Maruti Suzuki recently updated the Grand Vitara, introducing new features, revising the variant lineup and making the strong-hybrid variant more accessible. However, with this update, the CNG variants were delisted from its variant lineup. This move has sparked speculations about whether Maruti is re-evaluating the demand for factory-fitted CNG options in its premium category or planning to reintroduce it later with improvements.
As of now, the carmaker has not officially announced the discontinuation or possible return of the Grand Vitara CNG. However, we expect it to be back on sale in the coming days.
For those unaware, the Grand Vitara CNG was available in Delta and Zeta variants, priced at Rs 13.25 lakh and Rs 15.21 lakh (ex-showroom), respectively. With this no longer on sale for now, the SUV is only available in petrol and strong-hybrid guises. In fact, the brand has recently introduced a new Delta Plus variant with a strong-hybrid powertrain, making the hybrid version more affordable for buyers by over Rs 1.5 lakh. Could this indicate that Maruti is testing whether the strong-hybrid system can gain traction in place of the CNG offering?
Also Read: Honda Elevate Goes CNG — With a Twist!
It’s worth noting that while CNG has been a popular choice among budget-conscious and high-mileage users, strong hybrids offer the added advantage of better performance, lower emissions, and automatic transmission convenience, without the range anxiety of pure EVs. By making the hybrid powertrain accessible at a more attractive price point, Maruti could be trying to shift buyers towards a more future-ready and urban-friendly solution. However, it remains to be seen whether this shift will appeal to the same audience that typically opts for the fuel-saving CNG options.
In other news, Maruti Suzuki is gearing up to launch the 7-seater iteration of the Grand Vitara next month. It is slated to be longer than its current 5-seater version and might feature a few visually distinctive elements. Besides, Maruti Suzuki is also working on a new “Series Hybrid Technology” for its mass-market models, which is expected to make its debut with the upcoming Fronx Facelift.