The current generation Suzuki Grand Vitara has been produced since 2005, and during this time the car has been updated several times. Yes, the term is rather long, especially for a crossover, but the Grand Vitara has not lost its relevance. "Japanese" is presented in a 3 or 5-door version, the first will be discussed.
In general, it is rather difficult to meet a three-door crossover or SUV now, unless, of course, we take into account the Russian Lada 4 × 4. Only a few cars are represented in this segment, among which is the Suzuki Grand Vitara 3D. At first glance, the crossover is perceived as a female car because of its compact size, but this is not entirely true. Of course, it looks less serious than the five-door version, but it is more interesting and dynamic.
At the same time, there is something rude, one might even say masculine, in the appearance of the three-door Vitara. Well, the impression is enhanced by a spare tire hanging on the back door just like a real SUV. As for specific figures, the length of the car is 4060 mm, height - 1810 mm, width - 1810 mm, wheelbase - 2440 mm.
But in the interior of the three-door Suzuki Grand Vitara, little is said that this is an SUV, even the high landing does not convince. The design of the dashboard is typical for a passenger car, only the transmission mode switch says that the car is capable of driving outside the asphalt.
The interior of the “three-door Grand Vitara” looks somehow gloomy, even aluminum inserts are not able to noticeably revive it, some color display of the navigation system would not hurt here, but, alas, it is not. However, using the audio system, climate control, and other functions is convenient and simple. Finishing materials used are quite high quality, pleasant to the eye and to the touch.
There is enough space in the front seats of the three-door Suzuki Grand Vitara, and the back is quite at ease, but only two passengers can sit there. The luggage compartment is small - its volume is only 184 liters, but by folding the rear seat it can be increased to 964 liters.
What is the car like on the go? So, the three-door Grand Vitara is equipped with two naturally aspirated engines - a 1.6-liter with 106 horsepower and a 2.4-liter with 166 "horses". The first is combined with a 5-speed "mechanics", the second - with a 4-band "automatic". The behavior of the car on asphalt is worthy of respect. True, a 106-horsepower unit for this crossover is catastrophically small - sometimes there is not enough traction, acceleration is sluggish, but before each overtaking it is better to calculate the trajectory in advance.
But the Grand Vitara 3D with a 166-horsepower engine rides noticeably more cheerfully - almost always there is enough power and traction reserve, only the old 4-band "automatic" somewhat hides its real capabilities and pretty dulls. But even in this case, the car easily accelerates from medium speeds, which is why you can safely overtake.
The suspension of the Japanese "rogue" leaves a double impression. It works out small irregularities, joints and pits perfectly, the smoothness of the ride is quite acceptable, but on an uneven primer, the Vitara-three-door shakes noticeably, although the suspension does not allow breakdowns.
In general, the three-door Suzuki Grand Vitara is something between a crossover and an SUV. On the one hand, it has an honest permanent all-wheel drive with a locking center differential, a reduction gear, short overhangs and a base, but on the other hand, the suspension travels are not the largest, and there is no frame and solid axles. But all the same, the off-road potential of the car is high, it is capable of much, but the capabilities of the three-door Vitara should not be overestimated.
The three-door Suzuki Grand Vitara has its advantages and disadvantages, and if the former are similar to the five-door version, the latter are largely individual.
The positive aspects of the car include compact dimensions, overall design reliability, good handling and cross-country ability, low price, affordable maintenance, well-thought-out ergonomics of the interior space and high-quality assembly.
Negative moments - a cramped back seat, a small luggage compartment, not very convenient access to the rear sofa, is perceived by many as a female car, not a quick "automatic".
In the Russian market, Suzuki Grand Vitara in 2015 with a three-door body costs from 1,139,000 rubles for a 106-horsepower version and from 1,539,000 rubles for a more powerful version. It is safe to say that for all its compact appearance, this is not a female car at all!
For the first time, Suzuki Grand Vitara appeared on the market in 1988. Then it was simply called Suzuki Vitara and belonged to the category of compact SUVs, since its length was only 3570 mm, and under the hood was a 1.6-liter engine with 80 hp. Despite the unsightly appearance of the car, 60 thousand units were sold in the first year. Two years later, its extended version Vitara Long appeared.
