The technical characteristics of the Suzuki Grand Vitara will help you appreciate this car. So, to begin with, it should be noted that the presented transport is in good demand, since with good functionality it has an acceptable cost. The car is a 3- and 5-door universal device. The disadvantage of the car is its small capacity and not very good road stability. However, these shortcomings are compensated by other features.

The technical characteristics of the Suzuki Grand Vitara are also represented by an excellent chassis, transmission and braking system. The car is very durable, and before major repairs it can travel up to 400,000 km. Naturally, the thermal clearances of the valves require periodic adjustment.

As for the gear shift system, it is durable and reliable. It is equipped with a Part Time 4WD drive, which can only be used on slippery roads, and for a short time. If your transmission breaks down, you'll have to shell out up to $1,200 to repair it. From time to time, the box requires the installation of a new driveshaft crosspiece. The transmission can be manual (5-speed) or automatic (4-speed).

Other technical characteristics should be considered: The clutch is very reliable, so it can be replaced no earlier than after 150,000 km. The car can be connected manually or automatically. Moreover, the first option is less prone to breakdowns.

Despite the fact that the car is small in size, its frame is impressive. Increased rigidity makes it possible to drive on the most difficult off-road conditions without damaging the car. The rest of the technical characteristics of the Suzuki Grand Vitara are quite good. It is made of very durable metal, so it is quite difficult to break it. In addition, the car is equipped with removable ball joints. The steering system is equipped with a hydraulic booster that does not break down for a long time. When purchasing this vehicle, you should pay attention to the quality of the gearbox.

The Suzuki Grand Vitara has an excellent brake system. You will only have to change the pads after 40,000 km. Drums can last even longer. It should be noted that this transport is very simple and unpretentious in operation. It is versatile, small in size and perfect for a small family of 4 people. You can drive this car not only on asphalt. It will do an excellent job even on a non-flat surface. The car is also equipped with 3-6 airbags, climate control, audio system, stability control system, heated seats and a chip key.

The characteristics of the Suzuki Grand Vitara confirm that for little money you can get a high-quality vehicle, the repair and maintenance of which will not require a significant investment. The cost of this car today ranges from 5 to 11 thousand dollars.

For the first time, the Suzuki Grand Vitara appeared on the market in 1988. Then it was simply called Suzuki Vitara and belonged to the compact SUV category, since its length was only 3570 mm, and under the hood there was a 1.6-liter engine producing 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara

Suzuki Grand Vitara appeared in 1998. It, like its predecessors, remained a full-fledged SUV, retaining in its design a frame, a solid rear axle, a full-fledged transfer case and a rigidly connected 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 plug-in, and independent suspension on all wheels. The Suzuki Grand Vitara's transmission options were a five-speed manual transmission and a four-speed automatic transmission. At the same time, the off-road capabilities of the Suzuki Grand Vitara were preserved, as well as the limited slip center differential.

Three years later, the car underwent modernization. The Suzuki Grand Vitara has new engines of 2.4 and 3.2 liters, improved sound insulation, and 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 car underwent its last restyling in 2012. It received a new grille, chrome side moldings, a new front bumper and eight-spoke alloy wheels. The updated version was presented at the Moscow Motor Show.

Technical component of Suzuki Grand Vitara

However, these changes did not affect the technical content of the car. In essence, this is 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. There are four operating modes in total: “N” or neutral, when the wheel drive is completely turned off (used for towing a disabled vehicle), 4H for driving on asphalt roads, 4H LOCK with a locked center differential and 4L LOCK with a differential lock and a downshift. .

Suzuki Grand Vitara configurations

Currently, on the Russian market, the Suzuki Grand Vitara is offered in three-door and five-door bodies. The short-wheelbase version is equipped with a 1.6-liter engine producing 78 hp. For other modifications, 2.0 and 2.4 liter engines with 103 and 124 hp are available. respectively.

However, in recent years, demand for the Suzuki Grand Vitara has decreased so much that Suzuki decided to abandon further production of the model. And if earlier, company representatives mentioned the possibility of using the Kizahi sedan platform for the next generation of the car, now there is no talk of this.

5 doors SUVs

3 doors SUVs

History of Suzuki Grand Vitara / Suzuki Grand Vitara

In the fall of 1997, Suzuki introduced the Vitara's successor, the Grand Vitara. The resonant prefix Grand, which translated from Latin means large, majestic, grandiose, great, obliged Suzuki specialists to create a car corresponding to the name.

