I am interested in purchasing either the Toyota Hyryder or the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara because of their fuel efficiency. However, my question is: while these cars may be E20 fuel compliant, given that the government is pushing towards higher ethanol blends like E85 and E100, should I wait for the upcoming CAFE III norms and the launch of vehicles that are compatible with these fuels?

Autocar India

•2m

Go ahead and buy the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara or Hyryder now. Waiting for E85 or E100-ready cars does not make practical sense.

The current reality is that E20 is the standard fuel in India, and cars like the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara are already engineered to run on it without any issues. That means from a fuel compatibility and regulatory standpoint, you are already covered for the foreseeable future.

While there has been talk about E85 and even E100, that is more of a long-term direction than an immediate shift. These fuels require flex-fuel engines, changes in fuel infrastructure and wider manufacturer support. Even if policies are announced, it will take time before such cars are widely available, tested and practical for everyday use.

More importantly, the market direction is also moving strongly towards hybrids and electrification, not just higher ethanol blends. In that sense, cars like the Hyryder and Grand Vitara hybrid are already aligned with where things are headed.

Explore cars mentioned

Maruti Suzuki

Grand Vitara

from ₹12.75 Lakh

Toyota

Urban Cruiser Hyryder

from ₹13.01 Lakh

More questions on similar cars

Raj

•1d

I have shortlisted Elevate, Grand Vitara, and Seltos, all with automatic transmission. My budget range is between 15 and 19 lakh. Based on features and in-cabin interiors, the new Seltos stands out, though Elevate’s boot space can't be ignored. The interiors don't look premium. Is there any other SUV in the same segment? My running will be mostly in the city.

Autocar India

•1h

Your observations are correct, and for your budget, the Kia Seltos HTK(O) Petrol CVT is the best fit for you. The IVT or CVT is among the smoother automatic gearboxes that work best at low speeds, so it feels best in traffic. You already like the Seltos for features and the rich cabin, and this trim gives you that premium feel without jumping past your budget. The boot is not the biggest here, but it is shaped well and will take daily bags and a couple of suitcases without fuss, so for city life it works.Keep in mind, a few high-end features sit on pricier trims, so if you chase every extra, you could stretch your budget. From your list, the other strong city choice is the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara. Though the strong hybrid variant would have been ideal, it won't fit in your budget, so you'll have to settle for the mild-hybrid petrol Alpha variant. It's not bad, and uses a torque-converter automatic, which is just as smooth as the Kia's CVT, but it feels down on power, and its rear seat isn't as spacious. And yes, while the Honda Elevate is a good all-rounder, it feels a bit too ordinary in this company.

Kia Seltos

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Honda Elevate

Narayan

•1w

Hi Autocar team, I am planning to upgrade my vehicle. I currently own a Nissan Terrano, which has done over 3.5 lakh km and still runs very well. However, due to its age, its parts are wearing out, and Nissan service takes a long time (often 15 days to a month) to replace parts, sometimes even suggesting unnecessary replacements. I am confused between the Victor's Strong Hybrid and the GV Strong Hybrid. I am getting a good discount on the GV. My main concern is that the GV does not have a crash test rating, whereas the Victor's has a 5-star rating. Plus, can you tell me how much I'll pay in tolls for ride quality? Since Terrano has excellent suspension, is that acceptable, or should I avoid Maruti Duo & Toyota? After-sales service is very important to me, so if you suggest any other vehicles, please recommend from well-established brands.

Autocar India

•1d

The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Maruti Suzuki Victoris share the same Global C platform and are structurally as well as mechanically identical, so the crash structure and safety levels should be very similar. However, since you're concerned about having a certified 5-star rating, the Victoris is the safer bet as it has been officially crash-tested by Bharat NCAP and awarded a 5-star rating for both adult and child occupant protection. The rating applies to all Victoris variants, including the strong hybrid models. The Victoris is also the newer model with additional features like a larger 10.1-inch infotainment system, ADAS, and improved tech over the Grand Vitara.Regarding everyday use, the strong hybrid powertrain is exceptionally well-suited for city driving with long daily commutes. The system operates in near-silent EV mode for extended periods in city traffic, switches seamlessly between electric and petrol modes, and delivers excellent fuel efficiency. This Toyota-based strong hybrid technology is both smooth and refined in operation.As for ride quality, you will need to adjust your expectations coming from the Terrano. This Nissan car suspension setup was indeed exceptional on broken roads and offered a plush ride. The Grand Vitara and Victoris, while comfortable, have a slightly firmer setup that may not quite match the Terrano's ability to absorb bad road surfaces. However, the ride is still acceptable for most conditions.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Anuj

•1d

I am seeking to acquire a premium and luxurious SUV with an automatic transmission and a petrol engine. Additionally, I require a vehicle that offers respectable fuel efficiency. My budget for this acquisition is between ₹15-20 lakhs. Could you please provide suitable recommendations?

Autocar India

•21h

Go for the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara CNG. It is still the most sensible choice for your priorities, especially safety, low maintenance and running cost.Your thinking is already on the right track. The Grand Vitara CNG keeps running costs very low and, more importantly, Maruti’s ownership experience is its biggest strength. Service reach is wide, parts are affordable and long-term reliability is proven, which makes it a stress-free first car. It is also comfortable, practical for family use and covers all the essential features well. The CNG tank is neatly integrated under the boot floor, so boot space remains usable.If you want to look at alternatives, you can also consider the Maruti Suzuki Brezza. It is more affordable, uses the same engine and is more compact and easier to drive. However, the Grand Vitara feels like the more modern and complete package, and a Brezza update is also due soon.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

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