The Grand Vitara SUV is rightfully considered the most popular model of the Suzuki company both at home, in Japan, and in domestic countries. The first Grand Vitara model was introduced back in 1997. The SUV was created on the platform of the second generation Suzuki Escudo and by and large was nothing more than an export version of the Escudo, whose deliveries were focused on the European market. Today, the conveyor continues to produce models developed back in 2005, and periodically Japanese designers and engineers carry out a thorough restyling aimed at improving the external qualities and, to a lesser extent, technical characteristics. A variety of body variations are offered to motorists to choose from - there are three-door and five-door versions available, the latter boasting both five and seven passenger seats (in the extended version of the Grand Vitara XL-7). And today we will take a closer look at what the latest version of the already become legendary Suzuki Grand Vitara. And the subject of our review will be nothing more than design and appearance interior and exterior. As the proverb says, they are greeted by clothes, and that is why we first of all consider the exterior of our today's hero.
Exterior Grand Vitara
Despite the fact that the car has already gone through countless restyles and is improving almost every year, there are no noticeable changes in the exterior. Many may notice that comparing the 1997 and 2013 generations, you can count a huge variety of different elements, but given more than 16 years of time, there are not many such significant changes in the exterior. Suzuki designers are distinguished by enviable conservatism - even despite the presence of advanced technologies, the design in in general terms falls short of the level of modern appearance requirements. That is why the SUV has a classic, even conservative appearance - angular, extremely simple, there is no flashiness or extravagance, but at the same time it is practical and very versatile. And it helps to significantly save on production.
What can be said by looking at the front Suzuki grand Vitara? Only one word comes to mind: correctness. The head optics have a standard rectangular shape, there are no hints of the now popular LED lights, the most common radiator grill, on which the Suzuki logo is located, a massive bumper protruding slightly forward with a small air intake and fog lights on the sides of it. On the hood - no hint of air intakes or embossing. Everything in a simple and extremely versatile style.
The car's profile looks a little more lively than the front. There are embossed side lines that run along the body, and massive wheel arches, which seem to hint at good cross-country performance and the whole "seriousness" of this car. The absence of any overlays at the bottom of the case is also noticed - apparently, the designers are not worried about the fact that the Suzuki Grand Vitara can be used off-road.
The SUV has a very simple and versatile stern, which is nothing but side lights, visually divided into three parts, does not attract attention. Large rear window, solid tailgate plate and plastic spare wheel cover with Suzuki wordmark. And that's all - there is nothing to catch the eye. But maybe this is for the best, given the true purpose of SUVs? Yet the more important parameters have always been specifications, convenience and comfort, and the design of the exterior is not the primary indicator of a good car.
Interior design and salon Grand Vitara
The Suzuki Grand Vitara is a prime example of how the exterior and interior of a vehicle complement each other. And looking into the salon, it is unlikely that a car enthusiast will be surprised: the exterior design has smoothly passed into the interior design and there is no need to expect any surprises. Each line and each element completely and completely complements the appearance, therefore, in short, only a few words can be said about the interior: simple, practical, uncomplicated. Now let's take a closer look at it.
The front panel is made of plastic, just like everything interior decoration salon. Surprisingly, in the maximum trim levels of the Suzuki Grand Vitara, richer equipment is also not provided - only a few auxiliary functions are added and nothing more. The dashboard is simple and uncomplicated - the standard three "glasses", in which the analog indicators of the devices are located, the dashboard has not that an intricate design, but even with some hint of archaism. There is a strong impression that these are not just variators, but some kind of control devices on nuclear power plant - five round elements with red backlighting and a small display, which also does not differ in novelty and multifunctionality. Therefore, it is quite possible that at first the driver will feel uncomfortable, especially if he moved to the Grand Vitara after some modern foreign car. Of the advantages of the salon, it is worth noting highest quality all parts, high-quality assembly and reliability - that's something, and with this the Japanese have always been strict.
It also cannot be said that sUVs Grand Vitara are distinguished by a high level of convenience and comfort. Three-door modifications are designed for four passengers, and five-door versions have five seats. It should be noted that the number of seats is a nominal indicator: there is no abundance of free space, especially on rear seats... Of course, there is enough space above your head, but passengers will feel discomfort at the feet, since there is rear seats quite enough only for teenagers or children. The trunk of the car also does not differ in huge capacity - just slightly less than 190 liters in a three-door body and almost 400 liters in a five-door body. Good or bad, whether the Grand Vitara is worthy of positive ratings is a private matter for every motorist. It may not have amazing performance and is unlikely to compete with many other SUVs, but popularity is still the main indicator. And the popularity of our hero is very high.
Photos of SUV Suzuki Grand Vitara
Video test drive SUV Suzuki Grand Vitara
1,424 Views
The Japanese automaker has announced the launch of a production program called "Four Models in Four Years." Its firstborn was the new Suzuki Vitara.
Quick jump to sections
Given the popularity of the class, it should be assumed that the novelty will face extremely fierce competition, since today almost every automaker has a compact crossover.
The new Suzuki Vitara, with a test drive of which you can get acquainted, is one of those surprises that the car market sometimes presents. The fact is that the Japanese automaker Suzuki has tremendous experience in the production of compact all-wheel drive SUVs. Models such as the Suzuki Samurai or Jimny were produced by him long before the era of crossovers began. However, it was only this year that Suzuki engineers finally invented a model that can really compete with cars like Skoda yeti, Nissan juke or Renault Duster.
It used to be an SUV, now it's a crossover
The predecessor of the novelty was the Suzuki Grand Vitara - mid-size frame SUV with a traditional gearbox and a rather gluttonous engine. The new Vitara is smaller, lighter, and most importantly, it has a modern 1.6-liter petrol engine under the hood that is perfect for this car.
Outwardly, the new Vitara is no worse than its rivals. Yes, in door trim and dashboard hard plastic reigns, but you will see the same with competitors.
Atmospheric engine volume of 1.6 liters behaves very adequately. But inside the car there is a lot of storage space for small things, and the seats are more comfortable than most competitors. In particular, the seat cushions are long enough, which is a rarity in this class.
Although the car is small, measuring only 4.18 meters in length, there is room in the rear for both passengers and their belongings, as the trunk has a volume of 375 liters. Not bad for a car in this class.
If the old Vitara was built on a frame like real SUV, then the new one has load-bearing body, that is, it is structurally designed as a typical crossover. However, when it comes to the AWD system, it offers the driver customization options, which are rare for compact crossovers. The driver can choose either the automatic connection of the full wire, in which the electronics independently distributes the tractive effort along the axles of the car, or lock the clutch, setting the car an equal distribution of traction between the axles.
The Vitara driver has the ability to control the all-wheel drive system, which not all crossovers offer. The car's ground clearance is an impressive 19.5 cm, which is rare among compact crossovers.
Under the hood of the new Vitara is a 1.6-liter supercharged petrol engine producing 120 hp and a torque of 156 Nm. Of course, in order to overtake on the highway, the driver is better off switching to a lower gear, especially since this is not difficult to do, since the five-speed manual transmission works quite clearly.
It is thanks to this engine, as well as the well-functioning five-speed manual gearbox, that the Vitara is surprisingly flexible to drive. Its power (120 hp) is perfectly adequate, that is, exactly what is needed for a car of such dimensions and weight as the Vitara. The engine runs smoothly and the transmission is precise. Vitara responds willingly to manipulation of the accelerator pedal. True on high speeds responsiveness drops, but if you drive at a moderate speed, this problem does not arise.
During the study trip real expense fuel was 6.5 liters per 100 km. According to factory data, the average fuel consumption should be 5.6 liters "per hundred".
The diesel engine (120 HP, 356 Nm) is only available for the four-wheel drive and six-speed version mechanical box gear. Suzuki promises a highly fuel efficient 1 liter engine in the future gasoline engine turbocharged.
Price list for new Vitara starts with a front wheel drive version which costs 14,000 euros (2WD, 120 hp). A model with the same engine but all-wheel drive will cost 18,000 euros. However, in this case, in terms of configuration, it will be a car that has gone far ahead of the basic version, and therefore the increase in cost here is reasonable, since the car will be equipped with light-alloy wheels, an air conditioning system, adaptive cruise control, a rear-view camera, etc.
Should you buy?
Behind exterior design Vitara deserves a "good" rating. Suzuki's engineers succeeded in creating a model with a more expressive visual identity than many of its competitors.
Fuel consumption of less than 7 liters per 100 km can be considered satisfactory, this is not a record, but not bad either.
