The new Suzuki flagship model unveiled locally at the Festival of Motoring looks poised to continue the positive trajectory of the Japanese brand in South Africa. Here are more details on the new Grand Vitara.
Building on an existing nameplate in our market, the new Suzuki flagship model comes with it a host of new technologies and a new level of luxury for the local line-up of vehicles. Suzuki, who were wholly responsible for the design and the development of this Suzuki/Toyota global alliance product, states that the model will be produced at the Toyota Kirloskar Motor Factory in India. Similarly to the Baleno/Starlet, Vitara Brezza/Urban Cruiser twins, Toyota will also benefit from a model out of this collaboration in the form of the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder.
After making its first global debut in India on the 20th of July, South Africa has become one of the first countries worldwide to be teased with the model in the metal. On display to the thousands of visitors at the Festival of Motoring over the weekend, the Grand Vitara boasts a Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki (SHVS) technology, as well as Suzuki’s AllGrip Select All-wheel-drive system depending on specification.
The hybrid system makes use of a long-life 12-Volt lithium-ion battery which stores regenerated energy during deceleration and can be used for a spurt of additional power during acceleration or to power secondary components of the vehicle. With an already impressive reputation for frugal and fuel efficient vehicles, the new Suzuki flagship model now becomes the first to offer hybrid technology in our market.
Under the bonnet is the choice of two engine configurations. Either the venerable K15B 1,5-litre motor or the all-new K15C 1,5-litre dual-jet motor which incorporates the SHVS mild hybrid technology. The former will be available in both manual and automatic transmission choices while the latter will come with an automatic transmission paired to the AllGrip AWD system as standard.
The AllGrip Select electronically controlled four-wheel drive system offers four selectable driving modes which can optimise traction, efficiency or power. Namely being AUTO, SPORT, SNOW and LOCK, the technology is a first to our market as is the Grand luxury offered on the range topping-topping models.
These will include a 9-inch touch-screen infotainment system, a 360-degree around-view camera system, head-up display and wireless smartphone charging system while standard features to the new Suzuki flagship model include LED projector headlights, cruise control, 6 airbags, keyless entry with a push-button start system and intelligent climate control.
The model hasn’t been updated to the Suzuki website yet and pricing has not been made available. Further information is expected closer to the vehicle’s launch which can be expected in the coming months.
