[buntee90]

Originally Posted by Love4Cars

Finally after a long wait of 25 days post booking, got the delivery of my Grand Vitara Zeta Plus Hybrid today!


Why Vitara that too Hybrid?
Like many BHPians, I am sucker for good deals. This was a 23 Make Vitara with a known dealer from whom I got Jimny Zeta AT for my dad in Dec'23 (12.8 on road).
Got a Zeta Plus Strong Hybrid (Ex 18.43) for less than Alpha AT (Ex 16.91). Both had similar feature list with 360 Camera, Leather Seats extra in Alpha AT and better MID, HUD in Zeta plus.

Hi,
Congratulation for your purchase!
Can you share the details of the dealer and SA please. My friend is in the market for GV Hybrid and we are looking for good deals.

[DCEite]

Originally Posted by sumeethaldankar

Can owners clarify the below for the mild Hybrid (AT version).

1) Service costs for the car considering it is a Nexa product so premium pricing expected?

2) What grade of synthetic oil is recommended for the engine? My current MAAS fills in 0w40 for my Swift wherein the manual recommends 0w20.

3)Compared to the Brezza the Grand Vitara is 5 mm bigger in width and around 14 inches longer. Does this cause difficulty or pain to park and drive in crowded streets or the car is easy to drive. While the Grand Vitara seems bigger I am not able to perceive that it is just 5 mm wider than the Brezza.

Thanks

1. Can't comment yet as only first service with zero cost (actually only general checkup and washing) is done for me. However Nexa product doesn't necessarily mean premium pricing for service. And you always have the option of getting the vehicle serviced from Arena instead of Nexa. I do the same for my Ignis.

2. I would go with the manual, unless very compelling reasons otherwise.

3. The Grand Vitara is one of the longest vehicle in its class (Its longer than Creta, Kushaq, Elevate, Taigun). So it depends on from which vehicle you are upgrading to GV. For example, moving from a hatchback or compact sedan to GV seems like a big change size wise, so it can take a few days to a couple of weeks to fully adapt to the vehicle size and dimensions. However if you are moving from a CSUV like Brezza/Nexon etc, the transition would be quicker.

Although I must add, compared to the Brezza, the GV has relatively poorer visibility of road ahead and surroundings from the driver's seat. My personal grouse is the A-Pillar, which can be an hinderance and also the bonnet visibility can be an issue if your seat height is not adjusted high enough.

[mujeebry]

Originally Posted by Velmurugan

Good News is that, we got a fix from MSIL. Initially the MSIL Indian technical team kept saying its normal operational noise!
Nevertheless, I kept expediting at their top level management, which made Suzuki Japan involved and they have come out with an update for A/T control unit software update. After this fix, the issue is resolved 95%, but little noise comes when doing harsh braking or sudden acceleration. Now the downshift during smooth deceleration is noiseless! Thanks to MSIL for taking up my case! This fix is for all A/T smart hybrid including for old vehicles.
I am only surprised, that this issue was never highlighted by any of the specialists who have done the review of the model during the test drive hitherto!

Hello Velmurugan Sir.

I have exact issue with my smart hybrid A/T. Informed Nexa dealer. Then I noticed your team bhp initial post. Thank you for that. Then dealer escalated to Maruti and they updated software. But issue persists and mainly noticed when I drive on village roads. Before turn when I slowdown I can clearly hear the sound. Then I updated Maruti accordingly.

Also I noticed your latest update that your issue is resolved or getting better. I am waiting for official Maruti update in email. Could you let me know your dealer details so that I can flag Maruti team to review it. If possible can you share job card details or email if any. Also share if you are aware about any software version so that I can ask them to verify the same.

Thank You

[MobileThunder]

Originally Posted by sumeethaldankar

Can owners clarify the below for the mild Hybrid (AT version).

1) Service costs for the car considering it is a Nexa product so premium pricing expected?

2) What grade of synthetic oil is recommended for the engine? My current MAAS fills in 0w40 for my Swift wherein the manual recommends 0w20.

Thanks

Regarding your first point about service costs at Nexa - I can share my service costs for the Jimny AT and I am assuming it will not be too different for the GV mild hybrid since they are both K15 series engines (K15B for Jimny and K15C for GV mild Hybrid).

1st Free Service- Rs 158/-
2nd Free Service- Rs.80/-
3rd. Free Service - Rs 1816/- (Engine oil change)
1st Paid Service (20k Km) - Rs.4365/- (Engine Oil change + Service charges)
All charges are including GST.

I don't get my Wheel alignment and Balancing done at Nexa, as I rely on my trusted Bridgestone dealer for that.

