The New Suzuki Grand Vitara gets unveiled

Starting Price: N5.9Mill

FOR Suzuki Motors Limited, a subsidiary of C&I Leasing Plc, the re-launch of 2013 Grand Vitara into the Nigerian market was a statement to show it can compete favourably within the SUV segment.

Specifically, the company said the coming of the new Grand Vitara was an attempt to shore up its market share value in the nation’s auto industry.

At the formal launching of the model in Lagos, the company said the 2013 Grand Vitara has been revamped with a freshened front fascia and grille.

Acting Managing Director, Suzuki Motors Limited, Maureen Ogbonna, in her speech said the compact SUV segment has undergone huge leaps in terms of quality and refinement over the past few years.

She said the new Grand Vitara now has strength because it boasts a generous standard features list, one that includes amenities — such as Bluetooth, automatic climate control and a navigation system — that are optional extras on rival models.

According to her, the bluetooth is now standard across all trims, while alloy wheels are now standard on premium models.

The Acting managing director explained that the Grand Vitara was a compact crossover SUV that is offered in three trim levels: base, Premium and Limited, adding that standard features for the base model include 16-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, keyless entry, automatic climate control, full power accessories, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-only steering wheel, a trip computer, Bluetooth with streaming audio, an integrated Garmin navigation system (includes voice commands, real-time traffic and a Google search function) and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack.

She said the midrange premium trim level includes all of the base model’s features and adds 16-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, heated mirrors (4WD models only) and cruise control.

“The range-topping Limited model will get you 18-inch alloy wheels, foglights, a sunroof, roof rack side rails, integrated turn signal mirrors, side chrome moldings, keyless ignition/entry, leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, interior wood trim, heated front seats and a seven-speaker premium sound system,” Ogbonna said.

The 2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara is powered by a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder that produces 166 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque.

She added that a five-speed manual transmission is standard on base models, while all other versions get a four-speed automatic. “better opt for the manual, the automatic transmission is really outdated”.

Ogbonna noted that the rear-wheel drive is standard across the lineup, but four-wheel drive is offered on Premium models, and Limited models are available with a four-wheel-drive system that includes low-range gearing.

Fuel economy estimates for the Grand Vitara’s fuel economy are relatively poor “thanks to its ancient transmission”. Rear-drive models return an estimated 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined with the automatic transmission, while 4WD models return 19/23/20.

Besides, the list of standard safety features on the 2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara includes stability control, traction control, antilock disc brakes, full-length side curtain airbags and front-seat side airbags.

In brake testing, the Grand Vitara needed only 110 feet to stop from 60 mph — extraordinary performance for this type of vehicle.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Grand Vitara its highest rating of “Good” in the frontal-offset test and the second highest rating of “Acceptable” for side impact and roof strength tests.

When it comes to gauge layout, the Grand Vitara’s cabin mostly scores an “A” for functionality. Controls are well-placed and easily legible; the one exception is the removable navigation system, which can be hard to reach.

The navigation system’s screen is also smaller than those seen in built-in units, and this can make it challenging to operate and read.

To its credit, though, the navigation system comes with a host of useful features, such as Pandora Internet radio, real-time traffic and Bluetooth streaming audio.

To be sincere, the only thing I liked about the Suzuki Grand Vitara was its name; nothing else. There’s nothing really “Grand” about the Vitara and in a world where compact SUV’s “even the ones in Nigeria” are featuring 4 wheel drive, more powerful and even turbocharged engines,  7speed automatics and alloy wheels as standard, Suzuki should better up its game or opt out like they did in the US.

 My suggestion; if you’re in the market for a compact SUV, there are lots of other better equipped rivals like the all new spacious Toyota Rav4, the really affordable Hyundai IX-35, the sexy looking Kia Sportage and of course the beautiful Volkswagen Tiguan.

From the Guardian