The Grand Vitara inherited from its ancestor a frame chassis design and all-wheel drive with a plug-in front axle. The frame is made of steel beams, the cross members of which are located so that maximum torsional rigidity is achieved without adding unnecessary weight to the structure. At the front there is an independent suspension with springs located separately from McPherson struts. The continuous rear axle has a spring suspension on trailing arms with a transverse rod. The front brakes have ventilated discs.

The design of the Grand Vitara is dominated by smooth, rounded shapes, large lighting equipment and a silver plastic “body kit” all around stand out.

The interior is harmoniously combined with the exterior. The interior decoration is dominated by soft, calm colors, everything is done with high quality and soundness. The spare wheel is located on the side-opening rear door, without taking up space inside. The steering column is height adjustable. The rear seats can be folded individually, and the seatbacks can fold down to form sleeping berths.

The range of power units offers a choice of 4-cylinder petrol engines with an electronic injection system with a volume of 1.6 and 2.0 liters and a power of 94 and 128 hp. respectively. Plus V-shaped 6-cylinder engine with a volume of 2.5 liters and a power of 144 hp. with distributed fuel injection, two camshafts in each cylinder head and four valves per cylinder. It is paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic.

The front axle can be engaged at speeds of up to 100 km/h, and to engage the low range in the transfer case you must stop.

In the steering setup, an acceptable balance has been found between the hydraulic booster assistance needed on off-road conditions and the feedback that helps you feel confident when taking fast corners.

Standard equipment includes: power steering, power windows, exterior mirrors, central locking, acoustic panel with speakers, as well as a variety of storage compartments for small items. Plus two front airbags and seat belts with pyrotechnic pretensioners.

Additional equipment includes air conditioning, immobilizer and anti-lock brakes.

In 2000, the Grand Vitara appeared with an open body. It was based on a 3-door all-metal version without a rear roof. This maintained a rigid body structure and provided occupant protection in the event of a rollover.

The Grand Vitara had to compete with such serious rivals as the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. When sales began to fall, the company realized that they could finally lose the battle for the consumer, and began developing the second generation of the model. It had to be designed almost from scratch, since, for example, the frame body structure has already become an anachronism in this segment, and a faceless or even just a good design would mean a complete failure.

In 2005, the second generation Grand Vitara debuted.

Before its creation, Suzuki listened to enthusiasts from around the world who expressed their requirements for a compact 4x4: design, space, equipment, technology, safety, and environmental impact. Taking all this into account and, without departing from the traditions of the old Grand Vitara, the concern has created a new generation.

The car turned out to be very elegant, dynamic, solid and original. In the exterior it is impossible to find a single detail that would hint at its predecessor. The second generation with an integrated frame instead of a fashionable monocoque body, with permanent all-wheel drive, range multiplier and cross-axle differential lock. This is a completely new car, completely different from the old Grand Vitara model.

The new Grand Vitara is available in two body styles: a three-door and a five-door SUV. The five-door version is distinguished by a massive C-pillar, which is continued by large rear lights - an impressive and memorable solution. The gas tank cap is round and can only be opened from the passenger compartment.

The previous model was distinguished by rounded shapes, but the new one has acquired clear edges. Only the bottom of the bumper protrudes slightly, thus highlighting the spectacular fog lights. Above them are large headlights, under the transparent cap of which reflectors for low and high beam are hidden. A strip of direction indicators runs along the bottom (xenon headlights can be installed as an option). Between the headlights there is an impressively sized mesh radiator grille. The rear part of the hood near the windshield pillars is decorated with small plastic air vents - a purely decorative device.

Extended wheel arches add aggressiveness to the appearance of the new Grand Vitara. The previous version had plastic linings on the arches and wide plastic protection around the perimeter. Now the wheel arches are a continuation of the wings. But they left protection on the bottom of the doors. However, it is almost invisible, since the plastic is painted in the color of the body. The fifth door is a hinged one, equipped with a wiper and a third brake light. It also houses a spare wheel with a plastic casing. The Grand Vitara's appearance is completed by 16-inch alloy wheels with a striking five-spoke design (17-inch wheels are available as an option).

