The present Suzuki Grand Vitara is actually the third generation of the species, growing slightly in size with each version until the present four-door, five-seater shape was penned. On arrival in 2008, it received a good reception as a good-looking and very capable off-roader. The latest upgrade is not major, in fact rationalisation has taken place with the V6-engined models no longer available, leaving us with only two models, the Dune and the Summit.
Frontal styling has been revised with a new bumper, fog lamps and lower air dam. It still sports a hinged rear door with the spare wheel mounted onto it. Powertrain-wise, we have the familiar four-cylinder 2,4-litre engine with 122 kW at 6 000 r/min and 225 N.m of torque, peaking at 4 000 r/min. Transmission is a choice of either five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. Drive is permanent four-wheel drive with a centre diff-lock select button and, importantly in this “soft road” segment, a low-range transfer case. The Dune versions retail at R298 900 for manual and R313 900 for auto, with the Summit manual and auto versions costing R358 900 and R373 900.
The lower specced Dune has 17-inch wheels, cloth upholstery, climate control and can be recognised from the rear by a half- cover over the rear-door mounted spare wheel. All the usual luxuries are fitted including front, side and curtain airbags. The top-spec Summit has 18-inch wheels, leather trim, sunroof, keyless starting, HID, self-levelling headlights and cruise control. A six-CD front loader is added to the audio system with steering wheel controls. The spare wheel also has a full cover.
The Grand Vitara somehow feels different to other SUVs. It has a distinctive sporty edge to it that might be partly due to the motorcycle and water sport side of the company (as with Honda) but also due to good handling, a racy leather clad steering wheel and, from the outside, mildly aggressive styling. Having experienced the low-range of the Vitara on a 4×4 trail before I can vouch for its ability although ground clearance is less than that found on 4×4 bakkies and the low-profile tyres are not ideal for very harsh surface conditions. On the tar road, the steering and handling compliment the sporty name and looks with car-like finesse. Although it’s been around for a while, this vehicle still makes a lot of sense, living up to the true meaning of “SUV”. A six-year/90 000 km service plan is included and service intervals are 15 000 km. See Suzukiauto.co.za for further details.
FAST FACTS Engine Power/Torque 0 to 100 km/h (manual/auto) Fuel consumption |
Suzuki Grand Vitara 2,4 Dune and Summi
Transmission 11,7 (12,0) s 8,9 (9,9) L/100 km |