter mill used in the Ertiga. It makes use of two fuel injectors per cylinder with the second one introducing fuel to the high-compression combustion chamber to lower operating temperatures and reduce the occurrence of engine knocking.

But like the Ertiga Hybrid, the 2023 Suzuki Grand Vitara will be equipped with an Integrated Starter Generator and Lithium-ion battery for mild hybrid operation. 

The engine's 103 PS and 136 Nm of torque are transferred to the wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters

If this 2023 Grand Vitara looks taller off the ground, it's because it has 210 mm of ground clearance, which is higher than the previous Vitara's 185 mm ride height. Suspension duties are done by MacPherson struts up front and a Torsion beam layout in the rear. 

Goodies to expect

As its name suggests, the 2023 Grand Vitara will come with premium features such as LED projector headlamps with Autolight and Guide Me Light functions, a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless mobile phone charging, cruise control, a Heads-Up Display, and get this, a Panoramic Sunroof.

Safety has also been improved with six airbags, Electronic Stability Program, ABS, Brake Assist and Electronic Brake-force Distribution, a 360-degree camera, parking sensors, and Hill Hold Control.

Two variants will be available in Indonesia, but both will have the Smart Hybrid setup. The only differences would be in feature set and color choices, and the higher GX variant gets a two-tone treatment with a blacked-out roof. However, no price has been indicated as of press time. 

Indonesia will get its allocation from Maruti Suzuki's manufacturing plant in India. 

Does the 2023 Suzuki Grand Vitara look enticing to you? Should Suzuki Philippines bring this in to add to its hybrid offerings?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Mikko David

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With an automotive career spanning 27 years as a former touring car racer turned automotive journalist and photographer, Mikk...

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