The dimensions have also changed. So, the 5-door version added 255 mm in length and 30 mm in width. At the same time, the height decreased by 45 mm, which was achieved, in particular, by implanting the frame directly into the body. Moreover, the vehicle’s ground clearance remained unchanged - 200 mm. The wheelbase has grown by 160 mm and now reaches 2640 mm, and the front and rear wheel tracks have increased by 40 and 70 mm, respectively. Thanks to this, the interior has become much more spacious.

Everything is new inside. The interior has been noticeably freshened, and ergonomics have significantly improved. The first thing that catches your eye is the decent quality of finishing materials. And also the unobtrusive but obvious desire of the designers to emphasize the sportiness of the model. The seats are made with a geometric design and ribbed materials that are pleasing to the eye and touch. Aluminum-look plastic inserts add some lightness to the front panel and the entire interior as a whole. The welcoming driver's seat has only three adjustments: longitudinal movement, backrest tilt and height adjustment. The steering column is also adjustable, although only in tilt angle. The steering wheel is three-spoke with audio system control buttons located on it: switching modes, volume, switching stations/tracks and turning off the sound.

On the horizontal armrest of the driver's door there is a control unit for the electric windows of all doors and the electric drives of the exterior rear-view mirrors. To the left of the steering wheel, under the round ventilation deflector, there is a block that includes a rotating selector for hydraulic headlight adjustment, a fog light switch and a control button for the instrument panel backlight.

Under the visor of the instrument panel, right in front of your eyes, there are three separate round windows. The central, largest window is occupied by a speedometer, marked up to 200 km/h, inside it there are several icons and a liquid crystal display of the odometer, on the left there is a tachometer marked up to 8000 rpm, and on the right there is an indicator of the gear engaged, indicators of the fuel level in the tank and the coolant temperature liquids. The backlight is carried out using optitronic technology: it turns on when the ignition is turned on and goes out only after it is turned off, or by force with a button located to the left of the steering wheel. In general, the theme of the circle prevails in the interior decoration of the Grand Vitara - ventilation deflectors, the rim around the automatic transmission lever, the climate control buttons - everything is round in shape.

The center console is quite massive, but everything on it is organized quite logically. At the top there is a small electronic display, which displays data from the on-board computer and thermometer. Below is an audio system with a CD player. Below it is a climate control unit and a joystick for controlling the all-wheel drive transmission. That is, the Grand Vitara, unlike its predecessor, has lost the range lever - its functions are assigned precisely to this switch, which has several positions: “N” allows you to use a winch, “4H” - all-wheel drive and overdrive, “4H LOCK” - four-wheel drive and high gear, locked cross-axle differential, “4L LOCK” – four-wheel drive and low gear with locked cross-axle differential.

Good interior ergonomics overall. The long wheelbase guarantees ample legroom both front and rear. The large width of the car interior and comfortable seats allow three adults to ride in the back in complete comfort. The back of the sofa is adjustable in angle of inclination. Places can be easily and quickly cleaned if necessary. The fairly large luggage compartment can be expanded by folding down the rear seat backrest. However, you can fold only part of the backrest in a ratio of 40:60. The luggage compartment of the Suzuki Grand Vitara is equipped with hooks, neat pockets and an additional niche. The low edges allow you to put your luggage in and out without any problems. Everything is very thoughtful and functional.

This generation has lost its frame. In addition, all car suspensions have become independent. Which certainly affected the handling. The car responds better to the steering wheel and is more stable in turns. The new all-wheel drive system also contributes to stability. Most models come with standard 4-way full 4x4 with center differential, a system that offers a wide range of traction options for good off-road driving.

The four available engines offer a variety of performance combinations, from fuel-efficient to uncompromising power and torque. In the domestic market, the Suzuki Grand Vitara is offered with two petrol engine options. Two-liter four-cylinder with 145 hp. and V6 2.7 liter capacity 184 hp. In the first case, you can choose a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. The top version of the V6 is equipped with a new five-speed automatic transmission. For European Grand Vitara buyers, the choice is slightly different - the base engine is a 1.6 liter (100 hp) plus a 1.9 TD turbodiesel. The five-door body also comes with a two-liter version. Any configuration can be equipped with an automatic transmission.

