A Toyota hybrid bargain? New Suzuki Grand Vitara packing Toyota hybrid technology is a "game-changer SUV"

Suzuki has today pulled the covers off a new Grand Vitara, with the classic nameplate now packing Toyota's hybrid technology.

Revealed in India, the Grand Vitara isn't all that grand when it comes to dimensions, with the new model roughly the same length as the incoming Toyota Corolla Cross – and that's not the only similarity.

In fact, the Grand Vitara is a joint venture with Toyota (and has a twin, the Toyota Hyryder), and as a result, the Japanese giant's hybrid technology was on the table. Which is why top-spec Grand Vitara models sport a powertrain which is essentially the same as Toyota's popular hybrid system.

Read More About Suzuki Vitara

Suzuki Grand Vitara replacement in the works Watch out, Toyota! New Suzuki hybrids locked in for Australia: 2022 Swift, Vitara and Ignis set for imminent electrified overhaul Best crossovers arriving in 2022

In this instance, it appears to be the same system as the Yaris Cross Hybrid – a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor for a combined 85kW. It pairs with a CVT automatic, with Suzuki claiming seriously impressive fuel efficiency of 3.6L/100km.

The Grand Vitara would fall into our small SUV camp, measuring 4345mm in length, 1795mm in width and 1645mm in height, and is manufactured in a Toyota facility in India for Suzuki. It also promises to be at least a little capable, with an AWD system that includes Auto, Sport, Snow and Lock modes.

Inside, you'll find a 9.0-inch multimedia screen with phone integration, faux-leather seat trims with ventilation and a panoramic sunroof, while safety stretches to six airbags, though further details remain thin on the ground for now.

It's being produced for export markets (in fact, Suzuki says it designed "the all-new Grand Vitara as a global flagship SUV"), but there's no sign of an Australian launch yet.

Clearly, though, this model is a little different to the Grand Vitara we had grown accustomed to in our market. That said, Suzuki in Australia has previously flagged an interest in the Grand Vitara nameplate returning to Oz.