In addition, the price is also attractive - the cheapest Vitara costs only 985 thousand rubles. True, for the top-end modification will have to pay 1.435 million rubles. As a reward for this, the buyer will receive a 7-inch touch screen, the ability to connect smartphones, a rear view camera and a number of security systems, in particular, adaptive cruise control, etc. four-wheel drive, which gives the driver the opportunity to choose the mode that is more suitable for the available road conditions... At his disposal will be: Auto, Snow, Sport and Lock.
Conclusion: if you need a compact and practical crossover at an adequate price, then the candidacy of the new Suzuki Vitara is quite worthy of consideration.
As the automaker promises, later under the name Vitara S there will be a "hot" version of the crossover, equipped with a 1.4-liter petrol turbocharged engine producing 138 hp. and 220 Nm of torque. It will be possible to distinguish the "charged" Vitara from the usual one by other bumpers and by a modified radiator grill.
Suzuki Vitara business card
- Engine: R-4 1586 cm3
- Power: 88 kW (120 hp)
- Torque: 156 Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Maximum speed: 180 km h
- Acceleration time 0 - 100 km / h: 12.0 sec
- Fuel consumption (city / highway / average) per 100 km: 6.5 / 5.1 / 5.6 l
- Starting price: 14,000 euros
The time has passed when wealthy people wanted to buy a formidable-looking frame SUV. The buyer is increasingly looking towards comfort, pays attention to the convenience and efficiency of operation, good maneuverability is increasingly fading into the background. As a result of changing consumer tastes, SUV manufacturers have to significantly change their vehicles. SUVs are losing the frame, permanent four-wheel drive and powerful axle suspension. What kind of car should a person living in the suburbs choose, who sometimes has to drive off-road, but does not want to lose in comfort and control on the asphalt? Suzuki Grand Vitara lost its frame and got an independent suspension, maybe now it's a SUV? Let's not rush, let's talk about everything in order.
In the review - the price, photos and characteristics of the Suzuki Grand Vitara 2005, as well as your reviews under the article.
Appearance:
Walking around the Suzuki, a random person will say that this is a real SUV. The off-road image is very strong spare wheelwhich is attached to back door, the door itself opens to the side. The front bumper looks powerful, or rather sturdy. It has no developed air intakes, this element is really a bumper, not a front spoiler. The lower part of the radiator grille is decorated with a chrome strip, above which the brand nameplate is installed. The headlights are made in off-road style, the headlamp unit looks a little rectangular, but thanks to the inserted lenses, the headlights are quite modern. If you put Grand Vitara with such cars as Hyundai ix 35 or Kia sportage, the Japanese looks like a real all-terrain vehicle.
Salon:
When driving this car, I want to say thank you to the manufacturer for the leather interior, which is available in the maximum configuration. Perforated leather on the pillow and back. The downside is the lack of electric seat adjustments, everything is manually adjusted Steering column can only be adjusted by the angle of inclination, there are no adjustments for the reach. The steering wheel itself is covered with leather, and the buttons for controlling the radio and cruise control are placed on the "pillow" of the steering wheel. In order to start an SUV it is not at all necessary to insert the key into the ignition lock, it is enough to have the key with you and turn a special "rotary" located in place of the traditional ignition key, but you can also insert the key into it - if the owner wishes, but we will repeat - the car will start and without a key in the "spinner". The plastic used in the upholstery of a car is harsh, it will definitely not impress a person who has traveled on expensive cars, but for a person who drove ordinary cars class B, or C, such plastic is common. 
After modernization, the display changed its location: it moved from the center console to the dashboard, which is very convenient. Indeed, to obtain information about the external temperature, or about the remaining fuel, you do not have to peer into the central part of the front panel, the instrument panel is much closer and is always in sight. In the Grand Vitara, the height of the seat belts can be adjusted, making it easier to find a comfortable position behind the wheel. The two largest round-shaped "rotators" on the center console are responsible for adjusting the climate in the car. Between them there is a small round display that displays information about the climate - very convenient and logical. The controls are located under the climate unit, which are responsible for the behavior of the car on the road. This block contains the distributor box. It is he who blocks center differential and includes a low gear. Suzuki has a low gear! This already speaks of increased off-road capabilities. The second button, which is located to the right, disables the ESP, and can also connect the assistance system when descending the mountain.
The rear seats are not too spacious - this is not the most roomy car in the class. On the back of the second row there are three head restraints, all of which are height adjustable. The second row of seats folds down - this increases the volume luggage compartment from 398 liters to 1398 liters - also clearly not the best performance in the class. The seats are equipped with ISOFIX child seat fastening system. Already in basic configuration The Grand Vitara is equipped with six airbags, which will clearly get the approval of many motorists.
