Suzuki is big at making small cars, not just 4x4s but that is an area where they have had most success.
In the 1980’s they became the world’s leading manufacturer of compact,
utility, workhorse 4x4s. Remember they produced their small LJ (Light
Jeep) Jimny series from 1970, then the SJ Samarai from 1982 followed by
the current SZ Vitara range and of course the even smaller modern Jimny
4x4 jeep and the SX4 4x4 small car are also available. Suzuki’s
Vitara, or Grand Vitara as it is now known for both three and five door
models, starts its third decade of sales in 2010. Suzuki launched its
first three-door Vitara 20 years ago creating the world’s first compact
car-like specification SUV and so establishing a new market sector for
vehicles. Their aim was to still deliver true off-road performance
but with responsive fun-to-drive on-road performance, in a comfortable
and well equipped car like body. Over 164,000 Vitaras/Grand Vitaras
have been sold in the UK out of 2.6 million worldwide. Since then the
stylish and versatile SUV has steadily evolved and kept pace with
growing demand for good-looking, versatile 4x4s and all Vitara models
still have permanent four wheel drive with a high and low ratio
transfer box and most models also have a diff-lock setting.
Today
Suzuki GB continues to sell around 3,200 Vitaras annually with about
50% of customers opting for the compact three door versions. In general
younger women or young and older couples with no children opt for the
three door models whilst families logically choose the five door
versions. The latest updated and more refined Grand Vitara three
and five door models are priced from £14,295 to £20,410. Prices have
unfortunately just been increased due to the rise in VAT from 1 January
2010. The Grand Vitara range has SZ3, SZ4 and SZ5 levels of
equipment and specification with 1.6/2.4-litre petrol and a new 1.9
DDiS turbodiesel engine options. Petrol models account for around 60%
of sales. With the Government’s £2,000 Scrappage Scheme still two
months to run and with Suzuki continuing to offer three-years 0%
finance until the end of March, now is the time to opt for driving
independence in all weather conditions and go the 4x4 route. The
latest three and five door Vitaras offer quieter, more refined and
improved fuel efficient engines whilst maintaining their hallmark all
wheel drive, high and low ratio transmission. They remain compact in
size and lightweight so they are easy to park. Undisputed off-road
ability comes, in part, from the four wheel drive facility, the long
travel suspension with high ground clearance and being lightweight they
just skip over the banks of snow or mud and do not easily get bogged
down or ‘beached’ and left sitting on the vehicle’s underbelly. Earlier
Suzuki compact off-roaders had the scaled down, upright and slab sided,
workhorse looks of a WWII Jeep. Today the SZ Grand Vitara is a much
more refined product in looks, interior design quality, higher
equipment levels and ride comfort. The latest tweaks include a new
design of front grille and bumper which gives a more sculpted and
muscular appearance. New door mirrors are fitted with integrated turn
indicators and the restyled light clusters smarten up the rear end.
New
wheel designs are utilised, with a more robust treatment for the
standard five-spoke 17-inch alloys on the SZ4 model plus seven-spoke
18-inch rims for the five-door SZ5 model. Cabin ambience is more
refined and sophisticated, with a cleaner, easier to monitor dashboard
layout and new control buttons and switches that are weighted to convey
a sense of quality and precision. All models have air conditioning,
electrically operated windows and door mirrors.
Inside, detail
improvements include a new multi-information display in the main
instrument cluster, giving the driver clear information on vehicle
status, including fuel consumption, mileage, driving range and gear
position for automatic transmission equipped models (option on
2.4-litre model only). The steering wheel-mounted switches are
illuminated for greater ease of use and there is a new control panel
for the climate control unit.
SZ5 five-door models feature
wood trim inlays to the centre console and integrated door armrests
which further enhance the all-round cabin quality; a new centre speaker
on the dashboard is also included which allows sound to be echoed off
the roof to create a surround-sound effect.
In addition all
models have Electronic Stability Control (ESP) with traction control
fitted as standard and rear disc brakes have been introduced for 1.9
DDiS and 2.4 petrol models. The rear suspension has been strengthened
and the front end styling offers better pedestrian protection.
Suzuki Grand Vitara SZ4 1.9 DDiS 3-Doo £16,955 (Vat 17.5%). Engine/transmission:
1.9-litre, four-cylinder, common rail injection with turbocharger and
intercooler, 127bhp, 300Nm (221lb ft) from 2,000rpm, 5-speed manual
gearbox, high/low ratio transfer box with locking centre differential,
permanent all wheel drive. Performance: 106mph, 0-62mph 12.8
seconds, 40.4mpg (36.1mpg actual), CO2 183g/km, VED £175, BIK tax 27%.
Insurance group: 14. Boot space 184-516-litres. Maximum braked towing
weight: 1,600kg. For: Very capable and rugged vehicle
handles well, permanent all wheel drive so genuine off-road ability,
good looks, well equipped, good value to buy. Against: Hard ride, heavy gearchange, engine very noisy when cold, high-ish servicing and insurance costs.
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