The dramatic price reduction in hybrid variants of the Grand Vitara is a direct result of Uttar Pradesh’s waiver on registration tax for hybrid cars, announced in July this year.
The Grand Vitara is available with both mild-hybrid and strong-hybrid powertrains, with the latter known for its superior fuel efficiency. The mild hybrid is offered in four variants: Sigma, Delta, Zeta, and Alpha, while the strong hybrid is available only in two variants: Zeta+ and Alpha+.
Thanks to the registration tax waiver, the prices of the Maruti Grand Vitara Alpha AT (mild hybrid) and Zeta+ (strong hybrid) are now nearly identical in Uttar Pradesh!
For this comparison, we’ve chosen the Alpha AT since the Zeta+ comes with only an eCVT. So, which one should you pick, and how do they differ? Let’s dive in.
Strong Hybrid Grand Vitara Costs Same as Mild Hybrid in UP
The Uttar Pradesh government introduced significant tax exemptions earlier this year for strong and plug-in hybrids, exempting them from registration tax. In comparison, vehicles with conventional powertrains costing under ₹10 lakh are taxed at 8%, while those above ₹10 lakh incur a 10% tax.
The Grand Vitara Alpha AT has an ex-showroom price of ₹16.91 lakh in UP, resulting in ₹1.6 lakh in road tax. Adding other taxes brings its on-road price to ₹19.67 lakh.
On the other hand, the Zeta+ variant, powered by a 1.5L strong hybrid engine, benefits from the tax waiver. This variant offers additional tech and equipment over the Zeta while also featuring the strong hybrid powertrain. With an ex-showroom price of ₹18.43 lakh, the Zeta+ would typically attract ₹1.8 lakh in road tax. However, the waiver eliminates this cost, reducing the on-road price to ₹19.59 lakh—about ₹8,000 less than the Alpha AT.
Strong Hybrid Grand Vitara Costs Same as Mild Hybrid in UP
Now that we’ve looked at the price difference, let’s explore the differences beyond the powertrain and price. Both the Alpha AT and Zeta+ are available in dual-tone exterior color options. However, only the Alpha AT offers a dual-tone interior, while the Zeta+ features an all-black interior with champagne-gold accents.
The two variants also differ significantly in features. Although the Alpha AT is the top-spec mild-hybrid variant, it lacks the 7-inch TFT driver display found in the Zeta+, instead using a smaller 4.2-inch MID. On the flip side, the Alpha AT features soft-touch interior plastics that give it a premium feel, which the Zeta+ misses.
Both variants come with a panoramic sunroof, but the Zeta+ adds a wireless charger and HUD, which are absent in the Alpha AT. However, only the Alpha AT is equipped with a 360-degree camera.
Since the Zeta+ has a strong hybrid engine, it includes an AVAS (Acoustic Vehicle Alert System) to warn pedestrians of the approaching EV. While this system is mandatory in many global markets, it gained attention in India after being featured in the newly launched Curvv EV.