Suzuki Auto South Africa has announced a series of updates to its popular Grand Vitara compact SUV. The Grand Vitara has already established an enviable reputation for is authentic, low range-based 4x4 capability, combined with robust quality and reliability.
The updates are aimed at augmenting the cosmetic appeal of the all-terrainer, while also adding greater value by offering two distinct specification levels – Dune and Summit - with pricing adjusted accordingly.
FRESH NEW APPEARANCE
The most obvious changes are to the front end of the Grand Vitara, where a revised grille adds a stronger contemporary flavour to the compact SUV’s styling. Also new is the front bumper, which incorporates revised fog lamps and a more aggressive lower air intake.
The latest Suzuki Grand Vitara also rides on new, stylish alloy wheels, executed in 17-inch and 18-inch sizes, depending on model, while Gaia Bronze pearl metallic is being introduced as a new exterior colour. Inside, a new black fabric now adorns the seats and the door panel inserts.
The result is a cleaner and more distinctive visual appearance, while retaining the Grand Vitara’s poised and powerful presence
TWO SPECIFICATION LEVELS
The changes to the Grand Vitara coincide with the introduction of two new
specification levels. The new Grand Vitara Dune retains all the technical and dynamic benefits of the legendary compact SUV, but at a value-added price.
Standard on the Dune are the new 17-inch alloy wheels, with a disc-type half wheel cover for the tailgate-mounted full size alloy spare wheel.
The Dune’s comprehensive standard equipment array features a FM Stereo/AM CD receiver with MP3 playback function and speed-sensing volume adjustment, electric windows front and rear, remote central locking, automatic air-conditioning and cloth seat upholstery.
On the safety front, the Dune comes equipped with all-disc ABS brakes, front, side and curtain airbags, front and rear head restraints, and five inertia reel seatbelts, with the front belts featuring pre-tensioners and load limiters. Isofix rear child seat anchors are standard.
The more upmarket Grand Vitara Summit is even more comprehensively equipped. It rides on 18-inch alloys, and the full size alloy spare wheel gets a full cover adorned with the Suzuki logo. A sunroof and chrome side mouldings are also part of the standard execution.
The Summit benefits from the auto-sensing HID headlights with headlight washers and automatic headlight levelling, while front fog lamps are standard, too.
The interior specification includes cruise control with steering wheel-mounted switching, keyless starting and a six-dix in-dash CD receiver with MP3 playback and speed-sensing volume control. Leather seat upholstery is standard.
TRIED AND TRUSTED DRIVETRAIN
The Grand Vitara 2.4 models feature a four-cylinder, 2 393 cc powerplant with twin overhead camshafts and VVT variable valve timing to produce 122kW of maximum power at 6 000 rpm. The torque peak of 225Nm is achieved at 4 000 rpm. Both trim levels offer a choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmissions.
In manual transmission trim, the Grand Vitara accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a brisk 11.7 sec, and achieves a 180 km/h top speed. The automatic version covers the 0 to 100 km/h dash in 12.0 sec, while top speed comes to 170 km/h.
Combined-cycle fuel consumption figure for the manual and automatic Grand Vitara models comes to 8.9 litres/100 km and 9.9 litres/100 km respectively, with associated CO2 emissions ratings of 212 and 234 g/km
Unlike most compact SUVs, the Grand Vitara is a true 4x4 all-terrainer, with an advanced all-wheel drive system that incorporates a low-range transfer case and convenient, electronic switching between 4x4 modes.
The system employs a torque-sensing centre differential that can vary power between the front and rear axles depending on road conditions and driving style. For more challenging terrain, the centre differential can be locked to further boost traction and stability.
In extreme off-road conditions, the transmission's transfer case can be used to select low-range mode, to further boost all-terrain tractability, climbing capability and overall traversability.
Also contributing to the Grand Vitara's legendary all-terrain talent is its 200 mm ground clearance, short front and rear overhangs, long-travel suspension, and rugged integrated ladder frame monocoque chassis.
The chassis isn't only tough and durable, but provides a rigid platform for the Suzuki's all-independent suspension. The latter sees a front MacPherson strut configuration, with coil springs and anti-roll bar, coupled to a multi-link rear system.
The suspension provides a perfect mix of control and comfort, with controlled and smooth responses to a wide variety of driving conditions. Ride comfort remains impressive, even on uncompromising terrain, while the overall rigidity of the chassis ensures close and satisfying communication between car and driver.
PRICING
The retail pricing of the updated Suzuki Grand Vitara range has been revised to reflect the changes in specification, and the two new model derivatives.
Grand Vitara Dune MT (R298 900)
Grand Vitara Dune AT (R313 900)
Grand Vitara Summit MT (R358 900)
Grand Vitara Summit AT (R373 900)
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