Suzuki specialists paid special attention to safety. ESP adds stability provided by the vehicle's low center of gravity through its four main features: anti-lock braking system (ABS); electronic brake force distribution (EBD); traction control (TCS); and stability control. The Grand Vitara's hull provides the first line of defense plus a place of survival. The pedals are designed to minimize injury to limbs and the airbag system is designed to prevent bodily injury. All models come with child seat anchors that are made to ISO FIX standards.

In 2008, the Suzuki Grand Vitara was restyled. The manufacturer found a more than solid reason to update its famous model: the car was celebrating its 10th anniversary. External changes are not revolutionary in nature. In fact, the exterior of the updated car is not much different from the body design of the previous, pre-restyling generation. The overall dimensions of the updated model are 4060x1810x1695 mm, the wheelbase is 2640 mm. The car received a modified front bumper, new front fenders with highlighted wheel arches, exterior mirrors with built-in turn signal repeaters and a radiator grille with larger cells. Sports notes in the exterior design of the Suzuki Grand Vitara are “performed” by 18-inch wheels, which are installed on five-door modifications of the car. Model variants equipped with 17-inch wheels, on the contrary, have a distinct off-road look. In addition, the restyling expanded the palette of body paint colors. With all this, the model has retained its individual, recognizable appearance.

The interior has been significantly refreshed and ergonomics have improved. For example, now before the driver’s eyes is an information screen integrated into the dashboard, where information about the operation of the vehicle’s systems is displayed in an easy-to-read format. On the comfortable steering wheel, located on an adjustable column, as before, you can see control buttons for the audio system and climate control system, only now these buttons are complemented by backlighting. The arrangement of some elements has changed. The center console houses most of the functional keys: the climate control button, the heater adjustment knob, and the head unit, which combines the functions of a radio and a six-disc CD changer. At the automatic transmission selector, in addition to the Power mode button, there are buttons for heated front seats and a 12-volt electrical outlet. More powerful engines forced Japanese engineers to improve the level of cabin noise insulation. In addition, along with high-quality plastic, the interior of the Grand Vitara, depending on the version, also has chrome elements (for example, five-door modifications have chrome handles), as well as trim parts stylized as ebony.

The changes also affected the technical part. Two new engines have been added to the engine range. One is 2.4 liters, equipped with an automatic variable valve timing system, the other is a 3.2 liter V6. A new 2.4-liter power unit replaces the previous 2.0-liter engine producing 140 hp. The new engine installed on the three-door modification of the model has a power of 166 hp, the same engine installed on the five-door version with a five-speed manual transmission develops up to 169 hp. Equipped with a 2.4-liter engine and a five-speed manual transmission, the three-door Grand Vitara accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.2 seconds. and reaches a maximum speed of 180 km/h.

Six-cylinder V-shaped engine with a volume of 3.2 liters. has a power of 232 hp. at 291 Nm of torque, consumes up to 10.6 liters. in a mixed cycle. The five-door version of the Grand Vitara, equipped with a 3.2-liter engine and a five-speed automatic transmission, accelerates to 100 km/h in 9.3 seconds. and reaches a maximum speed of up to 200 km/h. The version with the latest power unit is considered the “flagship” - only it, in the basic configuration, received such options as Hill Descent Control (a system that maintains a speed of 5 or 10 km/h when descending) and Hill Hold Control (slows down a crossover standing on an ascent when moving feet from brake to gas).

The list of improvements for the “facelift” model also included the braking system; now disc brakes are installed instead of rear drum brakes. The supporting frame of the previous generation Grand Vitara is now gone, and the center of gravity of the crossover has become lower, which has a positive effect on cornering characteristics.

According to the results of a series of EuroNCAP crash tests, the updated Suzuki Grand Vitara model received 30 points for ensuring the safety of its passengers. High safety indicators are achievable due to the fact that the model’s body consists of a rigid frame frame, energy-absorbing zones and is deformed upon impact without causing much damage to the car’s passengers. In addition, the Grand Vitara has the necessary systems to ensure active safety, which, in addition to ESP and ABS, also include a hill hold system (HHC). Passive safety of passengers in the cabin is guaranteed by six airbags, of which two front, two side and curtain airbags, as well as three-point seat belts with pretensioners.