History of the Suzuki Grand Vitara
Suzuki Grand Vitara appeared in 1998. She, like her predecessors, remained a full-fledged SUV, retaining in its design a frame, a one-piece rear axle, a full-fledged transfer case and a hard-wired front axle. However, the shift in global demand towards "SUVs" forced the company to gradually simplify the off-road "weapons" of the Suzuki Grand Vitara. Therefore, the second generation, which appeared in 2005, was distinguished by an integrated frame, permanent all-wheel drive, instead of a plug-in one, and independent suspension of all wheels. The Suzuki Grand Vitara was offered a five-speed manual gearbox and a four-band "automatic" as transmissions. At the same time, the off-road capabilities of the Suzuki Grand Vitara were retained, as well as the limited slip center differential.
Three years later, the car has undergone modernization. Suzuki Grand Vitara has new engines with a volume of 2.4 and 3.2 liters, improved noise insulation, in top trim levels they began to install assistance systems on ascent and descent.
In 2010, the European version of the Suzuki Grand Vitara was presented at the Geneva Motor Show. It was distinguished by a slightly modified appearance and the absence of a spare wheel on the rear door.
The last restyling of the car was in 2012. He received a new grille, chrome moldings on the sides, a new front bumper and light-alloy eight-spoke wheels. The updated version was presented at the Moscow Motor Show.
Technical component of the Suzuki Grand Vitara
However, these changes did not affect the technical stuffing of the car. In fact, this is still the same Suzuki Grand Vitara with an integrated frame, a full-fledged transfer case, a reduction gear and a multi-mode permanent all-wheel drive system. In total, there are four modes of operation: “N” or neutral, when the wheel drive is completely disabled (used for towing a faulty car), 4H for driving on asphalt roads, 4H LOCK with a locking center differential and 4L LOCK with a differential lock and downshift connection.
Suzuki Grand Vitara trim levels
Currently, the Suzuki Grand Vitara is offered in the Russian market with three-door and five-door bodies. The short-base version is equipped with a 1.6-liter engine with 78 hp. For other modifications, engines of 2.0 and 2.4 liters with a capacity of 103 and 124 hp are offered. respectively.
However, in recent years, the demand for the Suzuki Grand Vitara has declined so much that Suzuki decided to abandon further production of the model. And if earlier, company representatives stuttered about the possibility of using the Kizahi sedan platform for the next generation of the car, now this is not the case.
The Japanese SUV Suzuki Grand Vitara in its latest version (JT restyled body) has been sold on the Russian market since 2012, and, in general, the second generation of the car debuted in 2005, having experienced several updates during its life cycle. In November 2016, the manufacturer announced the cessation of production of the model and the curtailment of sales in all countries. As such, the car did not acquire a successor, as the company relies on the Vitara and SX4 crossovers.
Since its appearance in Russia, the restyled Suzuki Grand Vitara has been offered in two body styles - three- and five-door. A more compact and maneuverable 3d modification is designed to carry 4 passengers, behind whom a not too bulky load will fit (the base volume of the trunk is only 184 liters). The five-door version of the SUV surpasses its three-door counterpart in the wheelbase (+200 mm) and overall body length (+440 mm). Such an increase was enough to form 5 full-fledged seats and a spacious luggage compartment with a capacity of 398 liters (increased to 1386 liters).
If at the dawn of its existence the Grand Vitara was an “honest” frame SUV, then in recent years the body configuration has been revised. Now the ladder-type frame has been integrated into the main power frame, thanks to which it has been possible to increase ground clearance. The rest of the "off-road" ability of the car is almost not affected. The main thing was preserved permanent four-wheel drive with an almost uniform distribution of traction between the axles (proportion 47/53), a central differential lock and a reduction gear. To this is added an impenetrable suspension with powerful levers (in front - MacPherson strut, in the back - multi-link). With such an architecture of the chassis of the Suzuki Grand Vitara, even a fairly serious off-road can be forced, since the geometry of the body does not pose any obstacles to this.