While I was at the Nexa workshop- I have also seen customers being charged more than 6500/- for the 3rd free service of a K15C Ertiga.

Please keep a hawk eye on the Service Advisors upsell techniques. He will quietly add the more expensive 0W-20 engine oil and say this is fully synthetic, and will give you better mileage etc. while the recommended oil as per the manual is 0W-16. He will also add AC cleaning, brake cleaning, screen flush, consumables etc. and inflate the charges beyond 6k. Please show them the user manual if they become too insistent and try to scare you. Once they know that you can't be fooled with gimmicks- then they will keep only relevant charges.
After all, we buy a Suzuki for the hassle-free, cheaper maintenance costs.

PS:- Our GV Strong Hybrid AT will be due for the first service in a week, and I can share the costs as well.

[mujeebry]

Originally Posted by MobileThunder

Please keep a hawk eye on the Service Advisors upsell techniques. He will quietly add the more expensive 0W-20 engine oil and say this is fully synthetic, and will give you better mileage etc. while the recommended oil as per the manual is 0W-16.

Note: Most of the new engines use 0W16. It's preferred and recommended. If you demand it, the max price is Rs 1700 per 3.5 litres. 0W16 by default fully synthetic. Interesting right? They can't charge more, so they will force you to fill 0W-20 or not preferred grades.

Summary: Check preferred oil grade in the user manual. Then ensure it's used. If it's 0W16, you can remove and refill after 5000 km. Still, it won't hit Rs 4500. They normally charge to third party fully synthetic oil. For new models, go for F9000 0W16. Ensure its there with the service centre before you go there. New engines require thin oils and they will be beneficial for high mileage. After 5000 km, you can replace the oil and filter. Then again it's beneficial, still less than third party oil (two time oil replacement is far better than a 10000 km oil replacement).

[sumeethaldankar]

Originally Posted by DCEite

2. I would go with the manual, unless very compelling reasons otherwise.

3. The Grand Vitara is one of the longest vehicle in its class (Its longer than Creta, Kushaq, Elevate, Taigun).

Although I must add, compared to the Brezza, the GV has relatively poorer visibility of road ahead and surroundings from the driver's seat. My personal grouse is the A-Pillar, which can be an hinderance and also the bonnet visibility can be an issue if your seat height is not adjusted high enough.

Are you not happy with the AT? I am not a speed seeker and enjoy cruising (If I get to do that). I have had a used Civic and have driven it for 76k kms. I think the Grand Vitara is around a foot shorter than the Civic and should be managable though I own a manual Swift now. I am more in favor of the Zeta variant than the Brezza because of no sun roof and all wheel disc brakes, a feature I had on the Civic. It will be sometime before I consider a new car though the Vitara is what the heart likes but the Brezza appeals more to the head.

[DCEite]

Originally Posted by sumeethaldankar

Are you not happy with the AT?

You misunderstood. I was answering to your question regarding which grade of oil to go for GV. I answered go with the manual (as in what grade of oil the official GV user manual specifies).

I am not a speed seeker and enjoy cruising (If I get to do that). I have had a used Civic and have driven it for 76k kms. I think the Grand Vitara is around a foot shorter than the Civic and should be managable though I own a manual Swift now. I am more in favor of the Zeta variant than the Brezza because of no sun roof and all wheel disc brakes, a feature I had on the Civic. It will be sometime before I consider a new car though the Vitara is what the heart likes but the Brezza appeals more to the head.

Now, coming to the AT on the smartHybrid. In one word: Its very good, as long as you like to drive with a light foot and sedately. If your driving style is unhurried, no sudden accelerations, and basically you want to reach from point A to point B in absolute comfort, without worrying about bad roads, overheating gearboxes, unwanted jerks, minimum fatigue, comfortable ride quality, good NVH levels, then this vehicle is for you.

Coming from the Civic, you will have to adjust your driving style. This motor is not very free revving like the Civic, and as I described above, best suited for relaxed, comfortable and fuss free driving experience.

Ofcourse, that doesn't mean you cant do high speeds or overtake slow moving vehicles. All that is needed is either 1) kick down mode: tap the accelerator quickly to around 30-40% of its travel, and the gearbox will drop a gear or two so that you can gain speed quickly and 2) Use the paddle shifter to drop down the gear.

The AT gearbox is tuned conservatively by Maruti. Its *very* eager to downshift. But as I described above, you only need to learn a couple of tricks, when in hurry.

As for highway cruising, because its a 6 speed AT (unlike its manual version which is 5 speed), you are doing around 2000-2500 rpm at around 110-120 kmph, which means the cruising is relaxed and fuel efficiency is good too.

