Latest Suzuki Grand Vitara Goes Anywhere
Suzuki's Grand Vitara has been a success, selling in big numbers and garnering countless awards in every corner of the globe.
It's a simple recipe - value-for-money, go-anywhere 4WD ability, nice levels of standard equipment and excellent quality.
Car Showroom has just completed two weeks back-to-back in two Grand Vitaras - one petrol and one diesel - and the fortnight in the latest Suzukis reminded us just how capable it really is.
What You Get
The Vitaras tested were both five-door wagons although entry to the lineup is a three-door model. We tested a 'Prestige' version powered by the 2.4-litre four cylinder petrol engine with a four-speed automatic transmission and the diesel model which has a 1.9-litre turbo-diesel under the bonnet and a five-speed manual gearbox.
Both were nicely equipped - the Prestige gains leather seats and an upgraded audio system as part of its enhancements - and both offer low-range four-wheel-drive, a versatile cargo load and a towing capacity up to 2,000kgs (diesel)..
Under The Hood
As part of the latest upgrades for the Vitara range, the 2.4-litre petrol engine replaced the previous 2.0-litre powerplant.
With variable valve timing, this competent four cylinder delivers 122kW of power at 6,000rpm and peak torque of 225Nm at 4,000rpm. Zero to 100km/h is reasonable at 11.7 seconds and Suzuki says the combined cycle fuel consumption 8.8l/100kms (manual).
Simultaneously, the 1.9-litre turbo-diesel DDiS engine was reworked for enhanced fuel economy - consumption is down to 7.0l/100kms. Featuring common rail injection technology, Suzuki's diesel is good for 95kW at 3,750rpm and peak torque of 300Nm at 2,000rpm.
The Interior
It's inside where the latest Grand Vitara has taken a quantum leap over its predecessors. Both models we tested presented interior styles, materials and levels of refinement that equal the best in this segment.
The nice, three-spoke steering wheel is leather-wrapped and the cruise control buttons are right at your fingertips. We liked the instant fuel consumption bar graph included in the revised instrument cluster
Grand Vitara runs full-time four-wheel-drive with the dial to select low-range is on the center console. Arguably, the Grand Vitara delivers the best genuine off-road ability when compared to its direct rivals.
On the audio front, the diesel model comes with a single CD, four-speaker system while the Prestige petrol scores an in-dash six CD setup with seven speakers and a subwoofer. Both have an auxiliary jack for MP3s and iPods.
The load area is excellent - up to 1,386 litres with the rear seat folded. However - like its rivals - the Grand Vitara's overall width of 1,810mm means wide loads often required some folding of the seat as they could not fit into that standard cargo space.
The tailgate is side-hinged with a hydraulic stay which keeps it open even in windy conditions
Exterior & Styling
Suzuki's latest Grand Vitara successfully combines a degree of sophistication in its styling while maintaining its 'off-road athlete' attributes. Female buyers will not be intimated by its dimensions or an overly-muscular appearance.
For off-road enthusiasts, the short front and rear overhang and tailgate-mounted spare wheel announce this is a serious performer when the going gets tough. And the flared guards accentuate a wide track.
Among the changes in the latest styling upgrades were a new front bumper with wider spacing between the fog lights and a revised grille with the prominent Suzuki 'S' badge.
Both of the models we tested were fitted with Suzuki's good-looking five spoke 17-inch alloy wheels which contribute to an overall sophisticated and contemporary look that does stay true to the Vitara bloodline.
On The Road
Given its serious of-road credentials, the Grand Vitara doesn't match the refinement of some segment rivals which are more accurately called 'Soft Roaders'. It's still more than acceptable by any measure…and we'd be very confident tackling the toughest outback tracks in either the petrol or diesel Grand Vitara we tested.
We liked the responsiveness of the 2.4-litre petrol engine mated to the four-speed automatic while the diesel and its five-speed manual were easy to operate around town.
Over our mountain road test route, both Grand Vitaras were competent performers with the usual SUV body roll and at the limit understeer. The diesel required attention in the gear selection department to ensure the right cog was selected at all times to maintain momentum accelerating from tight corners.
On the safety front, all Grand Vitaras come standard with front, side and curtain airbags, ABS anti-lock brakes with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and BA (Brake Assist) plus stability control and traction control.
Off-road the Grand Vitara certainly gives a metaphoric 'upper-cut' to some of the soft roaders now populating this segment of the market. With an approach angle of 29 degrees, a departure angle of 27 degrees, a rampover angle of 19 degrees and that switchable low-range…well let's say any place you get stuck in a Grand Vitara you shouldn't be going there!
Challenges
We'd like to see more supportive front seats in Grand Vitara - the side bolsters are tad lacking.
And the five-speed manual transmission in the diesel car we tested was a little baulky at times.
Verdict
Much like the new Mitsubishi Challenger, the Suzuki Grand Vitara asks the question: do you want a pretend 4WD or one with genuine ability to take you off the main roads? If the latter is your go, then combine that ability with excellent build quality, a nice interior and value-for-money and you have the Suzuki Grand Vitara.
Oh, and did we mention it's not just us saying that? Grand Vitara has a trophy cabinet chockers with awards from just about every country on the planet.
The Competition
Toyota's RAV4 , Mitsubishi's Outlander and Nissan's X-Trail have lots of fruit but not the off-road ability of the Grand Vitara. .
Likes
Can handle the rough; competent on-road; nicely priced; well-built
Dislikes
Seats aren't the best in segment; drivetrain a tad unrefined
