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By
EWAN KENNEDY
3 March 2008
Suzuki, one the biggest players in the small and medium 4WD market
in Australia for decades, introduced a turbo-diesel to its Grand
Vitara range early in 2008.
The engine is a four-cylinder 1.9-litre unit producing up to 95
kW of power. Torque of 300 Nm is produced at 2000 rpm with a good
spread before and above those engine revs. We have just lived with
this engine for a week’s road test and have come away impressed
with its economy as well as the way it performs.
There's some turbo lag, which is minimised by variable geometry
in the turbo, but after that has passed, this engine provides good
acceleration and has torque that enables it to pull up steep hills
without any fuss.
On-road fuel consumption in the hands of most owners will be in
the seven to eight litres per hundred kilometres in country
driving. Probably in the nine to ten litre range in constant
traffic use. These are good figures for a spacious 4WD that can
easily cope with full-sized adults in the rear, yet which has
strong off-road ability.
At the launch of the Grand we commented that the engine wasn’t
as smooth and quiet as we had anticipated. This time around the
vehicle tested was much better, either because it had finally been
run in, or due to the fact that the original had a problem.
Whatever, we would be more than happy to live with the Suzuki 4WD’s
diesel this time around.
Note the use of the term ‘4WD’, because the Grand Vitara
really is a 4WD, not an SUV. It no longer has a body-on-chassis
design of the original models, but instead uses a car-type
monocoque body to give it the ability to crumple progressively
during a crash to help protect its occupants. Suzuki has built
plenty of rigidity under the body to give it true off-road
strength. Not the truck-like rigidity of large, pure-bred 4WDs
designed for commercial use, but more than enough strength for the
adventurous family.
Off-road it’s enjoyable and competent in the way it can
tackle forest tracks, rocky bush roads and corrugated gravel. Its
real strength is on the beach where its relatively light weight
and good traction systems let you play to your hearts content.
On-road, the Grand Vitara has excellent ride comfort of the
type you simply don’t expect from a vehicle with its degree of
rough-bush ability. The suspension is almost car-like in the way
it cossets its occupants, so those who are looking for a family
car substitute don’t have to forego overmuch comfort.
Handling is good for a 4WD, but don’t mistake it for a
low-slung sedan or it may bite you if you demand too much of it.
Part of the upgrade to the latest Grand Vitara included the
installation of a high-tech ESP system that, as well as providing
greater on-road safety, also gives assistance in off-road
conditions. ABS brakes are included in the electronics.
Suzuki Grand Vitara diesel is priced at a pretty reasonable
$34,990 and comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, climate-controlled
air conditioning, a CD player that can accept MP3 discs, a
leather-trimmed steering wheel that houses cruise control buttons,
and remote central locking.
All-in-all the Suzuki Grand Vitara is an excellent compromise
between on-road station wagon and off-road adventure machine. Its
continuing success is assured in Australia by the offering of an
optional turbo-diesel engine.
AT A GLANCE
MODEL RANGE
Grand Vitara 1.6-litre petrol three-door wagon - $23,990
Grand Vitara 2.0-litre petrol five-door wagon - $28,990
Grand Vitara 2.7-litre petrol five-door wagon - $30,990
Grand Vitara DDiS 1.9-litre turbo diesel five-door wagon - $34,990
Grand Vitara Prestige 2.7-litre petrol five-door wagon - $36,990
FEATURES
ABS Brakes: Standard in all models
Air Conditioning: Standard in all models
Automatic Transmission: Not offered in 1.6-litre or DDiS, standard
in Prestige, $2000 option in other models
CD Player: Standard in all models
Central Locking: Standard in all models
Cruise Control: Standard in 2.7, Prestige and DDiS, not offered in
other models
Dual Front Airbags: Standard in all models
Front Side Airbags: Standard in DDiS and Prestige, not offered in
other models
Stability Control: Standard in Prestige and DDiS, not offered in
other models
Traction Control: Standard in DDiS, not offered in other models
SPECIFICATIONS (Suzuki Grand Vitara DDiS 1.9-litre turbo
diesel five-door wagon)
ENGINE:
Capacity: 1.870 litres
Configuration: Four cylinders in line
Head Design: DOHC, four valves per cylinder
Compression Ratio: 17.0:1
Bore/Stroke: 80.0 x 90.0 mm
Maximum Power: 95 kW @ 3750 rpm
Maximum Torque: 300 Nm @ 2000 rpm
DRIVELINE:
4WD Type: Full-time
Manual Transmission: Five-speed
Automatic Transmission: Not offered
Final Drive Ratio: 4.300:1
SUSPENSION AND BRAKES:
Length: 4470 mm
Wheelbase: 2640 mm
Width: 1810 mm
Height: 1695 mm
Turning Circle: 11.0 metres
Kerb Mass: 1612 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 66 litres
Towing Ability: 750 kg (1850 kg with braked trailer)
MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
Front Suspension: MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Suspension: Multi-link, coil springs, rigid axle
Front Brakes: Ventilated disc
Rear Brakes: Drum
FUEL CONSUMPTION:
Type: Diesel
Combined Cycle (ADR 81/01): 7.6 L/100 km
GREEN VEHICLE GUIDE RATINGS:
Greenhouse Rating: 6.5/10
Air Pollution Rating: 5/10
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Three years/100,000 km
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Marque Publishing Company
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