Honest Ownership Review of Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid Zeta+: Real Mileage, Features & Verdict
If you’re in the market for a premium yet fuel-efficient SUV under ₹22 lakh, the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid might already be on your radar. But what’s it really like to own and drive this hybrid on a daily basis?
In this blog, we dive deep into an honest, firsthand review from Ram Kushwaha, a first-time car owner and influencer from Gurgaon, who chose the Zeta+ top variant of the Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid. He shares insights on the buying experience, performance, mileage, comfort, and whether this car lives up to the hype.
Meet the Owner: Ram Kushwaha
Ram is a digital creator who runs the Instagram page Gurgaon Meri Jaan, where he shares content about lifestyle, local culture, and city life. His work as an influencer not only provided him the means to buy his first car but also helped him secure quicker delivery of this high-demand model.
Interestingly, this isn’t just his first car—it’s the first car in his entire neighborhood in Mahoba, Uttar Pradesh, where he originally hails from. Now based in Gurgaon, he uses the vehicle for both city commutes and long road trips.
Why the Grand Vitara?
Ram didn’t make his decision overnight. Like most smart buyers, he considered several other options before zeroing in on the Grand Vitara. Here’s how his shortlisting process went:
- Kia Seltos: Initially booked but canceled due to a poor experience at the dealership. Despite liking the car, delayed delivery and lack of communication turned him off.
- Mahindra Scorpio-N: Rejected after test-driving it because of low mileage (5–6 km/l in petrol, 10–12 in diesel) and a more rugged, less city-friendly profile.
- Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid: Ultimately chosen for its advanced hybrid powertrain, impressive fuel efficiency, sleek design, and Maruti Suzuki’s widespread service network.
Variant, Pricing, and Delivery
- Model Purchased: Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid Zeta+
- Color: Black (Ram’s personal favorite, despite being harder to maintain)
- On-Road Price: ₹20.10 lakh in Gurgaon
- Accessories: Around ₹25,000 for add-ons like mud flaps, rain visors, and seat covers
- Delivery Time: Just 2 days—thanks to his influencer connections. Most customers typically wait several weeks for this model.
Exterior Highlights
The Grand Vitara makes a strong visual statement, especially in black. It features 17-inch alloy wheels with Apollo tires, offering excellent grip and smooth handling. All four wheels come equipped with disc brakes, a great addition for improved safety.
The panoramic sunroof enhances the premium feel and adds natural light to the cabin. The boot space is practical, with an under-mounted spare tire (less prone to theft) and folding rear seats for added flexibility on long trips.
Interior and Comfort
Inside, the cabin feels upscale for the price point. Ram has added seat covers and a steering cover to enhance the interior look and comfort.
Features He Loves:
- Automatic Transmission: Ideal for first-time drivers like him—smooth and easy to use.
- Heads-Up Display (HUD): Projects key driving info like speed directly onto the windshield.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless Phone Charging
- Hybrid Start-Stop Silence: The car starts silently in EV mode, surprising passengers with its quietness.
Misses or Shortcomings:
- No ventilated seats, even in the top variant—a feature that’s becoming common in this segment.
- Manual seat adjustments, which feel out of place in an otherwise feature-rich car.
- Non-electric tailgate, which would have been a welcome touch.
On-Road Performance
The Grand Vitara’s strong hybrid system intelligently switches between petrol and electric power. At low speeds, it often runs entirely on battery, making it exceptionally quiet and economical in city driving. The car feels responsive, and the automatic transmission doesn’t exhibit any noticeable lag.
Ram recently completed a 550 km road trip to his hometown in Uttar Pradesh. According to him, the drive was smooth and comfortable. The seats offered good thigh support, and the suspension handled rough roads confidently.
Real-World Mileage:
- Initial Mileage: 28–29 km/l
- Post First Service: Stabilized around 21.6 km/l
- City Driving: Primarily EV-driven for short distances
This kind of fuel efficiency is one of the Grand Vitara’s biggest selling points, especially with rising fuel prices.
Safety and Build Quality
While Maruti cars have traditionally faced criticism for safety and build, the Grand Vitara is co-developed with Toyota—and it shows. Ram shared a minor accident experience where the car was rear-ended by a Mahindra Thar. Despite the impact, there was only a small dent and no paint chipping, reflecting improved build quality.
The vehicle comes with essential safety features like ABS, four disc brakes, multiple airbags, and electronic stability control.
Service Experience
Ram purchased the car from Prem Motors Nexa showroom in Sector 14, Gurgaon. He describes the process as seamless and professional. Even during follow-up visits for paperwork, the staff went the extra mile and gave the car a free wash.
So far, both his first and second services have been free, and he hasn’t encountered any issues.
Conclusion: Is It Worth Buying?
The Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid Zeta+ is a fantastic option for:
- First-time car buyers
- Families seeking a fuel-efficient SUV
- Commuters driving mainly in urban traffic
- Buyers looking for long-term reliability and resale value
It may not offer every luxury feature in the segment, but it delivers where it truly matters: performance, comfort, fuel economy, and after-sales support.
Ram’s Overall Rating: 9/10
If your budget is between ₹18–22 lakh and you value real-world mileage and smart features over flashy gimmicks, the Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid is an excellent choice.
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