You can't love - you can only drive: test drive Suzuki Grand Vitara III

Exterior

The exterior of the crossover, along with the interior, has been changed in order to present the car in a fresh modern style, although the previous generation became the basis for it. The front of the car has been seriously modified. Changes are noticeable in the optical light-amplification system, where the headlights have been changed. The changes also affected new radiator grilles, which are topped with chrome inserts. The bumper installed at the bottom has an air intake, and has also undergone changes - it is decorated with a very expressive aluminum plate at the bottom. The air intake itself, which was installed below, found its place below the lower bumper, thus creating a fundamentally new stylistic solution. Paying attention to the fog lamp sockets, you understand that they have also been slightly changed - after the update, the fog lamps are not installed directly in the bumper, but in a couple of small platforms, which combine perfectly with the overall design solution, which gives the all-wheel drive SUV a modern look.

Another thing that catches your eye is the side extensions of the fairing installed in front, which smoothly float over the swelling in the stampings of the front wings. The wheel arches are quite wide, which allows the use of massive wheel diameters. A new grille trim has appeared, which is decorated with two horizontal bars with an extension in the center for installing the Suzuki nameplate. The side of the Vitara has almost the same profile as the pre-restyling car. However, after the update, larger and different variations of light alloy wheel designs and a variety of body paint colors will be offered as a bonus. The appearance is quite recognizable, where you can find the presence of large swollen wheel arches, large doors, a smooth window sill line and roof. The rear part of the Suzuki Grand Vitara has already received a bumper, which has become more expressive. The reflectors were moved to the very bottom of the rear bumper. In principle, in all other respects there is a similarity with the previous model, including dimensions. There is also a massive tailgate that opens to the side, as well as vertical lights.

Dimensions

If we talk about the three-door Suzuki Grand Vitara, then it is 4,060 mm in length, 1,810 mm in width, and 1,695 mm in height. The wheelbase is 2,440 mm, and the ground clearance is 200 mm. The curb weight, depending on how the power unit is installed, is 1,407 or 1,461 kg. The three-door model will be able to boast excellent performance in terms of geometric cross-country ability of the body, the approach angle is 29 degrees, the departure angle is 36 degrees, and the longitudinal cross-country ability is 20 degrees.

The five-door has a wheelbase measuring 2,640 mm, length 4,500 mm, width 1,810 mm, and height 1,695 mm. The ride height is exactly the same as that of its younger brother - 200 mm. This is very pleasing, considering the quality of our roads. With such a height, it can be called a full-fledged SUV. The curb weight of a car from Japan with five doors will vary from 1,533 – 1,584 kg. The five-door model has slightly worse body geometry - the approach angle is the same as that of the 3-door version - 29 degrees, but the longitudinal flotation angle is less - 19 degrees, and the departure angle is much less - 27 degrees. Wheel rims can be installed from a diameter of 16 inches to 18 inches, and 17 and 18-inch wheel rims will only be made of light alloy.

Interior

Once inside the Japanese-made Suzuki Grand Vitara, you immediately feel the already familiar style of the company. The salon, as is already customary, is decorated in black colors with dots of silver, which perfectly complement the standard forms of design content. The entire surface has a regular geometric round shape. Therefore, the formation of minor damage is minimized, which allows you to fully use the car as an all-wheel drive jeep. Of course, the interior of the Suzuki Grand Vitara does not stand out in any way. The front panel is made of high-quality and hard plastic, and there are also simple fabric seats. The basic configuration has a console that is similar to a control panel, and top-end variations even come with a screen that supports touch input. Restyled versions have beige trim, and the seats can be made of leather and fabric. In the interior, one can note the excellent assembly of parts and high-quality fit, there is nothing more to say.

I was pleasantly pleased with the new three-spoke steering wheel, which will now be available in two variations: in leather or polyurethane. It can be adjusted in height. On it, the designers placed control keys for the car's music system. The instrument panel has a stylish design and contains three deep wells where the indicators are located. Near it you can see a console installed in the center, which looks strict. The materials used have been noticeably improved. A person sitting behind the wheel of a Suzuki Grand Vitara has quite good visibility, and rather large windows make it possible to increase visibility.

