SA Roadtests
South Africa
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This is the home of automobile road tests in South Africa. We drive South African cars, SUVs and LCVs under South African conditions. It also just happens that most of the vehicles we drive are world cars as well, so what you read here possibly applies to the models you can get at home.
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* Please note that prices quoted are those in effect at the time the vehicle was tested
Not merely a soft-roader
Suzuki? They make motorbikes, right? True, but they also make a range of competent small and medium SUVs and will be launching the second of their current lineup of streetcars shortly.
It’s a problem being virtually unknown, aside from a few dedicated fans, in an overcrowded SUV market. Global economic meltdown and rising fuel prices, together with growing antagonism toward anything “off road” doesn’t help much either.
The solution, as Suzuki sees it, is to offer a little more competence than you might expect, in a comfortable package, with a good sprinkling of “features” at competitive prices. In this they succeed. The next step is to be noticed and accepted by the world at large. Having two candidates in this year’s Car of the Year finalists is a good beginning.
The subject of this evaluation is the entry level Grand Vitara 2,4 manual, which is possibly the nicest of the present all-petrol range. Don’t get me wrong – the 2,4 automatic and the 3,2 litre automatic are very good, with the range-topping 3,2 offering a wad of extra knick knacks like hill ascent- and descent control, sunroof and leather. It’s just that the base model does everything so well and it’s the cheapest to boot that makes it a favourite.
At the core of the vehicle is a four-cylinder, 16 valve, 2 393 cc powerplant with twin overhead camshafts and VVT variable valve timing. The engine, codenamed J24B, is an extensively modified version of the J20A powerplant used in the Suzuki SX4 lifestyle hatchback. It produces 122 kW of power at 6 000 rpm, while the torque peak of 225 Nm is achieved at 4 000 rpm.
Grand Vitara 2.4 models are fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels and Bridgestone Dueler 225/65 R17 all-terrain tyres.
Exterior features include roof rails, front fog lamps, a spare wheel cover, colour-coded door handles and mirrors, and tinted glass.
Standard equipment is extensive. Included are fully automatic climate control with pollen filter, electric windows front and rear, and electrically operated exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals.
Part of the package is selective remote central locking linked to a keyless access and start system. This is a boon for mums in a hurry, especially during cold weather, and for women alone in dingy car parking areas – no more scrabbling for keys in the handbag. As long as the smart key is in there, you simply get in and go.
The luggage compartment includes an auxiliary 12V power outlet, in-built convenience hooks, a switchable courtesy lamp, and an underfloor compartment for small items, ideal for one’s iBook and a few extras.
Billed as “not merely a soft-roader,” the Grand Vitara boasts unibody construction with a built in ladder frame for increased rigidity and toughness. Car-like suspension (Mc Pherson struts in front and a multilink coil sprung rear) provides saloon car comfort in the boonies and over rough dirt, with very competent handling on tar.
Approach and departure angles of 29 and 27 degrees, with 200 mm of daylight underneath and full time four wheel drive, electronically switchable to provide 50/50 torque split in difflock mode in both high and low range, makes it a formidable contender off the beaten track.
Inside, there is full seating for five on comfortably contoured seats. The front buckets are sculpted for support, while the reclining rear bench seat accommodates three adults, and is split 60:40 for versatility.
The luggage compartment measures 398 litres with the rear seat in place, but increases to 758 litres with the seatback folded down. Maximum cargo volume with the rear seat folded is 1 386 litres.
The Grand Vitara earned four NCAP stars for occupant safety. It also rated three stars each for pedestrian- and child occupant safety, thanks to its comprehensive array of passive safety measures.
These include front, side and curtain airbags, head restraints for all five seating positions, side impact protection beams, a collapsible steering column and a rigid passenger safety cell.
Naturally, ABS anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD), and a sophisticated ESP stability control system, form part of the package. In line with good offroading practice, the ESP system is automatically switched off when 4Low (Lock) is selected.
All I could find to complain about, is that at this price level I expect to be able to couple up my iPod. I couldn’t, which was a bit of a blow. The six-CD changer claims to be MP3-compatible but Suzuki is evidently referring to the types of discs that can be played, rather than use of accessory players.
That aside, the Grand Vitara is very competent, fully featured and well priced – worth a look by anyone wanting a street and dirt car that does a lot more than park on pavements.
The numbers:
Price: R 312 900
Fuel consumption (claimed): 8,9 l/100 km
Fuel tank: 66 litres
Zero to 100 km/h: 10,6 seconds
Maximum speed: 180 km/h
Warranty: 3 years/100 000 km
Service Plan: 6 years/90 000 km
AA roadside assistance: 3 years
4x4 driver training to original purchaser: Free
This is a one-man show, which means that road test cars entrusted to me are driven only by me. Some reviewers hand test cars over to their partners to use as day-to-day transport and barely experience them for themselves.
What this means to you is that every car reviewed is given my own personal evaluation and receives my own seat of the pants judgement - no second hand input here.
Every car goes through real world testing; on city streets littered with potholes, speed bumps and rumble strips, on freeways and if its profile demands, dirt roads as well.
I am based in Pietermaritzburg, KZN, South Africa. This is the hub of the KZN Midlands farming community; the place farmers go to in order to buy their supplies and equipment, truck their goods to market, send their kids to school and visit to kick back and relax. So occasionally a cow, a goat or a horse may add a little local colour by finding its way into the story or one of the pictures. It's all part of the ambience!
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SA Roadtests
South Africa
ctjag8