Suzuki has apparently created its new Grand Vitara from a blank sheet of paper, sharing nothing but its name from the
outgoing model. The new car has been designed to widen its appeal to buyers that now have more options in the market, including crossover vehicles such as
Mitsubishi's Outlander, and the spanking new
Toyota RAV4, also making its debut at the
Frankfurt Show.
It is not unusual that Suzuki has developed distinct characters for the three and five door versions, with the former sitting on a shorter wheelbase and featuring a sportier body design. However, Suzuki has decided that buyers of the three-door are not really looking for a real off-roader, so that car does without the low ratio transfer 'box and centre differential lock fitted as standard to the five-door models. A new full-time four-wheel drive system is utilised by both cars, with four distinct modes of operation available in the five-door, similar to Land Rover's Terrain Response system.
New 1.6-litre and 2-litre petrol engines are available now. The necessary diesel option arrives later in the year in the form of a Renault-supplied 1.9-litre turbocharged unit providing 127bhp and a useful 221lb.ft of torque to aid towing. All models come with a five-speed manual as standard, with an automatic option on the 2-litre petrol model only at present. There has not yet been any news whether or not the outgoing car's excellent V6 petrol engine and automatic 'box combination will be available.
Indications are that the Grand Vitara will be excellent value for money, with the three-door 1.6-litre starting at £12,699, and the most expensive 2-litre model at £16,449. All models feature as standard climate control, front electric windows (and rear on 5-door models), steering wheel-mounted audio controls, remote central locking, reclining rear seats, folding door mirrors, driver and front passenger front and side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags and an immobiliser. Keep an eye out on the
Suzuki Road Tests page for our review early next year.
Shane O' Donoghue - 26 Sep 2005