If the three-door version of the Suzuki Grand Vitara was designed for four people, then the five-door can accommodate five people. However, there is still a fly in the ointment - there is a fairly small amount of free space. Tall people may feel slight discomfort. The seats installed in front are quite comfortable and are heated and have a wide range of settings. The seat of the driver and the passenger sitting next to it has a heating function. The luggage compartment has 398 liters of usable space in the five-seat version. If necessary, the luggage compartment can be increased by folding the backrests of the rear seats. Then this figure will already be 1,386 liters of free space. The three-door model has only 184 liters of volume, and 964 with the seats folded down.

Advantages and disadvantages of all-wheel drive Suzuki Grand Vitara

Car enthusiasts who have managed to test an SUV with a new transmission in practice share that there is an improvement in such characteristics as handling and stability of the car in motion.

Now the Grand Vitara independently follows the trajectory chosen by the driver. And even obstacles on the way do not knock the car off the set course. Car enthusiasts notice that, unlike the previous generation, the updated SUV does not roll when cornering, and does not lag in response to turning the steering wheel. The independent suspension also had a beneficial effect on driving performance.

Among the disadvantages, motorists cite the noisy operation of the transmission. This is explained by the specifics of the design: all axle shafts and driveshafts rotate in the car.

And of course, the car is more gluttonous than the rear-wheel drive model. However, if we compare the pros and cons, the updated Suzuki Grand Vitara definitely wins compared to its predecessor. And in the SUV niche, it confidently occupies its leading position, not inferior to competitors in popularity and demand.

Specifications

Power unit

During the updates, the technical component of the SUV from Japan, Suzuki Grand Vitara, was not particularly subject to interference from the company’s engineering staff. The car has a full independent front suspension with McPherson struts and a rear axle on which there is a multi-link system (5 levers). The all-wheel drive system works together with a locking center differential, as well as a reduction gear, which is very good.

It is worth noting that this arrangement is not available for most competing crossovers. Even some SUVs do not have this. Speaking of power units, their list starts with the initial 1.6-liter gasoline engine, which produces 107 horses and is synchronized with a 5-speed manual gearbox.

It is installed only on models with three doors. The engine clearly lacks power, and it allows you to reach the first hundred in just 14.4 seconds, and its top speed is 160 km/h. This engine consumes gasoline about 8.2-8.5 liters per 100 km in average mode.

Next comes a more powerful 2.0-liter engine, producing 140 horsepower and working with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic. This engine comes with a five-door and makes it possible to reach 100 km/h in 10.6 (11.2), and the maximum speed will be 175 km/h. At 100 km, the engine consumes about 8.4 (8.9 with automatic) liters. If you drive it in the city, this figure will increase slightly more than 11 liters. This bar is completed by the most powerful engine operating on gasoline, the volume of which is 2.4 liters and which produces 169 horses.

This engine comes with a “short” Grand Vitara FL and a 4-speed automatic transmission. All this makes it possible to accelerate to 100 km/h in 11.5 seconds, and the top speed will be at 170 km/h. On the highway, the engine consumes about 8 liters, in the city 12.

The long-shaped FL with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission accelerates to the first hundred in 11.7 (12), and the maximum speed is 185 (175). This engine for an enlarged car requires 7.6 liters on the highway and 11.4 (12.5) in urban conditions. Speaking for real conditions, the power unit requires about 10-12 liters per 100 km.

Vehicle testing

All the tests that were carried out together with the Suzuki Grand Vitara, along with reviews from owners and an independent test drive, make it possible to conclude about the stability of the behavior of the all-wheel drive vehicle on asphalt and on light off-road conditions. The car has a stiff suspension and sensitive steering, but after reaching 120 km/h, directional stability decreases.

Light off-roading is like a toy for Suzuki, and if difficult sections of the road lie ahead, there is a locking differential along with permanent all-wheel drive.
However, we should not forget that a lot depends on the head and skillful hands. Specifications

Safety

For safety reasons, the Japanese car comes with many extras. Security systems:

• Availability of rear door locking (child protection);
• Door lock cylinder with increased resistance to burglary;
• Presence of an immobilizer;

Passive safety:

• Availability of front airbags;
• Side airbags built into the front seats;
• Curtain safety;
• ISOFIX child seat anchors (3 pieces);
• Security bars in the doors;
• 3-point front seat belts with inertia reel, pretensioner, force limiter and height adjustment;
• Safety pedal assembly.

