Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.5 AWD Manual First Look Review: Know About 'AllGrip' Badge, Driving Modes & More | In Pics

With the unveiling of the Grand Vitara, all of the attention was placed on the hybrid version with its fantastic 27.9 kmpl mileage. But Maruti has also introduced a significant addition in form of an AWD system which would be offered on the standard non-hybrid 1.5. Here is a detailed first look at that. (Photo: Somnath Chatterjee)

The 1.5 petrol visually is the same as the hybrid with the same wheels but the AWD version has an 'AllGrip' badge at the rear. AllGrip is the name of the global AWD system which Suzuki offers in the Swift in the Uk along with other products. The Grand Vitara's AllGrip system is more advanced and gives various modes to choose from. In default mode for efficiency, the AWD system works as a 2WD most of the time and will send power when needed to all four wheels in case you need a grip. (Photo: Somnath Chatterjee)

As a driver, you get modes to choose from like Auto, Sport, Snow, and Lock. Auto mode has been described above but in Sport, the driving experience becomes more aggressive and the AWD system works to get the best grip around cornering. If the conditions are slippery and there is less traction, one needs to switch the Snow mode and the lock mode, where the system sends the right amount of power to all wheels for best traction. It is useful in slush, rain, or slippery conditions. (Photo: Somnath Chatterjee)

The engine is the Maruti K-series Dual Jet, Dual VVT engine with Smart Hybrid including start/stop system. The total power it makes is 103bhp and 138Nm. As said earlier the AWD system comes with the manual only which is a 5-speed one and not with the automatic due to price reasons. In terms of efficiency, the official figure is 19.38 for the AWD manual. (Photo: Somnath Chatterjee)

The interior is similar to the hybrid with of course a manual gearbox and an AWD controller in place of the hybrid EV mode switch. It gets the same upholstery and the silver trim but the AWD has a small digital screen with analogue speedo on the side and not an all-digital layout unlike the hybrid. There are all the features here too which are there on the new Grand Vitara. (Photo: Somnath Chatterjee)

One big change is that the boot space of the 1.5l non-hybrid version is a lot bigger than on the hybrid with the placement of the battery. We expect the AWD version to be priced a lakh higher than the top-end 2WD manual and it is a unique feature for its segment. Prices and the launch would be in September. (Photo: Somnath Chatterjee)