2023 Suzuki Grand Vitara Hybrid debuts in SE Asia

After making its global debut in India last year, the all-new Suzuki Grand Vitara has officially made its way to Southeast Asia.

Making its regional debut at the 2023 Indonesia International Motor Show, the electrified crossover not only gets a brand new look inside and out but it's now powered by a mild-hybrid powertrain under the hood.

While it shares a lot in common with the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Suzuki was able to make the Grand Vitara into their own vehicle. It gets a unique hexagonal grille that is paired with a split-headlight design where the LED daytime running lights are on top while the LED headlights are mounted on the bumper.

Around the back, the crossover gets distinct LED wraparound taillights that are accompanied by a “GRAND VITARA” emblem for all to see. Last but not least, the Grand Vitara comes with square wheel arches, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Size-wise, the Grand Vitara measures 4345mm long, 1795mm wide, and 1645mm tall. It also has a generous 2600mm wheelbase and a decent 210mm of ground clearance for extra peace of mind when going over uneven terrain.

Open the doors and the 2023 Grand Vitara greets its occupants with a bevy of features and amenities. The range-topping version comes with a black leather interior, a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a wireless charging pad, a panoramic sunroof, and rear USB charging ports. Lesser variants, on the other hand, come with fabric seats, and a smaller touchscreen system.

Other available features present include; a heads-up display, cruise control, rear aircon vents, a rear center armrest with cupholders, a 360-degree camera system, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and an automatic climate control system.

Powering all variants of the Grand Vitara is a 1.5-liter K15C four-cylinder engine that's helped along by an integrated starter generator (ISG) and a lithium-ion battery pack. Dubbed Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki (SHVS), it's essentially the same powertrain that can be found in the Ertiga Hybrid that we currently get.

The powertrain makes 103 PS at 6000 rpm along with 137 Nm of torque at 4400 rpm. Instead of a 4-speed automatic like the Ertiga, the Grand Vitara is equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission complete with a manual mode and paddle shifters.

In terms of safety equipment, the 2023 Grand Vitara comes with the following, anti-lock brakes with EBD, brake assist, electronic stability, hill-hold control, parking sensors, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and six airbags.

With the Grand Vitara now in Indonesia, could this mean the Philippines is next in line to get it? Perhaps, since Suzuki Philippines lacks a B-segment crossover after they axed the Vitara last year. The only question now is, will they be able to price it more competitively? That we'll have to find out.