Maruti enhances safety features of Grand Vitara Hybrid
Maruti Suzuki has recently introduced an advanced safety feature in the Grand Vitara Hybrid. The strong hybrid variants of the vehicle will now come equipped with the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS), which aims to enhance pedestrian safety.
AVAS is designed to emit a low-level alert sound, alerting nearby pedestrians of the vehicle’s presence. This feature proves particularly crucial when the Grand Vitara is operating in electric mode, where the absence of engine noise may catch pedestrians off guard. The emitted sound is audible within a range of up to 5 feet from the car, ensuring pedestrians are adequately warned and can take appropriate precautions.
By incorporating AVAS, Maruti Suzuki ensures compliance with the Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 173. This standard mandates that electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, fuel-cell vehicles and fuel-cell hybrids with at least one electric motor or electric motor generator must be equipped with a pedestrian warning system.
The inclusion of AVAS technology in the Grand Vitara hybrid has resulted in a nominal price adjustment. Maruti Suzuki has raised the prices of the hybrid variants by Rs. 4000/-, resulting in a starting price of Rs. 18.29 lakhs (ex-showroom). This slight increase reflects the added value of the AVAS system and the enhanced safety it brings to the vehicle.
Pedestrian safety has become an increasingly important aspect of vehicle design and operation, given the rise of electric and hybrid vehicles with quieter engines.
The AVAS system in the Grand Vitara hybrid serves as a proactive safety measure, helping to reduce the risk of accidents and enhancing the overall safety profile of the vehicle.