In 2010, Suzuki announced the modernization of export versions of the car. The Grand Vitara 2011 model year lost the spare wheel on the tailgate, due to which the overall length of the car decreased by 200 mm. Instead of a spare wheel, the manufacturer offers a sealant and a compressor for quick wheel repairs. The 1.9-liter diesel engine was upgraded to meet the Euro 5 environmental level. The basic equipment of all versions of the crossover included a self-locking central differential and an electric downshift in the transfer case. All models are equipped with anti-lock brakes and brake force distribution.

In 2012, the Suzuki Grand Vitara underwent another modernization. The presentation of the European version of the car took place at the Moscow Motor Show on August 29, 2012.

In Russia, the car is offered in two body styles: three-door and five-door versions. The three-door Grand Vitara is 4060 mm long, 1810 mm wide, 1695 mm high, 2440 mm wheelbase and 200 mm ground clearance. By the way, the three-door can boast good geometric cross-country ability of the body: approach angle is 29 degrees, departure angle is 36 degrees, longitudinal cross-country ability is 20 degrees. Focused on comfort and optimal use of usable space, the 5-door version of the Grand Vitara has the following external parameters: length is 4500 mm, width - 1810 mm, height - 1695 mm, wheelbase - 2640 mm, ground clearance - 200 mm. The weight of the car varies from 1533 kg to 1584 kg. For a five-door car with body geometry, things are somewhat worse; if the approach angle is the same as that of its three-door brother - 29 degrees, then the longitudinal cross-country angle is slightly less - 19 degrees, and the departure angle is significantly less, only 27 degrees.

The 2013 Grand Vitara has changed quite little externally. Instead of a mesh, the radiator grille received two cross members that widened towards the middle, and on the front bumper there was a stamping reminiscent of a “kanguryatnik”. The optics of the headlights have changed, the fog lamps have been placed in wells, and an apron has appeared along the edge of the bumper. The rear part is crowned with a large trunk door that opens to the side and vertical lights.

Depending on the configuration, the wheels can be 16-inch steel, or, for example, cast. In addition, especially for residents of megacities, Suzuki designers created sporty 18-inch 7-spoke alloy wheels in an urban style. Those who love country life will certainly appreciate the 17-inch 5-spoke off-road wheels.

The following body colors are available for the restyled Grand Vitara: Pearl Pnoenix Red (red), Silky Silver Metallic (silver), Pearl White Metallic (white), Pearl Nocturne Blue (blue), Bluish Black (black), Metallic Quasar Gray (dark gray) , Metallic Pearl Gaia Bronze (bronze), Bison Brown Pearl Metallic 2 (brown).

The car's interior continues the rigor and straightness of the body lines. The interior has undergone cosmetic changes; the materials used in the finishing have become of higher quality. The interior is not only comfortable, but also functional. The steering wheel is adjustable only in height and has a minimal set of buttons (music control). Illuminated switches on the steering wheel improve visual control of the audio system. The information display integrated into the dashboard informs the driver in Russian about the current operating modes of the vehicle. For cars with 2.4 liter engines, the panel additionally displays the transmission mode, current fuel consumption, average speed and power reserve, among others. The Grand Vitara's interior has a huge number of various drawers and pockets where you can put various useful little things.

The driver and passenger seats are heated and have a sufficient range of adjustments for a comfortable position. In the second row of the five-door version there is room for three passengers, but in the rear of the three-door it is difficult to accommodate two passengers. In the 5-door model, the rear seat is equipped with an armrest that divides it into two seats, which ensures maximum rear seating comfort. The trunk of the five-door Grand Vitara is designed to carry 398 liters with the rear row occupied; by folding the second row seats we can load up to 1386 liters. The short body of the four-passenger crossover has a tiny 184-litre trunk, with a driver and front passenger adding cargo capacity to 964 litres.

In Russia, the Grand Vitara 2013 model year is offered in three trim levels. The basic version includes power steering, power windows on all doors, central locking, air conditioning, on-board computer, heated front seats, heated electric mirrors, front and rear fog lights, six airbags, CD MP3 music, fabric seat upholstery, tires 225/70 R16 on steel wheels.

The maximum configuration has a combination of leather seat upholstery, a color touch screen (6.1 inches), a Garmin navigator, an audio system with voice control (CD MP3 USB AUX iPhone and iPod, Bluetooth), cruise control, alloy wheels with 225/60R18 tires, headlights with xenon filling and washer, engine start button.

