[k.sumit]

Has anyone (mild hybrid AT owners) thought about how you would go about changing ATF for the torque converter unit? I understand it can't be drained completely so its more like drain and replenish the same amount of oil, but I am unable to get a satisfactory answer from A.S.S and they don't seem to be interested in doing it. I don't need to change it anytime soon but plan to do it around 50k kilometres mark and then repeat the process every 20-30k kilometres thereafter.

[dhinchak]

Hi all - has anyone taken their strong hybrid GV to high altitudes? I am taking mine to Ladakh next month, and would appreciate inputs from fellow bhpians on what to expect in terms of :

1. Performance while climbing high altitude passes like Khardung La, Chang La etc

2. Any precautions to take while driving in cold, dry and regions with less oxygen.

Thanks!!

[sridhar-v]

Originally Posted by k.sumit

Has anyone (mild hybrid AT owners) thought about how you would go about changing ATF for the torque converter unit? I understand it can't be drained completely so its more like drain and replenish the same amount of oil, but I am unable to get a satisfactory answer from A.S.S and they don't seem to be interested in doing it. I don't need to change it anytime soon but plan to do it around 50k kilometres mark and then repeat the process every 20-30k kilometres thereafter.

My experience with oil change in AT gearboxes of Santro, old Grand Vitara & Jimny is as follows:-
Drain the AT oil and measure the quantity drained. Top up with the same quantity. Ensure that they change the drain plug and its washer. Drive the car for 15 days or so and repeat the procedure. This will ensure that majority of the oil is fresh.
Ensure that the service folks pre-order sufficient quantities of the AT oil grade.
For reference Santro and old GV drain 3.5 litres while the Jimny drains 1.7 litres each time.

You can then repeat the process every 4 years or 40k kms.

[hserus]

Originally Posted by sridhar-v

My experience with oil change in AT gearboxes of Santro, old Grand Vitara & Jimny is as follows:-
Drain the AT oil and measure the quantity drained. Top up with the same quantity. Ensure that they change the drain plug and its washer. Drive the car for 15 days or so and repeat the procedure. This will ensure that majority of the oil is fresh.

TC ATF you’re fine for 5 years or up to 100k km whichever is earlier.

CVT needs a much earlier change than that every 3 years or 30k.

Service centres are usually not very eager to refill torque converter gearboxes as just draining them is slow and refilling is also a painstaking job to inject the fresh fluid through a rather small fill hole. They’ll be able to do several oil change + additives sales for customers in the time taken for your single car. Find a good independent workshop.

Also - does anyone know the part numbers for the strong hybrid air / AC / oil filters? As well as fuel filter if any. Just picked up a delta+ variant.

[DCEite]

Almost 1 year into the ownership, and the GV Zeta AT had its first long trip to from Delhi to Nainital/Bhimtal.

The total distance for the onward and return trip was around 591 kms, which included around 46 kms of hill driving.

The average fuel efficiency as per Suzuki Connect App for the onward trip was 18.74 kmpl and for the return trip considerably higher (because of downhill journey) was 21.65 kmpl, with an overall FE of 20.11 kmpl for the entire trip.


My speeds were mostly between 80-100 kmph and rarely above 105 kmph. The reason for not going at higher speeds that the highways did not feel safe for speeds above 100kmph, majorly due to trucks and heavy vehicles driving on the rightmost (overtaking lane).

The highest FE figure I managed to get was on the section of trip between two restaurant break stops, @ 22.58 kmpl , purely on plains.



Note 1: The car is yet to go for its 1 year scheduled service (3rd free service). Perhaps, change of engine oil should enhance the FE.

Note 2: AC on 100% of the time.

Note 3: Saw many Ertiga Taxi's on the hills with odo > 2 lac kms and K15C engine going strong as new. Gives confidence !

[izzikio_rage]

How did the car perform in the hill climbs? Did a fully loaded car with AC on feel sluggish in the hill sections?

[DCEite]

Originally Posted by izzikio_rage

How did the car perform in the hill climbs? Did a fully loaded car with AC on feel sluggish in the hill sections?

The only time I felt a bit low on power was while overtaking on hills while on steep uphill road.

On the plains though overtaking was a breeze, all that needed was a downshift from the paddle shifter or rapid tap of the accelerator to bring a gear or two down.

Note: 2 adults + 2 kids + boot full of luggage

[Phantom 510]

Stellar fuel economy!! What kind of efficiency it returns during b2b, moderate and light traffic commutes with AC on?

[Sumeet412]

Originally Posted by DCEite

Almost 1 year into the ownership, and the GV Zeta AT had its first long trip to from Delhi to Nainital/Bhimtal.
=====
Note 3: Saw many Ertiga Taxi's on the hills with odo > 2 lac kms and K15C engine going strong as new. Gives confidence !

What app are you using for keeping log of your milage? I am looking for some good apps to keep track of my refueling, service logs, etc.