In the line of car engines, there are only time-tested atmospheric units that do not indulge in technical characteristics. Three-door Grand Vitara is equipped with engines of 1.6 liters (106 hp) and 2.4 liters (166 hp). Modification with a 1.6-liter engine, by the way, is the only one without a downshift.
The five-door version of the Grand Vitara also has two atmospheric fours: 2.0 J20A (140 hp) and 2.4 J24B (169 hp). Each of them can be combined with a “mechanics” or “automatic”.
The use of not the most "fresh" power units and transmissions does not allow at least some modification to distinguish itself in a spurt from a place. Even versions with the top 2.4-liter engine look heavy, accelerating without much enthusiasm. The best result - 11.5 seconds - is shown by Suzuki Grand Vitara 3d with 4 automatic transmission. A five-door SUV with 5MKPP accelerates a little worse - 11.7 seconds. However, excessively active driving is also contraindicated for a car because of the steering and brake settings, which are not very informative.
Fuel consumption of Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0 fluctuates around 8.4 liters (manual transmission) or 8.9 liters (automatic transmission). Larger unit 2.4 169 hp consumes even more - 9.0 and 9.7 liters (respectively, "mechanics" and "automatic")
Full technical specifications of Suzuki Grand Vitara in the back of JT (2012-2016 restyling)
| Parameter | Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0 140 HP | Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.4 169 HP | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | ||||
| Engine code | J20A | J24B | ||
| engine's type | petrol | |||
| Injection type | distributed | |||
| Supercharging | No | |||
| Number of cylinders | 4 | |||
| Cylinder arrangement | row | |||
| 4 | ||||
| Volume, cu. cm. | 1995 | 2393 | ||
| 84.0 x 90.0 | 92.0 x 90.0 | |||
| Power, hp (at rpm) | 140 (6000) | 169 (6000) | ||
| 183 (4000) | 227 (3800) | |||
| Transmission | ||||
| Drive unit | permanent full | |||
| Transmission | 5MKPP | 4automatic transmission | 5MKPP | 4automatic transmission |
| Suspension | ||||
| Front suspension type | MacPherson type independent | |||
| Rear suspension type | independent multi-link | |||
| Brake system | ||||
| Front brakes | disc ventilated | |||
| Rear brakes | disc ventilated | |||
| Steering | ||||
| Amplifier type | hydraulic | |||
| Tires | ||||
| Tire size | 225/70 R16 / 225/65 R17 | |||
| Disc size | 6.5Jx16 / 6.5Jx17 | |||
| Fuel | ||||
| Fuel type | AI-95 | |||
| Environmental class | Euro 4 | |||
| Tank volume, l | 66 | |||
| Fuel consumption | ||||
| City cycle, l/100 km | 10.6 | 11.2 | 11.4 | 12.5 |
| Country cycle, l/100 km | 7.1 | 7.5 | 7.6 | 8.1 |
| Combined cycle, l/100 km | 8.4 | 8.9 | 9.0 | 9.7 |
| dimensions | ||||
| Number of seats | 5 | |||
| Number of doors | 5 | |||
| Length, mm | 4500 | |||
| Width, mm | 1810 | |||
| Height, mm | 1695 | |||
| Wheel base, mm | 2640 | |||
| Front wheel track, mm | 1540 | |||
| Rear wheel track, mm | 1570 | |||
| 398/1386 | ||||
| 200 | ||||
| Weight | ||||
| Equipped (min/max), kg | 1533 | 1548 | 1569 | 1584 |
| Full, kg | 2070 | 2070 | 2100 | 2100 |
| Dynamic characteristics | ||||
| Maximum speed, km/h | 175 | 170 | 185 | 175 |
| Acceleration time to 100 km/h, s | 12.5 | 13.6 | 11.7 | 12.0 |
| Parameter | Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.6 106 HP | Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.4 166 HP |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | ||
| Engine code | M16A | J24B |
| engine's type | petrol | |
| Injection type | distributed | |
| Supercharging | No | |
| Number of cylinders | 4 | |
| Cylinder arrangement | row | |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 | |
| Volume, cu. cm. | 1586 | 2393 |
| Cylinder diameter / piston stroke, mm | 78.0 x 83.0 | 92.0 x 90.0 |
| Power, hp (at rpm) | 106 (5900) | 166 (6000) |
| Torque, N*m (at rpm) | 145 (4100) | 225 (3800) |
| Transmission | ||
| Drive unit | permanent full | |
