New Suzuki Grand Vitara makes an Entrance

We drive the all-new Grand Vitara, sporting fresh looks, hybrid powertrains and keen pricing.

The Grand Vitara has launched in South Africa and will make its way to local dealerships at the beginning of May. The Vitara name carries decades of Suzuki heritage. It was first unveiled in 1998 as a short, stout 2+2 configured 4x4. The design was boxy and unpretentious and carried a no-nonsense, go-anywhere presence.

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The new Grand Vitara is all grown up. It’s modern and eye-catching with a face reminiscent of the Baleno. Key design features are the new trapezoidal grille and slimline headlight and 3-point DRL units. At the rear, Suzuki has also fallen for the idea of a rear LED lightbar that extends across the rear panel. In their defense, it’s been done in a subtle and tasteful way.

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The new Grand Vitara has been launched in 2 specification variants with 2 powertrain options and 2 transmission options. The GL is the lower-spec version but in normal Suzuki spirit, it’s quite loaded with a number of features including a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Android and Apple mirroring is included as is Keyless entry, climate and cruise control, DRL’s, roof rails and 6 airbags. Then Suzuki ups the spec for the GLX model with larger alloy wheels, a 9-inch infotainment system with a nifty 4-camera 360-view camera system, faux-leather upholstery as opposed to cloth seats, head up display and wireless phone charging.

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The big news concerning this new Grand Vitara is that powertrain options now include a mild-hybridised AllGrip GLX model. It is the flagship model in the range and the only model to have an all-wheel drive system. The GLX Hybrid AllGrip models couple a starter-generator and lithium-ion battery unit to the 1.5-litre petrol engine and essentially it works to improve efficiency. It’s 1 kW less powerful than the non-hybrid version but its key selling point is reduced emissions, improved efficiency and that all-wheel drive is only offered in the hybrid variant.

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From behind the wheel, the hybrid Grand Vitara feels underwhelming. The engine can best be described as too lethargic for the need. The auto transmission with paddle shifters doesn’t help and as the flagship in the range, the power and weight trade-off for all wheel drive is something that may be disappointing. The thing is, the AllGrip system is very good, and this model offers the very thing for which Suzuki is known – off road ability. The Grand Vitara doesn’t have the talent and wheel articulation as a Jimny, but our launch route included a steep and rocky climb to the top of one of the Outeniqua Mountain ranges. We simply turned the Driving Mode dial to 4WD to the required setting and the car took care of the rest. It’s 210mm ground clearance is something to note too. But, despite this, does the 4x4 ability and the reduced fuel consumption warrant the extra spend? Suzuki claims fuel consumption figures of 5,6l/100km, some 0,4l/100km over the NA models. Is that enough?

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Despite the clever engine stop and start as well as regenerative braking, by our reckoning at the moment, the 1.5 GL and GLX models are slightly better in terms of everyday usabililty. They feel stronger and with the slightly lighter weight of these models, you’ll enjoy the power more than in the AllGrip. But if it’s all wheel drive you want and need, you’ll have to purchase the hybrid.

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The Grand Vitara is also slightly larger all round, though Suzuki has done a good job to make the car appear more compact. Boot space is quoted as 310-litres, but the car does come with a full-sized spare wheel. With the wheel removed, the space increases by 66-litres. Interior space is improved all around the cabin including in the rear where legroom and headroom is better. Aside to that, the interior is optimum Suzuki. It’s an honest and unpretentious place to be. It feels better built than a Swift or Jimny in my opinion, this is in perceived quality. Naturally it should feel this way considering its price tag and where it fits in the local Suzuki Auto SA line-up.

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Suzuki Grand Vitara launch pricing is as follows:

Grand Vitara 1.5 GL Manual                               R339 900.

Grand Vitara 1.5 GL Auto                                   R359 900.

Grand Vitara 1.5 GLX Manual                             R397 900.

Grand Vitara 1.5 GLX Auto                                 R417 900.

Grand Vitara 1.5 GLX Hybrid AllGrip Auto           R529 900.

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Pricing is strong indeed. But for the hybrid, the price point of all Grand Vitara products is very competitive in the market. The segment is certainly well attended but the competence, design and character of the Grand Vitara coupled with these prices stands the vehicle in good stead to improve sales from previous versions.

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The Grand Vitara is available in Splendid Silver, Opulent Red, Grandeur Grey, Celestial Blue, Midnight Black, Arctic White and pearlescent versions of Arctic White and Cave Black. Two-tone options are also available for the Opulent Red, Arctic White and Splendid Silver colours. These are complemented by black roof and black mirror caps.

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The Grand Vitara is a modern, well-spec’d consideration in segment with really standout pricing. It still has a wild side to it, should you need the off-road option – but that means slightly compromising in other areas and forking out quite a bit more money. That’s the only rub.

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