Unlike in India, where Suzuki made the Grand Vitara available in both mild- and strong hybrid flavors, the ASEAN model sticks solely with the former. This means having the SHVS or Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki powertrain. Like its execution in the Ertiga Hybrid, the Grand Vitara pairs a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder with an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) and a compact lithium-ion battery.

Differing itself from the Ertiga Hybrid, however, is that the engine is now the K15C. Fitted with Dual Jet technology, it’s designed for fuel efficiency from the get-go. By placing two injectors very close to the engine inlet valves, it allows for finer atomization of fuel resulting in a more complete combustion. This also allows for the cooler running of the engine. Moreover, the Dual Jet system boasts of a higher compression ratio and thermal efficiency.

On the Grand Vitara, Suzuki takes things to the next level by switching over to power stored in the 12-volt 6-Ah lithium-ion battery when the K15C isn’t at its optimal operating window. This means the combustion engine switches off during traffic stops saving fuel. Meanwhile, the ISG turns into an electric motor during hard acceleration giving that added boost.

Compared to the Indian market Grand Vitara, the ASEAN version makes slightly more power: 103 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 137 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm.

The sole gearbox on offer is a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters.

Like its global counterpart, the ASEAN market Grand Vitara boasts of a design that Suzuki describes as, “elegant, tough, and sporty.” Meant as a modern-day city cruiser, it is compact (overall length is at 4,345 mm), but with a wheelbase of 2,600 mm, it offers a roomy interior.

Also underpinned by the Suzuki HEARTECT platform, the all-new Grand Vitara features front MacPherson Struts and a rear Torsion Beam Axle. Ground clearance is set at a generous 210 mm.

Features include LED projector headlights, a 9-inch infotainment system with smartphone mirroring with wireless charging, a panoramic sunroof, auto-dimming rear view mirror, and a heads-up display. For safety, it has 6 SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, stability control, hill hold control, and a 360-degree camera.

For the Indonesian market, Suzuki will be sourcing the Grand Vitara from India.