Active safety and suspension:

• Availability of ABS with EBD option;
• BOS, a service that prevents accidental pressing of the gas pedal during emergency braking;
• Brake Assist;
• Ignition key reminders;
• Indicator for headlights not turned off.

The company paid special attention to the safety of the crossover, especially for use in the Russian Federation. To do this, they created a durable body, which is made of galvanized sheet steel. Moreover, the metal is coated with anti-corrosion coatings.

Technical data of the restyled car

On the Russian market, the updated Grand Vitara model is equipped with the following equipment:

• central locking;
• electric windows;
• air conditioner;
• on-board computer;
• heated electric mirrors;
• heated front car seats;
• airbags;
• CD receiver;
• fog lights.

The latest model Suzuki Grand Vitara has a multi-mode all-wheel drive transmission, a locked center differential, and a downshift mode. This kind of all-wheel drive system is not often found on modern crossovers and many other SUVs.

On video - review of Suzuki Grand Vitara

Three-door Grand Vitara with two petrol engine options:

• 1.6 liters, power - 107 hp;
• 2.4 liters, power 165 hp. With.

The five-door Grand Vitara also comes in two petrol engine options:

• 2.0 liters, power 140 hp. With.;
• 2.4 liters, power - 169 hp.

All engines are equipped with four cylinders, a 16-valve timing mechanism, and a multipoint fuel injection system.

Technical characteristics of the Suzuki Grand Vitara based on the Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.4 model.

Technical specifications Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.4

Options and prices

The list of standard equipment, which is available on all trim levels of the Suzuki Grand Vitara, includes front electric windows, central locking, climate control, heated seats installed in the front, front and side airbags, curtain airbags, ABS and EBD systems, emergency braking system , immobilizer, exterior rear-view mirrors with electric drive and heating function, hydraulic power steering, on-board computer, and 16-inch steel wheels.

The XJ-A package additionally provides the car with an audio system with control buttons on the steering wheel, front fog lights, and 16-inch steel wheels. The cheapest configuration of a three-door model with a 5-speed manual gearbox and a 1.6-liter 107-horsepower engine will cost from 1,129,000 rubles.

A 5-door version with a 2.0-liter engine, 140 horsepower and a manual 5-speed gearbox will cost from 1,279,000 rubles. The top version of the five-door costs from 1,619,000 rubles with a 2.4 liter 169-horsepower power unit and a 4-speed automatic.

The most expensive three-door configuration of the Suzuki Grand Vitara will be priced from 1,479,000 rubles. It comes with the same 2.4-liter 169-horsepower engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission.

The list of additional equipment includes electric windows on the rear doors, a keyless engine start system, a top-level audio system, leather upholstery, cruise control, xenon headlights with washers, a sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels and an electronic system stabilization.

The maximum configuration provides combined leather upholstery, a color touch screen (6.1 inches), a Garmin navigation system, audio systems with voice control support (CD, MP3, USB, AUX, iPhone, iPod and Bluetooth), cruise control, stylish alloy wheels.
Prices and options

Space and melancholy in the cabin

At my disposal was a pre-restyling Suzuki of 2008 with a 2.0 liter engine of 140 hp. With. and manual transmission. The first thing that surprised us in the cabin was the size of the SUV! Classmates like the Nissan X-Trail and Ford Kuga are a long way from the Vitara. There is plenty of space in the back and it’s comfortable even for three people. The backrests are adjustable for tilt, and the “gimbal” tunnel on the floor is practically absent. Apart from the armrest, there are no bells and whistles for rear passengers.

When you get behind the wheel, only one word comes to mind - boredom. The Vitara has a reputation as a “workhorse” rather than a luxury SUV. Inside everything is very modest, unstylish, clumsy.

The dashboard and “beard”, as it was popularly called, are made of cheap and hard plastic, which is known for squeaks and crickets. The dashboard is archaic even for those years. The mirrors in the sun visors and the glove compartment were not illuminated. I believe that you should not save on such little things, because sometimes they form the impression of the car.