[geekay_c137]

Background:

After 4 eventful years with my Altroz Diesel, which I documented here https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/test-...d-4-years.html (4 years of Tata Altroz Diesel Ownership | What kept me hooked & Why I finally sold it in 4 years), it was finally time for a change. While the Altroz gave me some cherished memories, the ownership experience had its fair share of frustrations, quality niggles, service delays, and overall unpredictability. I longed for a no-nonsense, peace-of-mind kind of car.

The hunt was on.

The Criteria: What I Wanted from My Next Car

This time, I was crystal clear with my requirements:

• An SUV- A must for Chennai’s patchy roads, and it needed to hold up well during regular waterlogging during monsoons.
• Occasional hill drives- We take yearly trips to the ghats, so it had to perform there as well.
• Proven, reliable engine-No turbo due to long-term reliability concerns, just a trustworthy naturally aspirated engine
• Hassle-free service- After the Tata experience, this became a non-negotiable.
• Practical features- I wasn’t chasing luxury or gimmicks, only the essentials
• No sunroof- Personal preference, and a safety concern to me.

The Decision- Why I Chose the Grand Vitara Delta variant:

Around end of 2024, while casually checking the options, I requested a test drive for Grand Vitara and the Nexa service manager, Nandhanam, Chennai brought the test drive car to my place within 45 minutes. Out of three Delta variants readily available in stock, one was grey- my only preferred color in GV, manufactured in November 2024.
I got a great exchange value for my Altroz of 6.30L, Year-end discounts of 1.7L out of 15.26L on-road price of the delta variant and A no-nonsense, professional experience at Nexa.
It ticked all the boxes, and with the reliable 1.5L NA petrol engine, I had found my peace.

Booking:

The whole process was surprisingly quick and efficient. The team handled the documentation smoothly, didn’t push for unnecessary accessories.
Only accessory I opted for was the alloy wheels from Nexa. No chrome overload or pointless additions.

We took the delivery on Jan 2025.

Post delivery, installed a 7D mat from local car accessories shop for 5K & a Redtiger dual dashcam F7N from Amazon for 13K which i installed myself.

Meet Hodor – My Grand Vitara:

Yes, I named my car Hodor after the beloved Game of Thrones character.
The Grand Vitara, just like Hodor, is: Strong, Reliable – just does the job, Slow – Not in a hurry, but always gets you there.

Every time I take the wheel, I feel that calm strength. Hodor fits him perfectly.



Features – Just What I Needed:

The Delta variant is the sweet spot for those who don’t need excessive tech but want solid basics:

• Simple, yet perfect infotainment system.
• Wireless Apple CarPlay- Works like a charm.
• Rear camera
• Cruise Control
• Tilt & Telescopic Steering
• Height Adjustable Driver Seat
• Classic Analog dials: Less electronics=Fewer problems
• Rear AC vents
• Type C & USB charging ports
• Spacious & Comfortable cabin
• Music system- I can feel the big difference in sound quality compared to the JBL system in my Altroz, but this is no less of a system. It’s well-balanced and enjoyable

The features are not flashy, but everything is well-built, logical, and functional.
Only missing features in my list are Rear wiper & Alloy wheels (which I got it fixed as accessory).






Likes

• Hassle-free service experience with Nexa service centres- Covered in detail in the dedicated section below. No complaints so far.
• Spacious and comfortable cabin- Plenty of room for the family, wide seats, good headroom and legroom. Felt like real upgrade.
• Smooth and predictable engine- The 1.5L NA does its job without fuss.
• Ground clearance is a real advantage- 210 mm gives peace of mind on rough patches and during rains. In fact, I feel like I’ve moved into a comfort zone where I no longer worry about small bumps, as the GV handles them with ease.

Dislikes

• Brakes feel spongy- Not confidence inspiring, especially coming from the Altroz. Takes time to get used to, during quick or emergency braking.
• Headlamps aren't great- Halogens don’t offer good spread and brightness, especially in rains or highway night drives. Looking for upgrade options.
• No fog lamps on any variant- Yes, Maruti doesn’t offer fog lamps even though the stock headlamps are average. I’m considering installing aftermarket LED fog lamps with proper housing for the GV, available in most accessory shops.
• No type C port at front side- Yes, Type-C port is provided only at the rear. The front gets just one USB port and a 12V socket. Strange placement.

Driving experience:

City:

• Power delivery is just right for city use. It cruises comfortably within city limits without feeling underpowered. I feel the electric motor of mild hybrid system, kicks in to assist with torque in the lower RPMs, the pull is evident when you press the accelerator harder in open stretches.
• Refinement is impressive- the engine stays quiet unless you rev it hard. Light steering and great visibility make daily drives effortless.
• My office commute is 45kms up and down. Gear shifts are smooth, and clutch modulation is easy, making it a no-stress car for stop-and-go traffic (PS: I enjoy driving the manual especially when you have such a smooth system in place (same with my Altroz)).
• City mileage- 12kmpl

Highway:

• The Grand Vitara cruises effortlessly at 80-100 kmph. That’s its sweet spot.
• The ride remains composed, and cabin insulation is good enough to keep wind and road noise low. Beyond 100 kmph, which is not recommended, the NVH levels are average.
• Overtaking needs proper planning. Once you drop from high speed, the car takes its own sweet time to regain the speed which is something completely opposite to what I’ve experienced in Altroz Diesel. However, I’ve become a sedate driver over time, with my family, there’s no rush or need of high speed beyond 100 kmph.
• Highway mileage- 17kmpl

Hills:

We took Hodor to Munnar recently for our family trip. Fully loaded, I was curious to see how it handled the hills.

