I own a hybrid Grand Vitara and would like to know whether the electric cells in a hybrid also serve the needs of air-conditioning and other electrical peripherals. If there is a separate battery for these functions, does it get charged automatically by the engine when the car is in idle condition?

Autocar India

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The top-spec Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Alpha Plus is well-equipped, and the extremely efficient hybrid powertrain will be ideal for your usage. The asking price of Rs 16 lakh for a 2022 model with 66,000km on the odometer is on the higher side. We would recommend you negotiate the price down to around Rs 14 lakh. Also, you need to factor in an additional Rs 30,000-40,000 (depending on the brand you opt for) for a new set of tyres. Since your usage is primarily on the highway, we'd advise you to replace the tyres immediately after taking delivery.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Autocar India

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Considering your requirements, the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara would be a good option to consider. It has good space for five adults, and the petrol engine with the manual gearbox is frugal. It handles well and has a good ride that is tuned with respect to our road conditions. It has not been officially tested by BNCAP or GNCAP, but since it is based on the same platform as the Maruti Suzuki Brezza (which received a 4-star safety rating), the Grand Vitara, with its added features, is likely to earn a minimum of 4 stars.The other option would be the Hyundai Creta with its naturally aspirated engine that is well-suited to the city. It has good space, a comfy ride and good safety, but it will not be as efficient as the Maruti car.Since fuel efficiency is a high priority, we would recommend the Grand Vitara.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Hyundai Creta

Autocar India

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Since your annual driving isn't all that high, it would be sensible to buy a petrol SUV. A diesel, or strong hybrid, makes sense if you end up driving a lot more to save on fuel cost and offset the premium you pay during purchase. The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara would be a good option to consider since it will tick the boxes you want. It is easy to drive and comfortable over Indian roads, has a good boot, and the 1.5-litre petrol engine with mild-hybrid tech is efficient too. In comparison to its rivals, the Grand Vitara returns better fuel efficiency. Being a Maruti, it has a good reach of service centres and spares available at an affordable cost, and if you do end up on tricky roads often, there is also the AllGrip version that gets AWD for better traction and grip. If not, the Alpha (O) trim is the top-spec and is generous with features and equipment.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara