The Indian sports utility vehicle (SUV) market has been stirred once again with the entry of Maruti Udyog Ltd’s (MUL) Grand Vitara XL-7. This powerful 2700 CC vehicle is priced at Rs 15.96 lakhs for the standard version and Rs 16.77 lakhs (both prices ex-showroom Delhi) for the limited edition variant. On the occasion of the launch of Grand Vitara in the capital, Maruti’s managing director Jagdish Khattar said that “our target buyer for Grand Vitara is very select, hence the car would not be sold through Maruti’s regular dealers.” “India doesn’t have SUV market however there are people who have resources and taste for such vehicles,” he further added. Vital Statistics: • 2700 CC, 154 bhp at 6000 rpm • Multi point fuel injection • Power steering • Central locking • Solid axle at rear • Child proof rear door locks • 66 litre fuel tank • capacity for seven people • Price (Ex-showroom - Delhi) Rs 16.77 lakh - Limited edition Rs 15.96 lakh - Standard version Hence, instead of displayed in showroom, the vehicle will be parked at various five star hotels and high-profile clubs, the places regularly flonked by targeted customers like film and sports stars, politicians, businessmen etc. It will be more like direct marketing where dealers and MUL’s marketing team would identify potential buyers and invite them to take a test drive, Khattar explained. However, Khattar refused to divulge any sales target for this vehicle. The company has imported two consignments Grand Vitara of 25 units each during last two months and all the units have already been booked, MUL’s sales and marketing director K. Saito said. The vehicle, which would deliver 154 brake horse power, is the first model being launched by Maruti after Suzuki took over management control of the company in May 2002. Grand Vitara XL-7 would be imported as a completely-built-unit from MUL’s parent Japan’s Suzuki Motor Corporation in limited numbers. Equipped with 2.7 litre V6 engine, it is the latest upgrade of the vehicle which took place in November 2002 for global markets. Grand Vitara, which is Maruti’s first top-end luxury vehicle, is expected to compete with the Chevrolet Forester besides the Hyundai Teraccan and Honda CRV which are expected to be launched later this year.
