2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 15:44
The Grand Vitara has been one of the most important models in Suzuki's product range for years. Until the mid-range Kizashi sedan comes to Germany, the off-road vehicle will be an image carrier, family car, shopping advisor and climber all in one.
By Stefan Zaumseil
The Suzuki fans were delighted when the Grand Vitara not only received a slight facelift at the end of 2008, but also revised engines. Unfortunately, this only applied to the petrol engines that had not been so harmonious to date. Those who opt for the top model from Suzuki still have no choice when it comes to the appropriate diesel. The aging diesel engine from Renault still has no alternative. In contrast, the 2.4 liter petrol engine has 122 KW / 166 PS and 225 Nm. You are even more confident with the top engine, the Grand Vitara 3.2 V6. The 232 hp six-cylinder is equipped with a five-speed automatic. In today's times anything but contemporary, but better than no automatic transmission as with the diesel engine. Despite the dimensions and weight, it remains unchanged and with 95 KW / 129 PS and 300 Nm is simply too weak on the chest.
Sluggish performance
In view of the other diesel engines on the market, the smoothness of the common rail engine could be just as much better than the power output. It is surprising that Suzuki has stopped working on the diesel on its successful model. Supplier Renault has long since switched to more powerful and significantly more efficient engines. The driving performance should only satisfy less demanding customers. The 170 km / h top can only be reached very slowly. No wonder, because the well-equipped Grand Vitara five-door weighs around 1.8 tonnes when empty.
No other competitor offers such low engine power; most of the others offer 150 to over 200 hp, six gears or an automatic. Even when it comes to consumption, the off-road vehicle does not tear up trees. Instead of the promised seven liters of diesel per 100 kilometers, the Grand Vitara consumed around nine in the practical test. Thanks to the appropriate tank volume, however, more than 700 kilometers can be covered. Until further notice, the engine can only meet the Euro4 standard.
Getting on in years
The latest facelift has done the 4.58 meter long Suzuki Grand Vitara good, especially in the top version Comfort Plus. The exterior mirrors have integrated indicators, the front view looks a little fresher with a new grill and modified bumpers. There are also standard light alloy rims. The cover of the spare wheel on the tailgate is now standard. A small display has been integrated into the speedometer, which shows information about consumption and range. As before, the steering wheel can only be adjusted vertically, but not in depth. If you fold the back seat, you can increase the trunk volume from 398 to 1,368 liters.
The Grand Vitara also lacks other details. A convenience switch for the power windows is only available on the driver's side. The seat heating works with a single level and is only available for the front seats. The gray applications in imitation wood look more cheap than classy. The workmanship of the Grand Vitara is very neat and the driving comfort is also up to par. However, you can tell that the Vitara has come in years and has been overtaken by numerous competitors. A successor should be found here that can keep up with the high number of competitors.
Real off-road vehicle
The parade discipline of the Japanese, however, remains the terrain. The Grand Vitara is one of the few that is a real off-road vehicle. The permanent all-wheel drive does its job solidly and without frills and, depending on the terrain, the center differential can be locked and the power distributed 50:50 to both axles. In the case of particularly difficult terrain, you can also use a rotary knob to activate a terrain reduction that provides more torque. The hill descent aid is only available on the six-cylinder.
The Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.9 DDiS costs at least 24,400 euros with three doors. The very well equipped top model Grand Vitara 1.9 DDiS Comfort Plus with heated leather seats, xenon light, glass sliding roof, automatic air conditioning, navigation system and Keyless Go starts at 33,000 euros. The only thing missing is the metallic paint, which costs 490 euros.