| Transmission | 5MKPP | 4automatic transmission |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | MacPherson type independent | |
| Rear suspension type | independent multi-link | |
| Brake system | ||
| Front brakes | disc ventilated | disc ventilated |
| Rear brakes | drum | disc ventilated |
| Steering | ||
| Amplifier type | hydraulic | |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | 225/70R16 | |
| Disc size | 6.5Jx16 | |
| Fuel | ||
| Fuel type | AI-95 | |
| Environmental class | Euro 4 | |
| Tank volume, l | 55 | |
| Fuel consumption | ||
| City cycle, l/100 km | 10.2 | 11.9 |
| Country cycle, l/100 km | 7.1 | 8.0 |
| Combined cycle, l/100 km | 8.2 | 9.4 |
| dimensions | ||
| Number of seats | 4 | |
| Number of doors | 3 | |
| Length, mm | 4060 | |
| Width, mm | 1810 | |
| Height, mm | 1695 | |
| Wheel base, mm | 2440 | |
| Front wheel track, mm | 1540 | |
| Rear wheel track, mm | 1570 | |
| Trunk volume (min/max), l | 184/964 | |
| Ground clearance (clearance), mm | 200 | |
| Weight | ||
| Equipped (min/max), kg | 1407 | 1461 |
| Full, kg | 1830 | 1890 |
| Dynamic characteristics | ||
| Maximum speed, km/h | 160 | 170 |
| Acceleration time to 100 km/h, s | 14.4 | 11.5 |
The basic equipment of the Suzuki Grand Vitara includes power accessories, immobilizer, fog lights, 16-inch alloy wheels, two front airbags, heated front seats, roof rails and automatic climate control, power steering, height-adjustable steering column, information display (clock, overboard temperature, fuel consumption indicator), audio preparation (4 speakers). Optionally, an audio system with a 6-disc CD changer and steering wheel controls, R17 alloy wheels, a keyless start system, cruise control, leather interior can be installed on the car. Grand Vitara with 1.6 engine is offered only in three-door body. At the same time, the short four-seater version has a base of 2.2 m, a small trunk and a small rear sofa that folds out separately. But the 5-door Suzuki Grand Vitara with a two-liter engine comfortably accommodates five passengers, while the central tunnel is made as low as possible to create as little inconvenience as possible. For transportation of large luggage, the sofa is folded in parts, and the volume of the trunk increases from 275 to 605 liters. In 2012, the car was restyled.
Three petrol engines of 1.6 liters (106 hp), 2 liters (140 hp) and 2.4 liters are installed on the Grand Vitara. (169 hp). All cars are equipped with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic. Electronically controlled automatic transmission has two modes of operation: Normal and Sport. In addition, among the secondary sales segment, you can find other versions for different markets, where a 1.9-liter diesel engine or the most powerful 3.2-liter gasoline engine (233 hp) can be installed. However, cars with such engines are not officially supplied to the Russian market.
The Suzuki Grand Vitara combines off-road capability with the dynamics and handling of a passenger car thanks to its frameless design and independent rear suspension. In addition, the Suzuki Grand Vitara is equipped with a Drive Select 4x4 transmission control system with a switch in the cabin. It operates in several modes: 4H - four-wheel drive for normal roads; 4H Lock - allows you to turn on the locking center differential and is useful in bad road conditions; 4L Lock - with the inclusion of a reduced gear range for heavy off-road. If the vehicle needs to be towed, the switch is moved to neutral (N) to disengage the transmission from the engine.
The security level of the Grand Vitara is quite high. The basic equipment includes front and side airbags, curtain airbags, ISOFIX mounts, seat belt pretensioners, door stiffeners. Of the electronic systems, there are ABS with EBD (electronic brake force distribution system), as well as an auxiliary braking system. In more expensive versions, the car can be equipped with hill-start and hill-descent assistance, as well as an electronic stabilization system (ESP), which prevents skidding during cornering. This generation shows high results in crash tests.