2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara Specifications
As described above, this generation of the 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara made some compromises in favor of better performance on asphalt: a monocoque body and independent suspensionbut the car still has impressive off-road potential. This arsenal includes: permanent four-wheel drive, the ability to lock the center differential and even lower gears. You can lock the differential on the go, but to connect downshift you should stop and move the gearshift lever to neutral. When you turn on a lower gear, the ESP system is automatically disabled, this is done for better cross-country ability so that the engine does not "choke" the system. With passability at this car everything is good. Thanks to the changes made to the suspension design, the car is much more confident, the previous generation is controlled and stands on a high-speed line. The most powerful engine installed on the Grand Vitara is a six-cylinder, naturally aspirated gasoline engine. Consider the technical characteristics of the Grand Vitara with this power plant... With the most powerful engines, only a five-speed automatic machine can dock.
Specifications Grand Vitara 3.2
Engine: V6
Volume: 3195cm
Power: 232hp
Torque: 291N.M
Number of valves: 24
Performance characteristics:
Acceleration 0-100km: 9.3s
Maximum speed: 200km
Fuel consumption - city: 14.4l
track: 8.3l
mixed cycle: 10.6L
Body:
Dimensions: 4500mm * 1810mm * 1695mm
Wheelbase: 2640mm
Curb weight: 1753kg
Clearance: 200mm
Suzuki SUVs meet with less powerful enginesmotorists who are scared off by high fuel consumption can pay attention to engines 2.0 for 140 forces and 2.4 for 169 forces. Both engines can be docked with both mechanics and automatic. The most powerful version is different disc brakes on the rear axle, on less powerful modifications on the rear axle installed drum brakes... On good cross-country ability plays an impressive ground clearance and short overhangs. If, for example, a Forester is placed next to the Grand Vitara, it will be obvious that the length of the overhangs is much longer.
Price and equipment Suzuki Grand Vitara 2005
The most affordable 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara with a 2.0 engine and mechanics can be bought for $ 27,000. Maximum complete set with a five-speed automatic, 3.2 liter engine and leather interior costs $ 38,000.
As practice shows, the second generation has become a very popular car, in most cases it is bought by city dwellers who want to drive with confidence all year round and regardless of the type of road surface.
Tradition obliges to be a "crook". Suzuki Vitara has always been, first and foremost, an SUV. Models 1988-1998 and 1998-2005 (Grand Vitara of the first generation) had a frame body structure, a gearbox, continuous rear axle and affordable price. Small car demonstrated very good off-road ability for little money. But then the SUV boomed, and it was time for Suzuki to change.
Grand Vitara has been produced since 2005. It no longer has a frame, a leverage system is used on the rear axle, and the plug-in drive to the front axle has been replaced by a permanent 4x4. As a result, the Grand Vitara is much more civilized than its predecessor, and on the ground it feels significantly better than other light SUVs. In addition, none of the competitors have a gearbox.
Then we come to the point. The off-road character of the Grand Vitara is not only about benefits. Some specimens are operated according to the principle: if they survived now, they will never survive again! So, do not lose your vigilance during the inspection. Be aware that suspension settings and a high center of gravity can be unpleasant while driving, and permanent four-wheel drive increases average fuel consumption.
The Grand Vitara has a decent interior space and level of equipment. You can complain about the small trunk of 398-1385 liters and the low quality of finishing materials. The 3-door version is only suitable for shopping trips - with four passengers on board, the boot size is only 185 liters!
Transmission.
Instances that have been operated with their heads, as a rule, do not cause serious problems. However, the Grand Vitara has a number of drawbacks to keep in mind. First of all, it is a gearbox. Owners complain about the inaccurate operation of the gear selection mechanism, as well as cases of premature bearing wear. In the early years, there is often oil leakage from the front differential. Over time, the manufacturer eliminated weaknessby modifying the node. Every 45,000 km, an oil change in the gearbox and differentials is required.
Chassis.
The Grand Vitara chassis is rated positively: the suspension is quite durable. Up to 100,000 km, usually only the front stabilizer bushings have to be replaced. Sometimes require replacement wheel bearings... We do not take into account small knocks and creaks of rubber bands. The front suspension may knock thrust bearings... The cost of repairs in a dealership is 2000 rubles per side.
Engines.