During the update process, the technical characteristics of the Japanese crossover were not subject to much intervention from the company's engineers. Fully independent front suspension with MacPherson struts and a multi-link rear axle (five levers). Independent suspension and permanent all-wheel drive provide a smooth ride and stability on the road. The presence of a center differential lock and a low gear in the transfer case allows the car to overcome obstacles.

All 5-door models are equipped with a 3-mode all-wheel drive transmission with a limited-slip locking center differential, which provides a wide range of traction force distribution options for driving on different types of roads and off-road. The switch for one of 3 all-wheel drive modes is located on the center console, which makes selecting the required mode as convenient as possible. To switch to N (neutral) or 4L Lock (low gear with a locked center differential) modes, the shift knob must be retracted, which prevents accidental unwanted activation of these modes.

Under the hood are gasoline engines familiar from pre-restyling models. The three-door version of the SUV is powered by a 107-horsepower 1.6-liter engine. It accelerates the car to 100 km/h in 14.4 seconds. Fuel consumption averages 8.2-8.5 liters. Maximum speed 160 km/h. The five-door modification is offered with engines of 2.0 (140 hp) and 2.4 liters (169 hp). Transmission - 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. But the 3.2 liter version of the Suzuki Grand Vitara is no longer sold, apparently due to low demand. Unfortunately, there are no diesel versions on the Russian market either.

The developers of the Grand Vitara 2013 paid special attention to safety: the body structure combines a rigid frame frame and deformation zones that absorb impact energy. The rigidity of the body is reinforced by impact-resistant beams installed in the car doors.

On vehicles with a 3.2 liter engine, Hill Hold Control (HHC) not only improves the vehicle's active safety, but also improves the vehicle's off-road capability. Even the Grand Vitara comes standard with ABS, EBD and six airbags: two front, two side and curtain airbags. Also, all cars are equipped with special ISO FIX fastening elements for child seats and three-point seat belts (for front seats - with pretensioners and force limiters).



The popularity of the Suzuki Grand Vitara is so great that for many years it was produced around the world and under different names.

Success and international recognition are objectively deserved - the versatility of the model in its totality of qualities has no equal.

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For a long time, the compact SUV remained the best-selling, and on the Russian market the car took its rightful place, and on a par with its right-hand drive twin brother Suzuki Escudo.

Those who have traveled know and will understand

The Grand Vitara is interesting and unique in that it is the most off-road in its class. Because there is 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 locking system and a reduced speed, which gives improved off-road qualities. The interior of the model is not particularly outstanding, solid, laconic, simple, not attracting attention, but not old-fashioned.

In the Japanese's constant all-wheel drive on the highway, even in bad weather conditions - ice, rain, winter roads, there is a feeling of complete safety and reliability. If you happen to get into more serious off-road conditions, a differential lock and a lower gear 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 passes where most of its classmates would get stuck.

Add to this reliability, does not break, unsurpassed quality and indestructibility along with an excellent price tag, you get the most honest car in terms of hardware, cross-country ability and functionality.

A little history

In fact, 1988 can be considered the starting point of creation, when the first Suzuki Escudo was released. But it officially rolled off the assembly line under the name Grand Vitara in 1997. In Japan it is called Suzuki Escudo, in the USA - Chevrolet Tracker. In Russia, sales began along with everyone else and ended with the end of production in 2014. Replaced by Suzuki Vitara until 2016.

The debut of the new generation is planned for 2020 - 2021, says the top manager of the Russian representative office of the brand, Takayuki Hasegawa, due to the continuing demand from the division’s customers and dealers, who confirm that there is a shortage of such a car in Russia. Most likely, it will be built on its own original base, and not inherited from the Vitara cart.

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 rigidly connect/disconnect the front axle by the driver manually at a speed of no more than 100 km/h, and engage a downshift only at a complete stop.

In 2001, the model range was replenished with an extended modification (the wheelbase increased by 32 cm) XL-7 (Grand Escudo) with a three-row cabin for seven people. The giant is equipped with a 2.7-liter V6 power unit, developing up to 185 hp.

The first Grand Vitara was equipped with 1.6 and 2.0 petrol in-line fours producing 94 and 140 hp. and V-shaped six-cylinder engines producing up to 158 hp. A 2-liter diesel engine, developing up to 109 horsepower, was exported to some countries. A five-speed manual or four-zone automatic transmission is paired with an internal combustion engine.