[sumeethaldankar]

Originally Posted by DCEite

You misunderstood. I was answering to your question regarding which grade of oil to go for GV. I answered go with the manual (as in what grade of oil the official GV user manual specifies).

Yikes! I missed my own point no 2 query and was wondering all this while why are you suggesting a manual . Thanks for clarifying.

..unhurried, no sudden accelerations, and basically you want to reach from point A to point B in absolute comfort, without worrying about bad roads, overheating gearboxes, unwanted jerks, minimum fatigue, comfortable ride quality, good NVH levels..

Yes I want all of this in my next car with an AT.

Ofcourse, that doesn't mean you cant do high speeds or overtake slow moving vehicles. All that is needed is either ..
As for highway cruising, because its a 6 speed AT (unlike its manual version which is 5 speed), you are doing around 2000-2500 rpm at around 110-120 kmph, which means the cruising is relaxed and fuel efficiency is good too.

Had a query regarding the AT box. Can we shift into manual mode (if there is one) while driving or we have to come to a stop to change? The paddles will work in normal drive mode as well?

I feel the Grand Vitara interiors look better and premium compared to the Brezza. The former on paper is just 5 mm wider than the latter so should not be a big issue in narrow streets where I used to squeeze a Civic earlier.

[DCEite]

Originally Posted by sumeethaldankar

Had a query regarding the AT box. Can we shift into manual mode (if there is one) while driving or we have to come to a stop to change? The paddles will work in normal drive mode as well?

1. Paddles work in D mode as well. It will change the gear for you and then depending on the throttle input, will automatically go back to D mode after few seconds.

2. Yes there is a M mode as well. I have tried it only once, and that was while the car was moving. Only need to pull the shift lock up and downshift from D to M, then you have full manual control with the paddle shifters. Although, the gearbox will still do downshift and upshift for you if the revvs fall too low or too high, respectively.

I am not sure but I think I saw somewhere in the user manual that shifting D to M should be done after complete stop. But for me it worked even in motion.

Anyway, I don't use M at all now, there is hardly any need for it.

[romeomidhun]

Originally Posted by sumeethaldankar

Had a query regarding the AT box. Can we shift into manual mode (if there is one) while driving or we have to come to a stop to change? The paddles will work in normal drive mode as well?

Some observations from my experience:

1. We can shift to "M" mode while on the move in "D" mode. (I have done it to check in which gear I'm moving - as the car is not showing current gear in "D" mode, but showing it in "M" mode. Stupidity at its maximum).

2. The paddle shifters can be used in both modes. I use it in "D" mode if quick downshift is needed. Or floor the accelerator - the car will move to 2nd gear and zoom while overtaking (with a loud roaring engine sound which will make the fellow passengers afraid ).

3. Even in "M" mode, the car downshifts properly. So, "single hand driving using right hand" is still possible in "M" mode. But it won't upshift whatever you rev it - you need the up-shifter paddle for that.

[mukeshgoel]

Originally Posted by supremeBaleno

I hate chrome & there’s so much of it in the Vitara’s front (the rear is neat). Wrapping the grille would give the black Vitara a mean look IMO.

Has anyone dechromed/wrapped the front grille of the Vitara ? If so please post details & snaps. Any pointers would be helpful.

Last year when I had booked a Blue GV, I did some photoshop edits to the grill to see how will it look with less chrome. Later, plan dropped and didn't get a chance to get it done.

Hope it can be useful for some members here.

[romeomidhun]

Originally Posted by mukeshgoel

Last year when I had booked a Blue GV, I did some photoshop edits to the grill to see how will it look with less chrome.

Such a thick Chrome surrounding around the grill is the main downer for GV in terms of front design. A Fronx-type grill would have been far better.

[izzikio_rage]

Just realized that one more update is out for the infotainment system. Still to find a good way to update the car.

The phone app is fairly slow so my goto has been loading the update on a pendrive. The system automatically detects it and starts updating. It takes a good 15min or so during which you can't lock the car from what i figured. So pick a time wheb you are around the car for 15min or so and can let it update in peace.

You'll need to be around since it randomly throws some 2-3 prompts where you have to hit ok

[indusboy]

Minor gripe:

I feel that the arm rest could have been a little longer.

One issue I found is that armrest doesn't lock in its place and keeps sliding back during driving - perhaps it is an issue just with my car.

[SithDefender]

Originally Posted by sirius

Planning to drive it's rivals creta, seltos, and elevate too btw.

Hi Sirius, did you end up buying a car? Curious to know your choice ?