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 (in fact, becoming its export version - focused on Europe). The car was originally presented in two body versions: three-door and five-door (while the “five-door” was previously produced not only in the “standard” (five-seater) version, but also in the “elongated” (seven-seater) version (known as the “XL-7” ).
The second incarnation of the Suzuki Grand Vitara was released in 2005 and since then has been repeatedly updated, which, however, did not bring the design of this car closer to "modern standards". This can only be explained by the fact that the designers of Suzuki Motor Corporation are extremely "conservative" - ie. prefer a strict classic style (which also allows you to save on production). As a result, we can say that "Suzuki Grand Vitara for Japan" is like "UAZ Patriot for Russia": a little "square", seemingly simple and not flashy, but practical and versatile.
As mentioned above, Suzuki Grand Vitara is available in two versions, which outwardly differ not only in the number of doors, but also in dimensions ("three-door", by the way, we have a separate detailed review devoted to it).
The length of the three-door is 4,060 mm, and the length of the five-doors is 4,500 mm. The length of the wheelbase is 2,440 and 2,640 mm, respectively. The width of both versions is the same - 1,810 mm, the overall height is also 1,695 mm. We especially note the height of 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 as "boring and dull" as the exterior: the front panel is made of plastic, the seats are upholstered in fabric, and the center console in the basic trim levels looks more like an "old control panel" than a piece of car interior, fortunately in top-end versions it is diluted with a touchscreen display (however, and that one is executed in a kind of "retro style"). Of the pluses, we note: excellent assembly and high quality fit of parts.
The salon of the three-door Suzuki Grand Vitara is designed for four passengers, but the five-door version has a standard five seats. At the same time, we note that there is no abundance of free space (except for the height above the head) in the cabin, even in the back, and it will be cramped for tall passengers, especially in the knees.
The trunk also does not indulge in spaciousness - 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 motors are more environmentally friendly and fit into 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 on the mark of 145 Nm, which, together with the only available 5-speed manual transmission, provides the "three-door" with sufficient acceleration dynamics for this class - from 0 to 100 km / h in 14.4 seconds. The maximum travel speed will be no more than 160 km / h.
- The next engine - "J20A" with a volume of 2.0 liters is the base for the five-door modification of the Suzuki Grand Vitara. Its peak power is 140 hp and the upper torque limit is 183 Nm. For this engine, in addition to the already voiced "mechanics", a 4-band "automatic" is also available. It should be noted, however, that it is already so outdated that for at least ten years it "begs to be scrapped." The acceleration dynamics of the "five-door" with a 2.0-liter engine and automatic transmission is only slightly better than that of the base "three-door" on the "mechanics" - 13.6 seconds.
- And, finally, the flagship engine "J24B", available on the "three-door" only in conjunction with the "automatic", and on the "five-door" both with the "mechanics" and with the "automatic". Its working volume is 2.4 liters, and the maximum power does not exceed 168 hp. As for the 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. "Five-door" with automatic transmission will raise the hand to a hundred in 12.0 seconds, but the version with "mechanics" will keep within 11.7 seconds.
The main "trump card" of the Suzuki Grand Vitara is the all-wheel drive system, which allows you to feel confident on the off-road. Of course, the "Grand Vitara" is not a full-fledged SUV, but "in the mud" it will leave most of the crossovers behind "without straining too much." Note that the standard version of the three-door version is equipped with a simple system of permanent all-wheel drive "Full Time 4 × 4" and only all other modifications receive a modern multi-mode transmission with the ability to engage a downshift and lock the center differential.
The crossover's suspension is completely independent, based on MacPherson struts at the front, and on a multi-link structure 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 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 the "five-door", while another 16 will have to be paid for the metallic paint. 900 rubles. The price for Suzuki Grand Vitara, frankly, is far from small, taking into account the "age of the model" and what competitors can offer.
