India's largest passenger car manufacturer Maruti Suzuki is ready to launch its premium SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) model Maruti Grand Vitara in Indian market with more powerful 2.4L engine. With the launch of new Maruti Grand Vitara, Maruti plans to make its position strong in premium segment SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) market. Maruti refused to say about the exact pricing of Grand Vitara but company officials indicates that the new Maruti Grand Vitara price will lie in the range of Rs 15 to 16 lacs. After the launch the new Maruti Grand Vitara will compete against Chevrolet Captiva, Honda CR-V, Ford Endeavour, Hyundai Tucson and most awaited Skoda Yeti.

The new Maruti Grand Vitara will be equipped with a more powerful 2.4L, 2400cc, VTT petrol engine that will produce 169bhp power. Apart from the bigger engine the new Maruti Grand Vitara will carry some cosmetic changes including its exterior body design and interiors. Maruti refused to say about the launch date of new Maruti Grand Vitara but the company official who is familiar with the development of this car indicates that it might be launched in Indian market by the end of next year.

The new Maruti Grand Vitara will be cheaper to buy than Chevrolet Captiva and Honda CR-V, but it doesn't hold its value as well. The overall running costs of this vehicle is on the high side, too - it's expensive to service and attracts comparatively high insurance ratings. Few years back Maruti is the major player in the domestic SUV market with its popular model Maruti Gypsy as an entry level SUV.