Suzuki will introduce new hybrid-powered Grand Vitara SUV to South Africa in 2023

• Suzuki will launch its first hybrid-powered model in South Africa the carmaker announced to the media at the Festival of Motoring
• The Grand Vitara was unveiled this week and will launch in the local market in the first quarter of 2023
• The flagship model made its world debut on July 20 and is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine with SHVS mild-hybrid technology

Suzuki South Africa showed off its new Grand Vitara which features hybrid technology for the first time.

According to Motorpress, the carmaker unveiled the new Grand Vitara at the Festival of Motoring media day. The muscular-looking SUV will be on display to the public over the weekend.

The model will arrive in the first quarter of 2023 and sport all-wheel-drive and crucially smart hybrid vehicle technology.

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The mild-hybrid system is aimed at reducing fuel consumption and emissions, BusinessLive reports.

The hybrid system can also power the headlights, air conditioning and infotainment to reduce the engine load for further fuel savings.

The engine options for the new model include a 1.5 litre powerplant and the all-new 1.5 litre dual-jet with mild hybrid tech. The former is available in manual and automatic transmission options, while the hybrid model has an all-wheel drive and is mated to an automatic transmission.

In terms of features, Suzuki says the Grand Vitara will have a nine-inch high-definition infotainment touchscreen, a 360-degree around-view camera system, a head-up display and wireless smartphone charging on range-topping models.

South African vehicle sales: Suzuki’s Swift bags title as Mzansi’s top-selling car with over 1 900 sales

Briefly News reported that Suzuki has reason to celebrate after it announced impressive sales figures for June, with 4 622 cars sold.

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In terms of market share in the passenger vehicle segment, the South African arm of the Japanese carmaker walked away with 15.26% of the pie. Toyota and Volkswagen occupied first and second spots, respectively.

It's safe to say the brand is punching above its weight with a line-up of fuel-efficient city cars and compact SUVs that buyers feel offer value-for-money propositions.

The sales performance is largely down to the Swift's impressive tally of 1 926 units, claiming the title of South Africa's top-selling passenger car.

A breakdown of the sales illustrates the brand's strong offering with 340 Balenos, 569 S-Presso models, and 657 new Vitara Brezzas registered. Lastly, 397 Jimny models were sold.

Source: Briefly News