There is climate control, heated seats, a multifunction steering wheel, a standard audio system and, as it seemed to me, a good on-board computer. But in order to use it, I had to stick my hand through the steering wheel and press the “stumps” there, which are called buttons. Wildly inconvenient and unreasonable. It is difficult to judge objectively the quality of “music” in this kind of car. If a bear dances in your ear, then the acoustics will suit you.

Ergonomics is an everyday matter. The seats are on the hard side and lack lateral support. The steering wheel changes its position only according to the angle of inclination. Well, where would we be without the technical creativity of domestic drivers? The owner of the tested Vitara welded the gear of the adjustment mechanism, because the seat itself lowers to its lowest position over time.

I have no complaints about the Suzuki's visibility and side mirrors. Here they are truly “off-road”. The owner complained about the trunk capacity, or rather the lack thereof. In a Niva, for example, you can store 320 liters, and in a Vitara - 184 liters...

Also read: Who will get stuck first: Nissan X-Trail II or Suzuki Grand Vitara III

Advantages and disadvantages

Pros of the car

• Comfortable interior;
• Quite an interesting design;
• Good maneuverability;
• Wide selection of modifications;
• Strong gasoline engines working with special expensive gearboxes;
• Small dimensions;
• Good handling;
• Permanent all-wheel drive and low gear;
• Machine reliability;
• Average price for spare parts;
• Low fuel consumption;
• Good capacity;
• Excellent operation of the stove;
• Rigid suspension, no sway;
• Good lighting quality;
• All two axles are disabled when towing;
• Improved quality of materials used in the cabin;
• Proper level of security;
• Availability of a touch display.

Cons of the car

• Not ideal noise insulation;
• In some places there is meager equipment;
• It’s hard to ride on a harsh suspension, but on an emergency road, it’s not so easy;
• Not the best quality of the plastic used;
• The transfer case is very low;
• Inconvenient location of the spare wheel;
• The spare wheel cover does not provide adequate protection;
• Outdated automatic transmission;
• There is not enough free space, especially in the back row and for tall people;
• Small luggage compartment volume;
• Some trim levels have weak power units;
• Great cost.

The principle of operation of all-wheel drive SUV

Let's start with the fact that in the new Suzuki Grand Vitara the transmission is fundamentally different than in the old model. A permanent all-wheel drive is installed here, ensuring an even distribution of torque between the axles. However, the manufacturer has provided for situations where the driver may feel the need to lock the cross-axle differential. So a rigid connection between the axes and the engine will be ensured. If the path lies through real off-road terrain, then a downshift will help out.

The transmission of the updated SUV operates in four modes. So you can choose the best option depending on which road the car is traveling on.

1. The first of the modes – 4H – is intended for tracks with standard parameters.
2. 4H Lock is a mode that will ensure comfortable movement in off-road conditions. It includes a center differential lock.
3. The third mode, called 4L Lock, is designed for real extreme sports enthusiasts. Because a reduction gear in the transmission is engaged.

N mode is the automation of the transmission, which is necessary for towing an SUV. We are sure that the video below will bring final clarity to the work.

Let's sum it up

The next update of the Japanese crossover with permanent all-wheel drive Suzuki Grand Vitara has been beneficial. Even if the restyling is not so noticeable in the exterior or inside the car, it still happened. The design of the front end was especially affected and thanks to the update, the car looks more modern and youthful, and in some places even sporty. The quality of the materials used in the cabin has noticeably improved. The front instrument panel has the familiar three deep wells.

The center console is quite simple, but at the same time quite informative and intuitive. More expensive trim levels even have a screen that supports touch input. The seats installed in front are quite comfortable and have average lateral support. Rear passengers are quite comfortable, but tall people will feel slight overhead discomfort.

The luggage compartment is not famous for its volume, but if necessary, it can be increased by folding the rear seat backs. I am glad that there are many different modifications and individual options that can be installed. There is a choice of power units with gearboxes. Some engines clearly lack power, but they still cope with the tasks assigned to them.

The company has not forgotten about ensuring proper safety for the driver and passengers sitting next to them. With the help of a permanent all-wheel drive system and low gearing, you can fully experience the advantages of crossovers. It’s nice that Suzuki does not stop there, but is constantly improving.

We advise you to read the article: History of Suzuki

Suzuki Grand Vitara photo

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