SA Road Tests

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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 probably applies to the models you can get at home.

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*Please remember too, that prices quoted were those ruling on the days I wrote the reports.

Mini test: 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara 2,4 a/t

Reassuring and easy to live with

The range: The somewhat more luxurious 3,2 litre V6 automatic version was withdrawn recently so there are just two choices; 2,4 litre inline fours in five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.

The engine and gearbox: It's a 2 393 cc, DOHC, 16-valve petrol engine with VVT developing 122 kW/225 Nm. Codenamed J24B, it is an extensively modified version of the J20A unit used in the SX4. Our test unit was fitted with a competent, if somewhat old fashioned, four-speed torque converter 'box with old style 'D-3-2-L' positions. While not exactly a sporty shifting alternative, ratios can be held for particular towing applications or terrain conditions. It isn't modern, but it gets the job done.

The drivetrain: Unlike most SUVs at this price level, the Grand Vitara delivers full-time four-wheel drive with a centre differential that distributes torque as needed between back and front axles. Default drive split is 47:53 percent between front and rear. When the going gets tough, the differential can be locked electronically in a 50:50 split at any speed up to 100 km/h. For extreme driving conditions in rough terrain, including steep inclines, a transfer case provides low-range in the locked position, boosting power transfer and tractability. In this mode, the ESP program is automatically switched off.

The chassis: Monocoque construction with an integrated ladder frame creates a rigid, compact body structure allowing good use of interior space and the benefits of a rigid and durable chassis. All-independent suspension delivers driving comfort, sure-footed handling and off-road traversability. Up front it has MacPherson struts, coil springs, hydraulic dampers and an anti-roll bar. At the rear is a multi-link configuration with coil springs, dampers and anti-roll bar.

The body: The present Grand Vitara has been around for almost three years, so it's become familiar, with some rude overseas journalists even labelling its shape 'forgettable.' That's probably a bit harsh - it's handsome in a somewhat boxy way and those who can't quite get used to swoopy sculptures from elsewhere in the east might find it reassuring and easier to live with. Coupled with the fact that it is actually competent off-road, it could be many people's ideal dual-purpose machine without the eye-watering price tags of certain others.
It's about a foot shorter than full-sized SUVs at 4,5 m but accommodates five comfortably. Knee room in the back is plentiful although I would describe headspace as 'adequate'. There is room for big feet under the front seats and the floor is flat, allowing easy entry and exit. Like other shortish SUVs however, the wheel arches can catch thighs on the way out.  The rear seatbacks offer one alternative recline position for added comfort. Storage space is plentiful, with a decently proportioned glove box and lots of little slots and boxes spread throughout the cabin. The boot measures 398 litres, expanding to 758- and 1386 litres as the rear seats are folded, then tumbled.
The driving position is high and upright with a good view outward. Mechanical adjustment for the driver's seat includes height as well as the usual fore, aft and recline. The steering wheel adjusts for height only. The six-CD radio is MP3-compatible but does not offer USB or auxiliary inputs.
Overall, the Grand Vitara could be described as a little conservative and perhaps a bit old-fashioned, but some folk prefer things that way. As a competent dual-purpose family car and adventure vehicle at a whisker under R350 000, it's hard to beat.

The numbers:
Price: R346 900
Engine: 2393 cc inline four, 16-valve, DOHC with VVT
Power: 122 kW at 6000 rpm
Torque: 225 Nm at 4000 rpm
Zero to 100 km/h: 12,0 seconds
Maximum speed: 170 km/h
Real life fuel consumption: about 11,7 l/100 km
Tank: 66 litres
Ground clearance: 200 mm
Approach/departure/rampover angles: 29/27/19 degrees
Warranty: 3 years/90 000 km
Service plan: 6 years/90 000 km

What We Do

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 central hub of the KZN Midlands farming community; the place farmers go to to buy their supplies and equipment, truck their goods to market, send their kids to school and go 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!

Comments?

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