The success of the Suzuki Grand Vitara is facilitated by decent off-road performance and affordable prices. By the way, the cost of the new basic 5-door version is less than 1 million rubles. Even more interesting are the prices for used cars, while the maximum configuration looks very profitable. And even with a two-liter engine, the car is great for everyday city driving. And, of course, Grand Vitara demonstrates high reliability, as befits a Japanese car.
The popularity of Suzuki Grand Vitara is so great that for many years it was produced all over the world and under different names.
Success and international recognition are objectively deserved - the universality of the model in the totality of its qualities knows no equal.
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For a long time, the compact SUV remained the best-selling one, and the car took its rightful place in the Russian market, and on a par with the right-hand drive twin brother Suzuki Escudo.
Who traveled, he knows, he will understand
The Grand Vitara is interesting and unique in that it is the most off-road in its class. Because there is a permanent all-wheel drive, a ladder-type frame is built into the body, there is a center differential between the front and rear of the transfer case, there is a differential lock system and reduced speed, which gives improved off-road qualities. The interior of the model is nothing particularly outstanding, solid, concise, simple, not attracting attention, but not old-fashioned.
In the constant all-wheel drive of the Japanese on the track, even in bad weather conditions - ice, rain, winter road, there is a feeling of complete safety and reliability. If you happen to get into more serious off-road, the differential lock and downshift will come to the rescue.
Of course, we must remember that this is not a classic all-terrain vehicle, but an urban crossover and its suspension is low, the ground clearance is only 200 mm, but the car honestly works on it and goes where most classmates will get stuck.
Add to this the reliability, it does not break, unsurpassed quality and not to be killed, along with an excellent price tag, you get the most honest car in terms of hardware, and cross-country ability and functionality ratio.
A bit of history
In fact, 1988 can be considered the starting point of creation, when the first Suzuki Escudo came out. But officially under the name Grand Vitara rolled off the assembly line in 1997. In Japan it is called the Suzuki Escudo, in the US it is called the Chevrolet Tracker. In Russia, the start of sales took place together with everyone and ended with the end of production in 2014. It was replaced by Suzuki Vitara until 2016.
The debut of the new generation is scheduled for 2020 - 2021, according to the top manager of the Russian representative office of the brand Takayuki Hasegawa, due to the continued demand from the department's customers and dealers, who confirm that Russia lacks such a car. Most likely, it will be built on its own original base, and not on the legacy of the Vitara bogie.
1st generation (09.1997-08.2005)
On sale are three (an open-top version is available) and a five-door frame crossover with rear-wheel drive and the Part Time 4FWD system, the essence of which is the ability to hard connect / disconnect the front axle manually by the driver at a speed of no more than 100 km / h, and downshift only at a complete stop.
In 2001, the model range was replenished with an elongated modification (the wheelbase became longer by 32 cm) XL-7 (Grand Escudo) with a three-row interior for seven people. The giant is equipped with a 2.7-liter V6 power unit, developing up to 185 hp.
The first Grand Vitara is equipped with 1.6 and 2.0 petrol in-line fours with 94 and 140 hp. and V-shaped six-cylinder, issuing up to 158 hp. A 2-liter diesel engine was exported to some countries, developing up to 109 forces. A five-band manual or 4-zone automatic gearbox is paired with an internal combustion engine.
2nd generation (09.2005-07.2016)
This is the most purchased generation, produced for 10 years without radical changes, the happy owners of which have become a huge army of car owners. What is great, all the cars for the domestic consumer were assembled in Japan.
The second Grand Vitara received a frame integrated into the body and permanent all-wheel drive with a differential lock and a reduction speed. In Japan, the novelty is available in four design solutions - Helly Hanson (especially for outdoor enthusiasts), Salomon (chrome trim), Supersound Edition (for music lovers) and FieldTrek (luxury equipment).
In 2008, the manufacturer carried out the first minor modernization - the front bumper changed, the front fenders became new and the wheel arches, the radiator grille were highlighted, the sound insulation was strengthened, and a display appeared in the center of the instrument panel. The restyled version has acquired two new engines - 2.4 liters 169 hp and the most powerful 3.2 liter 233 hp. The latter was not officially delivered to Russia, just like the diesel 1.9 liter Renault, which was exported to other markets. The gearbox for all cars is a five-speed manual or a four-speed, electronically controlled automatic machine with two modes - normal and sport.