2nd generation (09.2005-07.2016)

This is the most popular generation, it was produced for 10 years without radical changes, and a huge army of car owners became the happy owners of it. What’s great is that all cars for domestic consumers 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 reduced speed. In Japan, the new product is available in four design solutions - Helly Hanson (especially for lovers of active recreation), Salomon (chrome body trim), Supersound Edition (for music lovers) and FieldTrek (luxury equipment).

In 2008, the manufacturer carried out the first minor modernization - the front bumper was changed, the front fenders became new and the wheel arches and radiator grille were highlighted, sound insulation was strengthened, and a display appeared in the center of the instrument panel. The restyled version has two new engines - a 2.4 liter 169 hp and the most powerful 3.2 liter 233 hp. The latter was not officially supplied to Russia, just like the diesel 1.9 liter Renault, which was exported to other markets. The transmission for all cars is a five-speed manual or a four-speed electronically controlled automatic with two modes - normal and sport.

The short three-door four-seater little one has only a 1.6 liter engine with 106 hp, its wheelbase is 2.2 meters, a small trunk and rear seats that fold separately. In the five-door configuration, five passengers are quite comfortable, and the two-liter engine with 140 hp. enough for full-fledged everyday driving in the city. To transport large luggage, the rear row is folded out in parts, and the volume of the cargo compartment increases from 275 to 605 liters.

The second change to the Grand Vitara in 2011 affected cars for the foreign market. The spare wheel was removed from the cargo compartment door, thus reducing the length of the vehicle by 20 cm. The environmental level of the diesel engine was brought to compliance with Euro 5. All basic configurations received an electronic drive in the transfer case for enabling/disabling the reduced speed and a self-locking differential. The force 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 when starting uphill 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	inline four	1.6	94	SGV 1.6
M16A	in-line 4-cyl	1.6	106-117	SGV 1.6
J20A	in-line 4-cylinder	2	128-140	SGV 2.0
RF	diesel R4	2	87-109	SGV 2.0D
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 advantages

Among the advantages of the Suzuki Grand Vitara, in addition to the main thing - the transmission, along with cost, dynamism and reliability, good handling, one can note a high level of safety with the highest scores in crash tests.

An important advantage on the exterior is the spacious interior, both for legs, overhead and to the sides, which most in the class do not have. Excellent visibility. The plastic, although hard, is of high quality, with plenty of space for every little thing.

...And the cons

There are disadvantages, like everyone else. One of the important ones is high fuel consumption, as a price to pay for all-wheel drive. In the city, a 2.0 liter with a manual transmission consumes up to 15 liters per 100 km. What can we say about more powerful ones and with an automatic machine. It’s a rare case that on the highway it’s possible to achieve 10 l/100 km. Most car owners note a low level of aerodynamics. The car is noisy and rough. The trunk volume is not small, but the shape is not convenient - high and narrow.

Is it worth buying, if so, with which engine?

After weighing all the pros and cons, most likely yes. Because there are few good, reliable, durable cars now. Manufacturers have not been interested in playing the long game for a long time. They need units, parts, mechanisms, and machines to be replaced more often with 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 - beautifully smooth and imperceptibly working hydromechanics with a long service life. The most important thing when purchasing a commercial vehicle is to avoid expensive repairs or frequent replacement of expensive items. If you choose this Japanese one, 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 the shops - enough. Therefore, 2.4 liters with a power of 166 hp. - just right, and the 233 horses that the 3.2 liter produces is 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, to know and be confident, and not to guess, whether it will work or not on the off-road section. When creating the Grand Vitara, Suzuki did not waste time on creating a super-fashionable design, placing emphasis on the main thing.

The Grand Vitara SUV is one of the most famous models of the Japanese company Suzuki in Russia and the world. The first “Grand Vitara” was released back in 1997 and was built on the basis of the second generation Suzuki Escudo (essentially becoming its export version - aimed at Europe). The car was initially presented in two body styles: three-door and five-door (while the “five-door” was previously produced not only in the “standard” (five-seater) version, but also in the “extended” (seven-seater) version (known as “XL-7” ).

The second incarnation of the Suzuki Grand Vitara was released in 2005 and since then has been updated several times, which, however, has not brought the design of this car any closer to “modern standards.” This can only be explained by the fact that the designers of Suzuki Motor Corporation are extremely “conservative” - i.e. prefer a strict classic style (which also allows you to save on production). As a result, we can say that the “Suzuki Grand Vitara for Japan” is like the “UAZ Patriot for Russia”: a little “square”, simple-looking and not flashy, but practical and versatile.

