The New Suzuki Grand Vitara
Published: 9th September 2005
Suzuki Grand Vitara
Located between the seats is a centre armrest which on 5-door models has a sliding padded lid which can be adjusted for optimum comfort. It also lifts to reveal a deep storage compartment. Just ahead of it and beneath a damped lid with release button are two cupholders. These are also able to accommodate the portable cylindrical ashtray. At the rear of the centre console in 5-door models, and directly accessible by rear seat passengers, is a fold down lid which opens to reveal a further two cupholders. Rear seat occupants in the 3-door model have individual cupholders built in to the rear quarter trims.
As well as the capacious and lockable glove box, there are deep storage pockets located in the doors, those in the front additionally featuring bottle holders. Further storage is provided by seat back pockets on the front passenger seat (3-door) and on both front seats (5-door). A ticket holder and mirror are provided on both sun visors.
Usefully, the Grand Vitara provides two 12V accessory sockets - one located alongside the transmission lever, the other in the luggage area. There is also a series of convenience hooks distributed through the cabin enabling the safe stowage of shopping bags or take-aways. Finally, 5-door models have a luggage area light, twin map reading lights and, alongside, a sunglasses holder.
A comprehensive safety package
All Grand Vitaras boast a full array of airbags with front, side and curtain for front seat passengers plus curtain for those in the back. ISOFIX child seat anchors are also standard on the rear seats. The front seatbelts are height adjustable and incorporate pretensioners and force limiters. Rear seat passengers are also provided with three-point seatbelts and height-adjustable headrests.
In the event of an accident, the reinforced cabin structure and impact absorbing crush zones, plus the unitary design of the ‘built-in ladder frame’ construction, direct impact energy away from the cabin which has been further reinforced with door impact bars, deformation resistant members and other measures. Pedals are designed to minimise protrusion into the footwell, and a head impact protection structure supplements the curtain airbags.
Pedestrian protection measures include an energy-absorbing front structure for enhanced injury mitigation. The bumper for example uses energy-absorbing materials to help reduce the possibility of serious leg injuries.
Engines: two petrol, one diesel
Initially the Grand Vitara will be available with three engines offering a variety of performance combinations from fuel saving efficiency to uncompromising power and torque and all selected for their smooth power delivery. All feature drive-by-wire throttle control for outstanding engine management.
At launch customers can choose between two 16-valve petrol engines, a 1.6-litre powering the 3-door model or a 2.0-litre in the 5-door. They will be joined late this year by a second 5-door model which uses a 1.9-litre turbodiesel supplied by Renault. Naturally all are Euro lV compliant.
The new 1.6-litre engine uses variable valve timing to widen the effective performance range and 106 PS at 5900rpm is matched by 107lb ft peak torque at 4100 rpm to give flexible everyday performance and a combined fuel consumption of 32.5 mpg.
The 140PS 2.0-litre delivers a combination of strong response, good economy and high levels of refinement enabling it to cope with all eventualities, whether off road adventuring or motorway cruising. Consumption of 31.0mpg (automatic 30.1) on the Combined cycle, acceleration from 0-62mph in 12.5 seconds (automatic 13.6) and a top speed of 109mph (automatic 106) signal the all-round abilities of this engine.
Suzuki Grand Vitara
Our Suzuki Grand Vitara Guide lists the full specification of the current UK Grand Vitara range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £11,999 - £16,515
Body Style:
Fuel:
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Models in the range: 5
We have road tested the Suzuki Grand Vitara, to read our in-depth car reviews:
Suzuki Grand Vitara Review - Jul 2003
Suzuki Grand Vitara Review - Sep 2007
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 21st Sep 2008