On a short three-door four-seat baby, only a 1.6-liter engine with 106 hp is installed, its base is 2.2 meters, a small trunk and rear seats that fold separately. In a five-door configuration, five passengers are quite comfortable, and a two-liter engine with 140 hp. enough for a full daily drive in the city. To carry bulky luggage, the back row is laid out in parts, and the volume of the cargo compartment increases from 275 to 605 liters.
The second change in Grand Vitara in 2011 affected cars for the foreign market. The spare wheel was dismantled from the door of the cargo compartment, thus reducing the length of the car by 20 cm. The environmental level of the diesel engine was brought to Euro 5 compliance. All basic equipment received an electronic drive in the transfer case for turning on / off the reduced speed and a self-locking differential. The forced lock button is located on the center console.
An additional option is available - a driver assistance system when driving downhill. It maintains a speed of 5 or 10 km/h according to the transmission mode. And also at the start on the rise and the ESP skid prevention system. The three-door car did not receive an improved transmission, so it does not have increased cross-country ability.
What engines are on the Suzuki Grand Vitara
| Engine model | Type | Volume, liters | Power, hp | Version |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G16A | gasoline R4 | 1.6 | 94-107 | SGV 1.6 |
| G16B | in-line four | 1.6 | 94 | SGV 1.6 |
| M16A | inline 4-cyl | 1.6 | 106-117 | SGV 1.6 |
| J20A | inline 4-cylinder | 2 | 128-140 | SGV 2.0 |
| RF | diesel R4 | 2 | 87-109 | SGV2.0D |
| J24B | Benz row 4 | 2.4 | 166-188 | SGV 2.4 |
| H25A | petrol V6 | 2.5 | 142-158 | SGV V6 |
| H27A | petrol V6 | 2.7 | 172-185 | SGV XL-7 V6 |
| H32A | petrol V6 | 3.2 | 224-233 | SGV 3.2 |
More pluses
Of the advantages of the Suzuki Grand Vitara, apart from the main one - the transmission, along with cost, dynamism and reliability, good handling, one can note a high level of safety with the highest scores according to the results of crash tests.
In the exterior, an important advantage is a spacious interior, both for legs, as well as overhead and to the sides, which most in the class do not have. Excellent visibility. Plastic, although hard, but high-quality, with plenty of space for every little thing.
... And cons
There are drawbacks, like everyone else. Of the important ones - high fuel consumption, as a retribution for all-wheel drive. In the city, a 2.0 liter with a manual transmission eats up to 15 liters per 100 km. What can we say, about more powerful and with a gun. A rare case, on the highway it turns out to meet 10 l / 100 km. Most car owners note the low level of aerodynamics. The car is noisy and hard. Trunk volume is not small, but the shape is not comfortable - high and narrow.
Is it worth buying, if so, with which engine
After weighing the pros and cons, yes. Because there are few good reliable, durable cars now. Producers have long been not interested in playing long. They need more often to change components, parts, mechanisms, machines for new ones. Suzuki Grand Vitara is not like that. There are many timeless classics here that will serve well for decades.
No turbocharged internal combustion engines, no robots, no CVTs - perfectly smooth and imperceptibly working hydromechanics with a long resource. The most important thing when buying a commercial vehicle is not to end up with expensive repairs or frequent replacement of expensive parts. Choosing this Japanese also the price will be more than adequate.
Objectively, for a 5-door car, two liters and with passengers on a trip out of town and beyond, will not be enough. Around the city, from work, home, to shops - enough. Therefore, 2.4 liters with a power of 166 hp. - just right, and 233 horses, which produces a 3.2 liter - too much. For such power, the car is light, it becomes dangerous, maneuverability is lost.
In general, the car is a real Japanese prude, which has everything you need to feel calm and safe on the road, know and be sure, and not guess whether it will stretch or not stretch on the off road section. When creating the Grand Vitara, Suzuki didn't go to great lengths to create a trendy design, focusing on the essentials.