As mentioned above, the Suzuki Grand Vitara is available in two versions, which differ externally not only in the number of doors, but also in dimensions (“the three-door model, by the way, we have a separate detailed review of”).

The length of the “three-door” is 4,060 mm, and the “five-door” – 4,500 mm. The length of the wheelbase is respectively 2,440 and 2,640 mm. The width of both versions is the same - 1,810 mm, and the overall height is also 1,695 mm. We especially note the ground clearance (clearance): 195 mm under the front axle and 215 mm under the rear axle.

The interior of the Suzuki Grand Vitara is also “boring and dull”, like the exterior: the front panel is made of plastic, the seats are upholstered in fabric, and the center console in the basic configurations looks more like an “old control panel” than a piece of car interior, fortunately in the top versions it is diluted with a touch display (however, even that is made in a certain “retro style”). Among the advantages, we note: excellent assembly and high quality of fitting of parts.

The interior of the three-door Suzuki Grand Vitara is designed for four passengers, but the five-door version has standard five seats. At the same time, we note that there is not an abundance of free space (with the exception of headroom) in the cabin, even in the rear, and tall passengers will feel a bit cramped, especially in the knees.

The trunk is also not very spacious - 184 liters in the three-door and 398 liters in the five-door.

Specifications. There are three engines for the “second” Suzuki Grand Vitara on the Russian market. All of them are gasoline, have four cylinders, a 16-valve timing mechanism, a multi-point fuel injection system and fully comply with the requirements of the Euro-4 standard. At the same time, we note that in the EU market these same engines are more environmentally friendly and fit within the framework of Euro-5 requirements.

• The younger 1.6-liter “M16A” engine is available only in the basic configuration of the three-door version and is capable of squeezing out no more than 106 hp. maximum power. The torque of this engine at its peak rests at 145 Nm, which allows, paired with the only available 5-speed manual transmission, to provide the three-door with sufficient acceleration dynamics for this class - from 0 to 100 km/h in 14.4 seconds. The maximum speed will be no more than 160 km/h.
• The next engine, “J20A” with a volume of 2.0 liters, is the base engine for the five-door modification of the Suzuki Grand Vitara. Its peak power is 140 PS and the top end torque is 183 Nm. For this engine, in addition to the already announced “mechanics”, a 4-band “automatic” is also available. However, we note that it is already so outdated that it is “begging to be scrapped” for at least ten years. The acceleration dynamics of the five-door with a 2.0-liter engine and automatic transmission are only slightly better than that of the basic three-door with a manual transmission – 13.6 seconds.
• And finally, the flagship J24B engine, available on the three-door only in combination with an automatic transmission, and on the five-door with both a manual and an automatic transmission. Its displacement is 2.4 liters, and maximum power does not exceed 168 hp. As for torque, this motor is capable of producing 225 Nm. On the “three-door”, due to the lower curb weight (1,461 kg versus 1,584 kg), this is enough for a quiet acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.5 seconds. A five-door with automatic transmission will reach a hundred in 12.0 seconds, while the manual version will do it in 11.7 seconds.

The main “trump card” of the Suzuki Grand Vitara is its all-wheel drive system, which allows you to feel confident off-road. Of course, the Grand Vitara is not a full-fledged SUV, but “in the mud” it will leave most crossovers behind “without particularly straining.” Note that the three-door version as standard is equipped with a simple “Full Time 4×4” permanent all-wheel drive system, and only all other modifications receive a modern multi-mode transmission with the ability to engage downshifts and lock the center differential.

The crossover's suspension is completely independent, based on MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link design at the rear. Ventilated disc brakes are used on the front wheels, drum mechanisms are installed on the rear wheels of the basic three-door, and ventilated brake discs are installed on all other versions.

Options and prices. For Russia, the Suzuki Grand Vitara in 2015 is offered in five equipment options at a price of 1,139,000 rubles for the basic version in a three-door body and from 1,349,000 rubles for the starting equipment of a five-door, while for metallic paint you will have to pay an additional 16 900 rubles. The price of a Suzuki Grand Vitara, frankly speaking, is far from low, taking into account the “age of the model” and what competitors can offer.