The Suzuki Grand Vitara has finally received an upgrade, with two trim specifications on the same drivetrain as the previous generation of the compact SUV.
The Grand Vitara has always been well equipped, with low-range and 4-wheel drive. Aesthetics have been updated, with a new front grille, bumper, fog lamps and air intake. The 17 or 18 inch alloy wheels are also new, and the colour Gaia Bronze pearl metallic joins the lineup. The interior, now with black fabric seats, also received a slight makeover.
Grand Vitara Dune
The Dune is the value-for-money option in the GV lineup, with 17-inch alloy wheels, disc-type half wheel cover for the full size alloy spare wheel mounted on the tailgate, an FM stereo/AM CD radio with MP3 capability and speed sensing volume adjustment, as well as all-round electric windows, central locking, auto aircon and cloth seats. It also comes standard with all-disc ABS brakes, front, side and curtain airbags, front and rear head restraints, five inertia-reel seatbelts and pre-tensioners and load limiters on the front seatbelts. ISOFIX anchors can be found on the rear seats as well.
Grand Vitara Dune MT R298 900*
Grand Vitara Dune AT R313 900*
Grand Vitara Summit
If you want more than the basic equipment in your GV, however, the Summit spec has a longer list of toys. This includes 18-inch alloys, a full size spare wheel cover (with the Suzuki logo, for proud owners), a sunroof, chrome side mouldings, auto-sensing HID headlights with washers and automatic levelling functions, as well as front foglamps.
Inside you’ll also get cruise control with satellite controls on the steering wheel, keyless start, a six-CD shuttle on top of the standard radio equipment and leather upholstery.
Grand Vitara Summit MT R358 900*
Grand Vitara Summit AT R373 900*
Same old GV
Other than that, however, the Grand Vitara hasn’t changed much, and if you fell in love with the previous generation vehicle, you won’t be disappointed in this one. The 2,4 litre, four-cylinder engine produces 122kW of power, peaking around 6000 r/min. Torque output peaks at 4000 r/min, at 225Nm. For both the Dune and Summit models there is a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed auto transmission systems, with top speeds of 180 km/h and 170 km/h respectively.
Fuel consumption, according to Suzuki Auto SA, can be expected (on the combined cycle test) at 8,9 litres/100km for the manual models and 9,9 litres/100km on the automatic model. CO2 emissions ratings are 212 and 234 g/km respectively.
4×4
The Grand Vitara has a permanent all-wheel drive system with a low-range transfer case and electronic switching between the 4×4 driving modes. The system utilises a torque-sensing central differential, which can vary the power sent to the front and rear axles depending on the situation, and of course, your driving style. The centre diff can the also be locked to improve traction in the rough. Ground clearance, according to Suzuki Auto SA, is a respectable 200mm. Paired with the short overhangs and ladder frame monocoque chassis, it’s a recipe for decent off-roading. The chassis is supported by MacPherson struts at the front, and coil springs with anti-roll bar and a multi-link suspension setup at the rear.
*Includes a three-year/100 00 km warranty, and a six-year/90 000 km service plan.
Read about the Suzuki Grand Vitara’s launch here – a road trip through South Africa!