One of the drawbacks of the Grand Vitara is its great fuel appetite. Gasoline engines with a working volume of 1.6 liters (only in the 3-door version), 2.0 liters, 2.4 liters and V6 2.7 and 3.2 liters rarely fail, but they are obscenely gluttonous. The popular 2-liter engine with 140 hp. in urban driving it consumes 13-14 l / 100 km, but, to put it mildly, it does not shine with dynamics. The most preferred 2.4-liter unit with 169 hp. His appetite is slightly higher, but a car with such an engine is noticeably faster. Also, with age gasoline engines begin to consume oil - in the region of 1-1.5 liters per 1000 km.
In 2-liter engines, the timing chain is sometimes stretched. In this case, on idling scraping sounds are heard from under the hood. Replacing the chain will cost 30,000 rubles.
The 1.9-liter diesel with a 129-horsepower DDiS is an old acquaintance from Renault's stable. One of the test samples was checked by the editors of the German magazine "Auto Bild" at the stand. At 2000 rpm, instead of the promised 300 Nm, the device showed only 220 Nm. In addition to the low performance, reliability issues (turbocharger and accessories), appetite (average 9-10 l / 100 km) and high operating costs must also be considered. Every 75,000 km requires replacement of the timing belt, pump and drive belt auxiliary units... In a dealership, they will require almost 40,000 rubles for this, in a regular service, at least 2 times cheaper. Most diesel engines have dPF filter... In case of failure in a specialized workshop, you will be asked for a replacement up to 90,000 rubles.
Conclusion.
Suzuki Grand Vitara is not a car for everyone. If you are looking for a comfortable family SUV, then it is better to choose another model, for example, the Honda CR-V. But at the same time, it will hardly be possible to find a better offer - a 3-year SUV for 800-900 thousand rubles. The 3-door version is very cramped and has a microscopic boot. The 1.6-liter model is equipped with a simplified gearbox without differential lock. Do not forget about high flow fuel. It is also necessary to take into account the high prices for service at official dealers and a small selection of analogues to original spare parts.
The Japanese cannot decide in any way whether a new crossover or an SUV will be. Connoisseurs are inclined to believe that the novelty will become a crossover. The information comes from the Australian office of the CarAdvice portal, whose correspondents interviewed T. Suzuki, one of the leaders of the Suzuki automobile corporation. It was about an off-road vehicle Grand Vitara, which in its third generation, produced since the distant 2005, has already left many car markets in the world, including ours. But there is no successor yet, he will be, but he is being painfully chosen. Crossover or SUV?
The top manager himself is inclined to follow the global trend that has been developing over the past few years, namely, the need for sUVs, compact crossovers, which for the most part will not move off paved roads, which means that they do not need four-wheel drive and a downshift in the transfer case. But these off-road attributes should still be present for the new generation cross as additional options, says the Japanese. This will not create any special difficulties in production. But in general, the top manager of Suzuki is still convinced of only one thing: the new-generation Grand Vitara will definitely be more spacious and more comfortable than the models of today's, very outdated generation.
The Japanese did not talk about this in an interview, but it seems that the new-generation Grand Vitara, which is in limbo today, is also because some Japanese will not agree with other Japanese in any way. We are talking about Suzuki's plans to enter into partnership with another auto giant of the Land of the Rising Sun - Toyota. These negotiations have been under way since last autumn. And it seems that until now the descendants of the samurai still have not agreed.
And if they agree? If Suzuki comes to an agreement with Toyota, then the probability that the new generation Grand Vitara will be based on Toyota's "cart", and in this case it will be a "pure-bred" crossover, without an off-road body kit.
You can guess endlessly, but it is clear that we will see the new generation of Grand Vitara no earlier than in a couple of years. After all, the concept of the model is still in an uncertain state, and without a clear concept, there is no need to talk about the rapid release of a serial sample.
Suzuki has another iconic SUV -. There is also a lot of unclear information, sometimes contradictory, about his future fate. According to some reports, the new generation Jimny will become a clean SUV and will be officially shown to the world at the Shanghai Auto Show, which will happen in a couple of months. Takanori Suzuki himself, on the contrary, claims that new generation Jimny it will remain an SUV. It is not excluded that the current generation Suzuki Jimny two successors will appear soon. 
By the way, at the end of last year, the Suzuki company presented a new generation of the Swift subcompact hatch.
There is news for Russians, owners of Suzuki cars: the Japanese extended the warranty for Suzuki cars sold in our country to five years, or up to one hundred and twenty thousand kilometers.
