December 1998 Volume 79 Number 12 "serving the protectors"
SUZUKI’S Grand Advantage
By Jim Barnett

distinct advantages, good ride, cruises effortlessly,
extremely capable, smooth power delivery

With a host of standard features, competitive pricing and distinct advantages over its competition, the new Suzuki Grand Vitara is set to excite. It boasts a two-speed transfer case, a full-ladder chassis and is the only vehicle in its class with the option of a powerful V6 engine.

Grand Vitara is available in one well-equipped specification level which offers a choice of manual or automatic transmissions and four-cylinder or six-cylinder engines.

Its standard features include:

• Air conditioning.
• Power windows and mirrors.
• Central locking with keyless entry.
• Immobiliser.
• Four-speaker AM/FM radio with single CD player.

Vitara is competitively priced: $27,990 for the 2.0-litre; $29,990 for the V6.

Seating is comfortable and the driving position good. Storage areas abound with pockets in all doors, two good-sized glove boxes (one only when optional airbags are fitted) and a large slide-out tray under each front seat.

The cargo area is wide and flat. It features:

• Four tie-down hooks.
• A 12-volt accessory socket.
• A large lift-up compartment suitable for small items.

The seating arrangement is flexible. All seats can be laid flat to make a bed and many other configurations, depending on the load. Four good-sized headrests which enhance passenger safety are fitted, but driver rear vision is somewhat restricted when using the inside mirror.

The CD produces a nice sound from the four large speakers, but the control buttons on the facia are small and fiddly to operate.

It’s in the mechanical department that the Vitara really shines. The lusty 2.5-litre, all alloy, 24-valve, quad-cam V6 punches out 106 kW @ 6,200 rpm and produces 208Nm of torque @ 3500rpm.

The 2.0-litre, DOHC four offers 94kW and 174Nm. Suzuki’s Drive Select four-wheel-drive system has a two-speed, high-low range transfer case with the ability to change from 2H to 4H and back again, at speeds of up to 100km/h.

A wide track, chunky 235x16 tyres, power assisted rack-and-pinion steering and well-sorted-out, coil-sprung front and rear suspension provide good ride and cornering on all surfaces.

Front discs and rear drums provide good braking with only light pedal pressure. The turning circle is better than some small cars at 10.6 metres.

The Police Journal tested the V6 with optional four-speed automatic transmission. This combination works extremely well. It maintains smooth power delivery all the way to red line and cruises effortlessly. It’s capable of quick acceleration considering its 1405kg kerb weight. On rough surfaces and corrugations the car maintains a straight course with no suggestion of becoming untidy.

After selecting four-wheel drive, it had no trouble fording the Finniss River over loose rocks with water lapping at the door sills. The car proved extremely capable making its way through soft beach sand. It also easily towed half its maximum recommended towing weight of 1500kg.

It’s economy averaged around 11.5 litres/100km, but a good country run should return around nine litres/100km.

Optional equipment includes:

• ABS brakes.
• Dual airbags.
• Alloy wheels.

This new Vitara makes huge gains in power, comfort and style - without compromising off-road ability.

Test vehicle supplied by Suzuki in the City, Adelaide.