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NEWS ROAD TESTS |
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NEWS ROAD TESTS |
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1st September, 2005 Suzuki Australia will begin another exciting chapter in its rich history, when it introduces the much anticipated third generation compact SUV, the Grand Vitara, onto the Australian market. All new from the ground up, the Grand Vitara builds on Suzuki's comprehensive 4WD knowledge and continues Suzuki's tradition in compact SUV's with distinctive styling, all round 4x4 performance and exceptional on and off road feel. The Grand Vitara evolution began with the launch of the Vitara onto the Australian market in 1988. The latest release Grand Vitara pays homage to the original and is the culmination of over 30 years of four wheel drive manufacturing expertise and further confirms Suzuki's reputation of producing vehicles with real off road capabilities. Building on the concept of the “off road athlete” Suzuki's engineers and designers worked with potential buyers and referred to global trends to meet expectations on design and packaging, equipment and technology, as well as safety and cross country performance. This has resulted in a product with increased sophistication, greater comfort and utility, and improved on and off road performance, all with an injection of fun and excitement. The Grand Vitara is available with the choice of a three door and five door variant, and both feature sporty, dynamic designs with an emphasis on elegance and utility for the 5 door, whilst the 3 door has a bold, athletic nature. The sporty 3 door, available in manual transmission is a single model featuring an economical yet encouraging 1.6litre engine with variable valve timing developing 73 kW at 6,000 rpm. The 5 door variant will be available in a 2.0 litre, 4 cylinder engine in both manual and automatic transmission, as well as a powerful 2.7 litre V6 model engine to cater especially for the Australian market. The Grand Vitara V6, offers buyers a maximum output of 135 kW/6,000 rpm and is available in either a 5 speed manual or 5 speed automatic transmission. The bold front face and sleek distinctive styling gives the Grand Vitara the muscle it needs to tackle rugged terrain as well as the agility needed for everyday driving. The short front overhang and large diameter wheels project a uniquely sporty aggression while the flared guards and wide track give the vehicle an enhanced look of stability. Each Grand Vitara model follows Suzuki's reputation of delivering products which are packed full of new features and technology. In a Suzuki first, the Grand Vitara features constant 4x4. This newly developed 4x4 system remains engaged at all times and features a torque sensing centre differential to give sure footed traction for all surfaces. The 5 door models have a 4 mode 4x4 system, operated from the main switch on the instrument panel. The 4H or 4 High mode can be used for normal driving applications and provides superior traction whilst offering smooth quiet performance and neutral cornering. The 4H Lock mode locks the centre differential to eliminate any speed difference between the front and rear axles thus giving more traction to power through really slippery conditions like deep snow and mud. The 4L Lock or 4 Low Lock engages the lower ratio in the transfer case and locks the centre differential to give sufficient low-end traction in difficult off-road conditions. The 3 door Grand Vitara offers a simplified single mode 4x4 which is light and compact. To compliment the 4x4 system, the new Grand Vitara has independent front and rear suspension to give full suspension articulation when off road whilst delivering a smooth quiet ride for normal city driving. The rigid design of the new "built-in ladder frame" chassis maximises the full potential of both the advanced 4x4 system and the all wheel independent suspension. Inside, the Grand Vitara's impressive list of standard equipment is unrivalled in its class, with ABS, SRS dual front air bags, CD stereo with steering wheel controls, remote keyless entry, power windows and mirrors, fuel consumption read out and climate controlled air conditioning. Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the interior space of the new Grand Vitara has been greatly improved and is longer and wider than the out going model and has storage space galore with large door pockets, centre console, under seat bins and rear seat pockets as well as multiple cup and bottle holders. The efficiency of the Grand Vitara's interior design ensures sufficient space for comfort and utility and provides more interior space than its competitors the Nissan X-Trial and the Toyota Rav4. Comfortably seating five adults in the 5 door, the seats are easily adjustable and can be folded down flat allowing for plenty of space and accommodating even the widest variety of travel arrangements. Active safety features of the Grand Vitara include ABS with EBD, dual front SRS airbags, pre-tensioners and force limiters on front seatbelts and all rear seatbelts are 3 point ELR. The built in ladder frame of the vehicle also directs impact energy away from the cabin in the event of an accident. The all new Suzuki Grand Vitara delivers a quality package in every aspect of its design, assembly and attention to engineering detail. Prices for the Grand Vitara start at $23,990 for the 3 door, $28,990 for the 2.0 litre 5 door and $30,990 for the 2.7litre V6 engine. Automatic transmission is an extra $2,000. Suzuki's all new Grand Vitara will go on sale around Australia, on Wednesday 7th September, 2005, ahead of the international launch at the Frankfurt Motor Show! The Grand Vitara comes with Suzuki CustomerCare, providing customers with peace of mind via a three year/100,000 km warranty and three year 24 hour roadside assistance.
Some previous Suzuki articles:
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