Verdict? No drama, no struggle.

• The 1.5L NA engine may not be quick, but it pulled cleanly through ghats without any signs of strain.
• The ground clearance (210 mm) handled broken roads, inclines, and a bit off-roads like a champ.
• The cabin remained composed and comfortable throughout the trip. Trust me, we did not feel tired throughout the 1200 KMS trip.

It’s a cruiser, not a sprinter — and that’s exactly what I wanted.


Service Experience

One of the biggest reasons I chose Maruti Suzuki was the promise of hassle-free service, and they delivered. First two services done (1000 Kms & 5000 Kms) in Nexa, Keelkatalai, Chennai which is closer to my place.

Here's what stood out:

• They create a WhatsApp group for each service involving the SA, service manager, and customer care executive. All communication happens there.
• Pickup and drop facility without any delays or confusion.
• No surprises, no ghost charges, and absolutely no delays so far.

For someone who lived through Tata’s unpredictable service timelines, this feels like a luxury

Conclusion – From Frustration to Satisfaction

Being a Tata fan, I’ve moved from chaos to calm with Maruti Suzuki. The Grand Vitara may not make headlines, but it gives me peace of mind and in today’s world, that’s priceless. And that, for me, is worth every rupee. I no longer worry about unexpected niggles, spend hours chasing service reps, feel anxious on long drives.

7000kms of peaceful ownership so far.

More updates to come as I clock more miles with Hodor.

[RJKottayam]

I took (delayed) delivery of my AllGrip (4WD) Alpha variant in early August 2024. As I spent a lot of time outside India (and have another Toyota AT), it has only only run less than 4K kms so far. I get 10-10.2kmpl in Kochi and suburbs. 11kmpl being the highest so far. Is it normal?

Are there any other Allgrip model owners here? I’m thinking of taking it on a Ladakh trip sometime this year or early next year.

I would like to upgrade my tyres, to higher profile AT tyres on lower diameter alloys. Thinking of doing 215/75R15 AT tyres on 15”, 114.3x5 alloys. Any suggestions? Has anyone done something like this?

[DCEite]

Originally Posted by Phantom 510

Stellar fuel economy!! What kind of efficiency it returns during b2b, moderate and light traffic commutes with AC on?

In light traffic city traffic: 13.5 - 14.5 kmpl

In bumper to bumper: 11.5-12 kmpl

As an overall average in city traffic I get around 13.9 kmpl

Originally Posted by Sumeet412

What app are you using for keeping log of your milage? I am looking for some good apps to keep track of my refueling, service logs, etc.

Not using any app as such. I believe there are some good apps in Android/Apple ecosystem like Fuelio that you can use, but I personally have not used it yet. Might as well start using it.

[shubhamdrives]

Hello, Please excuse as this my first post on the forum.

As Fellow Grand Vitara (will refer it as GV for now) owner I would like to add my inputs too. I have GV Delta Manual MY-2022 driven 28K for now, I have recently serviced it and changed spark plugs which costed me Rs. 1920 a piece (Made in Japan, NGK Iridium, SGP OEM), old one showed signs of going bad since 1.9K. I would like to know if anyone else has changed them, if so at what period? Will share photographs soon

[supremeBaleno]

Originally Posted by shubhamdrives

I have GV Delta Manual MY-2022 driven 28K for now, I have recently serviced it and changed spark plugs which costed me Rs. 1920 a piece (Made in Japan, NGK Iridium, SGP OEM), old one showed signs of going bad since 1.9K

Could you clarify what you mean by “signs of going bad”? And how did you detect it ? Service centre guys said plugs are bad or you checked yourself ?

As per GV owner manual, spark plugs are to be replaced at 1lakh kms or 84 months.

My hybrid GV had it’s 20K service couple weeks ago - just oil & filter change.

[shubhamdrives]

Originally Posted by supremeBaleno

Could you clarify what you mean by “signs of going bad”? And how did you detect it ? Service centre guys said plugs are bad or you checked yourself ?

As per GV owner manual, spark plugs are to be replaced at 1lakh kms or 84 months.

My hybrid GV had it’s 20K service couple weeks ago - just oil & filter change.

I have shifted my service to third party workshop as intended to use my own fluids and schedules. For now I stick to 9K service interval((9/18/27) and Castrol Edge 0W16 grade as per OEM specifications. During PMS(18K) upon inspection discoloration,build-up/deposits were noticed, they were clean and installed for time being.When odo was nearing 25K I noticed slight delay in staring,increased NVH and mild drop in FE, I choose to change them as preventive measure before any incidents of misfire occur.Also as per service manual replaced the ISG belt.