Suzuki announced the fresh faced Grand Vitara range. Changes cover the vehicle design throughout, equipment and aim to reinvigorate the Suzuki Grand Vitara’s appeal in the competitive mid-sized SUV sector.
|
| Suzuki Grand Vitara |
At the front of the car the bumper and grille have been re-styled with a more angular design and the foglamp styling has been revised. Additional changes include inner headlight black accents on 5 door SZ5 models, and new design 17″ or 18″ alloy wheels. A 16 inch spare wheel has now been included as standard, eliminating the need for a puncture repair system. As the spare wheel is mounted on the rear door the Suzuki Grand Vitara grows in length by 200mm (five door models) and 170mm (three door models).
 |
| Side profile |
Under the bonnet is a choice of numerous engines. There is a new 1.9 DDiS engine with a fuel consumption of 6.5 litres of fuel per 100 kilometers. Another engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produces 166 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft. of peak torque. It needs 9 litres of fuel to cover 100kilometers. The most powerful engine is a 3.2-liter V6 engine with 230 horsepower and 213 lb.-ft. of torque. The Grand Vitara’s new four-cylinder engine can be teamed to a standard five-speed manual transmission or a new four-speed automatic transmission, while the V6 is matched to a standard five-speed automatic transmission.
 |
| Available as a 3-door or 5-door version |
To help fulfill their sense of adventure, customers can choose among RWD models, Single-Mode four-wheel drive or Four-Mode full-time four-wheel drive, a traction system unlike anything else offered in the segment. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) is standard for all Suzuki Grand Vitara models, along with a new rollover sensor for the standard side curtain airbags. Enhancing performance on any road is a strengthened structure for 2009, plus rear disc brakes that replace the previous drums. Suzuki Four-Mode four-wheel drive offers the best of both worlds: further aided by a completely retuned suspension, it is exceptionally capable off-road but is civilized on the asphalt. On pavement, drivers can leave the dash-mounted transfer case switch in 4H and the electronically controlled on-demand four-wheel-drive system will apply traction to the front wheels only as needed, optimizing economy. When traveling off-road, or for low-speed power and traction, drivers can turn the switch to high-range 4H Lock or low-range 4L Lock to engage the center differential lock. The V6 models with Four-Mode full-time four-wheel drive also feature Hill Descent Control and Hill Hold Control, which can enhance driving safety on steep slopes.
 |
| Stylish interior |
Moving inside, SZ3 (3 door) and SZ4 (3 door and 5 door) models are finished with new design seat trims whilst SZ5 5 door models are now equipped with a 6.1 inch touchscreen Colour Navigation System. The navigation system is powered by Garmin and includes comprehensive European mapping with downloadable updates and content. The navigation system forms part of the infotainment centre – allowing a number of music options; CD, radio, SD card, media player (including iPod® and iPhone®) connected via the USB port, as well as via Bluetooth® music streaming and phone connectivity.
 |
| Rear profile |
Suzuki launched the first Vitara 24 years ago, creating the world’s first compact SUV and tapping into a new market for vehicles that combine true off-road capability with responsive, fun-to-drive on-road ability. Prices for the new Vitara start at £17,975 (Kshs 3.4 million) for the SZ4 and £19,475 (Kshs 3.7 million) for the SZ5 trim. The three-door SZ3 costs £16995 (Kshs. 3.3 million)