Suzuki Grand Vitara: New Model

By Jay Williams - 4/September/2008

Sydney, Australia — Look out people, its another on-road/off-road compact SUV, this one built by Japanese brand Suzuki.

With a long history of making compact-but-capable rock hoppers, you could look at the Suzuki Grand Vitara and know right away that it's a 4x4, but like many other popular compact SUVs this one claims to be a serious off-roader. 

Suzuki says the first things they addressed were "even higher on-road performance and tougher off-road capability" to ensure 4WD enthusiasts would be catered for.

"No matter how refined the styling or the modifications, the off-road performance cannot be allowed to suffer and that is the essence of the Grand Vitara," says Suzuki, who is obviously trying to attract active sporty people who like the outdoors.

There are now five models with three engines to choose from, with new petrol engines headlining the changes including a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder VVT engine, a 3.2-litre V6 and not to forget the 1.9-litre intercooled and turbocharged diesel engine.

Here's the new pricing for the Grand Vitara range:

3-Door: $24,990 (auto $26,990)
5-Door: $29,990 (auto $31,990)
5-Door diesel: $34,990
5-Door Prestige: $36,990 (auto only)
5-Door Prestige V6: $39,990 (auto only)

Electronic stability control is now standard across the Suzuki Grand Vitara range, and looking at the new models it would seem that it's suffering from an identity crisis.

It looks like the designers have been peeking at plans for the new Toyota RAV4.

With its similar lines, flared guards, front fog lamps and bulging front bar, a cynic would say the only thing setting them apart are the badge and rear tail lights.

However two new wheel designs set for 2009 are a 17-inch 5-spoke alloy rim being standard on the diesel and Prestige models, and optional on the base model 5-door.

Suzuki has also included the compact 3-door version in the range, which will increase the Grand Vitara's appeal to a wider range of drivers.

Prestige model Grand Vitara's can also be optioned with an 18-inch seven-spoke rim, which adds a little more street cred to the overall package.

The design isn't going to win any awards, but it does suit the vehicle and is a continuation of the previous Grand Vitara design.

The new 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine has 122kW which is a big 67 per cent increase on the previous 1.6-litre in the 3-door, while fuel efficiency improves to 8.8 litres per 100km for the 5-speed manual, which should help on the old hip pocket of suffering motorists and will be available in both 3 and 5-door models.

The 1.9-litre turbo-diesel DDiS engine has been reworked by Suzuki's engineers for an 8 per cent improvement in fuel economy. The most fuel efficient model in the Grand Vitara line-up now boasts an ADR economy figure of just 7.0 litres per 100km. Good for an SUV.

At the top of the range is the 165kW Prestige V6, with the all-new 3.2-litre quad-cam V6 offering 22 per cent more power over the outgoing 2.7-litre V6. It's got VVT technology to ensures optimum fuel efficiency, with the 3.2-litre V6 offering a class-leading ADR economy figure of 10.5L/100km. That represents a 9 per cent increase over the outgoing 2.7-litre V6.

The chassis has been upgraded with rear ventilated disc brakes that replace the antiquated drums of the outgoing model, and safety-conscious buyers will be even happier to know that all Grand Vitara's get side and curtain airbags fitted as standard equipment.

The Grand Vitara is a good deal at $24,990 for the base model 3-door manual and the for those who are shipping the kids to footy training the $40,490 for the fully loaded 5-door Prestige V6 with 18-inch wheels would make sense. 

Related Links:
- Suzuki Splash (2008)
- Suzuki Grand Vitara Diesel DDiS (2008)
- Suzuki Makai Concept (2007)
- Suzuki Kizashi, SX4 WRC (2007)
- Suzuki SX4 (Road Test)
- Suzuki Swift Sport vs. Mitsubishi Ralliart Colt (Road Test)
- Hyundai Santa Fe vs Suzuki Grand Vitara (Road Test)