Latest news with #MarutiSuzukiGrandVitara
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Youths in SUVs fined Rs2 lakh for blocking road to shoot videos
Noida: Youths in three SUVs were fined Rs2 lakh for blocking the Noida Elevated Road to shoot reels and causing a traffic jam. A video featuring the men enthusiastically waving the tricolour and repeatedly honking their parked vehicles — a black Mahindra Scorpio, a white Scorpio, and a white Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara — on one carriageway of the road, went viral. A commuter, Kapil Faujdar, shared the video on X (formerly Twitter) and tagged Noida Traffic Police. You Can Also Check: Noida AQI | Weather in Noida | Bank Holidays in Noida | Public Holidays in Noida | Gold Rates Today in Noida | Silver Rates Today in Noida On X, he wrote, "Blocking the Noida Bypass Flyover is causing serious inconvenience to many people. Delivery drivers are getting anxious about their orders, and vehicles blocking the road refuse to move. There is loud honking and sirens. Is this really how we should be celebrating our independence?" Traffic police officials took cognisance of the matter and cleared the road. Noida's deputy commissioner of police (traffic), Lakhan Singh Yadav said, "We have issued a fine of Rs 2.09 lakh against three vehicles for different violations like danger driving (Section 184), violation of parking rules (Sections 122, 126), racing and trials of speeding (Section 189), disobedience of any direction lawful given by the authority (Section 179(1)) of Motor Vehicle Act. "We have also asked the Sector24 police station to register an FIR against them," he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Knee Pain Keeping You Up at Night? This Trick Could Help Instantly Read More Undo While Independence Day celebrations are a time for patriotic display, police said, commuters must ensure that such enthusiasm does not compromise public safety or disrupt traffic flow. The Noida Elevated Road, a 4.8-kilometre, six-lane stretch, is a vital link in the city's transport network, easing traffic congestion across key sectors including 18, 23, 25, 27, 26, 28, 29, 60, and 61. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Krishna Janmashtami Wishes ,, messages , and quotes !
India Today
11-08-2025
- Automotive
- India Today
5 hybrid cars offering excellent mileage
5 hybrid cars offering excellent mileage With an ARAI-rated fuel efficiency of 27.97 kmpl, the Grand Vitara hybrid is priced from Rs 19.20 lakh (ex-showroom) for the strong hybrid variant. Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Sharing the same 27.97 kmpl ARAI mileage as the Grand Vitara, the Hyryder strong hybrid starts at a more affordable Rs 17.84 lakh (ex-showroom) for its entry-level hybrid trim. Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder The hybrid version of the Honda City delivers 27.1 kmpl (ARAI) and is available from Rs 19.90 lakh (ex-showroom). Honda City Offering an ARAI-certified mileage of 23.24 kmpl, the Invicto hybrid is priced from Rs 25.51 lakh (ex-showroom). Maruti Suzuki Invicto The hybrid Innova Hycross also returns 23.24 kmpl (ARAI) and starts at Rs 26.46 lakh (ex-showroom). Toyota Innova Hycross
Hindustan Times
11-08-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Nexa turns 10: How Maruti Suzuki built a premium segment to retain customers
When Maruti Suzuki launched Nexa in July 2015, the reaction from industry watchers was mixed. The country's largest carmaker — long associated with small, value-for-money hatchbacks — was venturing into a space it had rarely played in: premium retail. It was a calculated gamble, but also a tacit admission that the Indian car buyer had changed. Maruti Suzuki's Nexa turned 10 years old in July 2025. The Nexa retail channel allowed the carmaker to retain its customers, providing buyers an opportunity to transition from entry models into upgrading their vehicles within the company with a sophisticated with a differentiated retail experience. R.C. Bhargava, the chairman who has seen Maruti through liberalisation, localisation, and competition, has often said that the company's job is to read the market before it shifts. A decade ago, the writing was on the wall: customers were willing to spend more, and their expectations were changing. Incomes were rising, finance was easier, and first-time buyers were no longer content with bare-bones mobility. Yet, the move was not without risk. Maruti's great strength was its ubiquity — 'India comes home to Maruti" was more than an ad line. By creating a separate premium channel, there was always the danger of confusing that core identity. Also Read : Maruti Suzuki sees compact car uptick in July amid structural stress in entry segment From ₹ 4 lakh to ₹ 16 lakh — riding India's affluence wave In the last decade, the average price of a new car in India has risen sharply. It is not just inflation — it is a shift in what customers want: larger vehicles, better features, and higher perceived value. The once-dominant sub- ₹5 lakh hatchback segment has steadily shrunk, replaced by compact SUVs and feature-packed sedans. Maruti has moved in step with this trend. Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer- Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki, put it plainly in a recent roundtable, 'When we started, the average price point was around ₹4 lakh. We moved to ₹8 lakh, and now it's ₹15–16 lakh. As our customers move up, we move up." The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara is claimed to have the most affluent customer base in the mid size SUV segment This is the space Nexa was designed to capture. The Grand Vitara, for instance, is attracting some of the most affluent customers Maruti has ever served — buyers who, as Banerjee says, 'do not have the 'look at me' character" but value understated sophistication. The company has always believed that a customer who starts with an Alto or similar entry model will, over time, want to upgrade — and if Maruti cannot offer that next car, they will find it elsewhere. Nexa is Maruti's way of keeping those customers within its fold. The Nexa philosophy — premium, but on Maruti's terms From day one, Nexa's positioning was clear: exclusive, premium, sophisticated — but not luxury. Maruti Suzuki has been careful not to drift into a niche where volumes would be sacrificed for image. The company believes that its job is not to make products for a few thousand customers. The challenge is to give a premium without losing scale. The Baleno, launched through Nexa, was pitched not as just another hatchback, but as a 'premium hatchback," creating a new mental category. The Ciaz offered near-D-segment space at a C-segment price. The Grand Vitara and Invicto now push the brand into ₹20 lakh territory, but with localisation and shared development keeping costs competitive. Banerjee's view is straightforward: 'It's not the product's fault when it doesn't sell, it's about positioning." Also Read : Farewell Ciaz? Maruti Suzuki hints at a possible revival in a new form Arena vs Nexa — coexisting without cannibalisation Managing two distinct retail networks is no small feat. Arena, with its vibrant colours and approachable atmosphere, caters to first-time and budget-conscious buyers. Nexa, with its subdued tones and concierge-style service, appeals to those upgrading. The results suggest that the strategy works. When Baleno launched, many expected it to eat into Swift sales. It didn't. The same fears were voiced when the Fronx arrived — would it hurt Brezza? It didn't. Maruti Suzuki says that while Arena cars such as the Brezza offer a playful vibe, models like the Fronx that is retailed through the Nexa channel, offer a more sophisticated image Bhargava has often emphasised that segmentation is not just about price points, but about understanding the buyer's mindset. Still, as the top-end Arena models creep into entry-level Nexa territory in pricing, keeping the two channels distinct will require constant vigilance. Innovation with intent, safety with urgency Maruti has long been accused of lagging in safety. Bhargava himself has been forthright in saying that regulations must reflect what the mass buyer can afford. But even he acknowledges that the market has shifted. 'If customers are willing to pay for more safety, we will provide it," he told this writer in 2019. Maruti Suzuki has decisively raised the bar on vehicle safety, marking a significant milestone with the launch of the NEXA Safety Shield and Arena Safety Shield, unveiled to coincide with the 10th anniversary of its premium retail network. Banerjee describes safety not merely as a principle but rather a strategic pillar of the more significant overall company framework, which, in FY 2024-25, started its initiatives sooner than legally mandated. A significant milestone is the standardisation of Electronic Stability Program (ESP) across models, and the rollout of six airbags as standard fitment for 14 variants. This supports Maruti Suzuki's aim of safely making advanced safety technologies accessible to people in the whole vehicle passenger space, right from lower-end hatchbacks and up through higher-end SUVs. This effort is supported by heavy investment in R&D, including the ₹3,800 crore state-of-the-art facility in Rohtak, where more than 50 crash tests per model authenticate the company's stringent safety procedures. The all-new Dzire's status as India's first sedan to receive a 5-star BNCAP rating, along with the Baleno's 4-star rating are a part of this drive. Apart from car design, the company's holistic strategy covers road safety learning and emergency treatment, demonstrating a wide-ranging perspective combining technology, customer confidence, and social stewardship in a changing automotive environment. The road ahead In many ways, Nexa reflects the company's core philosophy: adapt without losing your base. The carmaker has argued that it must be present in every relevant segment of the market, but never at the cost of becoming a boutique player. For Maruti Suzuki, Nexa is not about chasing German luxury brands. It is about making sure that a customer who enters the Maruti family at the entry level can stay within the brand at the premium scale as well. A decade in, Nexa accounts for nearly one-third of Maruti's sales. It has reshaped perceptions of the brand, brought in more affluent buyers, and given Maruti a credible presence in segments once left to rivals. The bigger achievement, however, may be that Maruti has managed to go premium without alienating its mass base. Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date:
Hindustan Times
11-08-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Auto recap, August 10: Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Phantom Blaq debut, new Hyundai Venue launch, Toyota GR Supra gets V8
The automotive industry is experiencing rapid changes, which makes it difficult to stay informed about all the latest advancements. At HT Auto, we are dedicated to delivering the most relevant and current information as it becomes available. Below is a concise overview of the key highlights from Sunday, August 10. Here is your quick check on the biggest developments in the world of automobiles. Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Phantom Blaq Edition unveiled to mark 10 years of Nexa The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Phantom Blaq edition has been unveiled in a bid to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Maruti Suzuki's Nexa retail channel. As NEXA's flagship SUV, the Grand Vitara Phantom Blaq Edition is said to be built on the model's established credentials of exceptional performance and premium styling. Also check these Cars Find more Cars Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 998 cc 998 cc Multiple Multiple ₹ 4.23 Lakhs Compare View Offers Toyota Glanza 1197 cc 1197 cc Multiple Multiple ₹ 6.90 Lakhs Compare View Offers Hyundai Grand i10 Nios 1197 cc 1197 cc Multiple Multiple ₹ 5.98 Lakhs Compare View Offers Tata Tiago 1199 cc 1199 cc Multiple Multiple ₹ 5 Lakhs Compare View Offers Maruti Suzuki S-Presso 998 cc 998 cc Multiple Multiple ₹ 4.26 Lakhs Compare View Offers Maruti Suzuki Celerio 998 cc 998 cc Multiple Multiple ₹ 5.64 Lakhs Compare View Offers Also Read : Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Phantom Blaq Edition unveiled to mark 10 years of Nexa Next-gen Hyundai Venue likely to be launched on October 24. Check details Next-gen Hyundai Venue is expected to be launched on October 24, 2025. The company recently revealed that it plans to launch a new car on October 24. As per industry speculation, this could be the next-gen Hyundai Venue. The first generation of the subcompact SUV was launched in 2019, while a facelift was introduced in 2022. In its second-generation form, the Hyundai Venue will continue to rival the Skoda Kylaq, Kia Sonet, Maruti Suzuki Brezza and others. Also Read : Next-gen Hyundai Venue likely to be launched on October 24. Check details Toyota GR Supra gets a V8, but you won't be allowed to drive it. Here's why The Toyota GR Supra is heading into its final production year, but the Japanese car manufacturer doesn't want to send off the model quietly. While the road-going version is readying for retirement, there is a track-focused version making plenty of noise. The Toyota GR Supra has received a naturally aspirated V8 engine and a race-ready design. Disappointingly, this V8-powered GR Supra won't be available on a dealer lot, but built specifically for Australia's Supercars Championship in 2026, where it will compete with rivals like Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang V8. Also Read : Toyota GR Supra gets a V8, but you won't be allowed to drive it. Here's why Tata Motors sees no production impact of rare earth magnet crisis, Q1 FY26 profit tanks 63% Tata Motors and Jaguar Land Rover's production faces no disruption owing to the rare earth magnet crisis. The electric vehicle production of Tata Motors and JLR is unlikely to be affected in the foreseeable future due to the shortage of rare earth magnets, believes Tata Motors Group CFO P B Balaji. However, there are a few challenges in the coming quarters, he said. Also Read : Tata Motors sees no production impact of rare earth magnet crisis, Q1 FY26 profit tanks 63% Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date:
Hindustan Times
10-08-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Phantom Blaq Edition unveiled to mark 10 years of Nexa
The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Phantom Blaq edition has been unveiled in a bid to celebrate the 10th year anniversary of Maruti Suzuki 's Nexa retail channel. As NEXA's flagship SUV, the Grand Vitara Phantom Blaq Edition is said to be built on the model's established credentials of exceptional performance and premium styling. Based on the Alpha plus variant with the strong hybrid powertrain, the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Phantom Blaq edition retains the basic design of the mid size SUV, however gets few distinct cosmetic changes. The company noted that exuding Nexa's philosophy of refined sophistication and understated elegance, the 'Grand Vitara Phantom Blaq' Edition is crafted to resonate with individuals who seek discerning style and sophistication in every drive. Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, stated that the limited edition captures the essence of indulgence, offering an SUV that not only performs exceptionally but also aligns perfectly with the refined lifestyles of our discerning buyers." He added that since its debut, the Grand Vitara has garnered an exceptional response, achieving the milestone of 300,000 sales in just 32 months. Also Read : 2025 Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara launched with 6 airbags and more features Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Phantom Blaq edition: Design Based on the Alpha plus variant with the strong hybrid powertrain, the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Phantom Blaq edition retains the basic design of the mid size SUV, however gets few distinct cosmetic changes. It gets an all new matte black exterior paint finish along with all-black interior of the standard Grand Vitara with perforated faux leather upholstery and champagne gold accents. Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Phantom Blaq edition: Features In terms of features, the new edition gets the same set of features as the standard Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Alpha Plus Strong Hybrid. It gets a panoramic sunroof along with ventilated front seats with perforated faux leather. The cabin further features a 9 inch SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, complemented by Clarion sound system. Also Read : Maruti Suzuki sees compact car uptick in July amid structural stress in entry segment In terms of safety and convenience, the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Phantom Blaq gets a 360 view camera and Head-Up Display (HUD). Additionally, Suzuki Connect provides smart, connected car capabilities with remote access features, creating a truly modern and connected SUV experience. The Grand Vitara comes equipped with the NEXA Safety Shield - a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. This includes six airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Hill Hold Control, Reverse Parking Sensors, 3-point seat belts with reminders and more. Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Phantom Blaq edition: Specs The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Phantom Blaq features the 1.5L self charging hybrid powertrain termed as the 'intelligent hybrid system' paired with an e-CVT gearbox. Together, this powertrain delivers a combined output of 114 bhp – while the engine produces 91 bhp and a torque of 122 Nm, the motor puts out 79 bhp of power and 141 Nm of torque. Maruti claims a fuel efficiency of 27.97 kmpl on the strong hybrid version of the Grand Vitara Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2025, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date:
