Suzuki will add an exciting new chapter to the Grand Vitara story this month with the launch of the first ever two-wheel drive version of the car that started the compact SUV revolution.
A staple of the Suzuki diet for a quarter of a century, the new Grand Vitara will boast a 2WD model for the first time in the company’s history.
“The addition of a 2WD version of Grand Vitara is a direct response to customer feedback,” said Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers.
“In the past couple of years the proliferation of 2WD models has maintained SUVs as the fastest growing segment in the market; not just in Australia but around the world.
“In Australia 2WD models now account for almost half of all SUV sales as customers demand a vehicle that offers the best of both worlds.
“Customers looking for the legendary reliability and performance of Grand Vitara, but not wanting to venture off the beaten track can now choose a 2WD version.”
Devers said the Grand Vitara 2WD model would be known as Urban, adopting a nameplate the company had been developing in recent years.
The Grand Vitara Urban will headline the updates to Suzuki’s award-winning SUV.
Every model in the line-up will get a bold new front end featuring a new grille and bumper, two bold new colours– Gaia Bronze and Bison Brown – stylish new 17-inch alloy wheels and new seat fabrics.
The Urban, like all petrol models, will be offered exclusively with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, matched to a five-speed transmission or optional four-speed automatic.
Unlike other 2WD SUVs, however, the Grand Vitara Urban will drive the rear wheels.
“Grand Vitara has always been a driver’s car, making rear-wheel drive the only choice once we decided to add a two-wheel drive version.
“That makes Grand Vitara Urban the logical choice for customers wanting a 2WD but still looking for great towing performance. The Urban maintains the Grand Vitara’s excellent 1850 kg capacity.
Standard features include cruise control, rear park assist, Bluetooth®, electric windows, remote locking and outstanding safety from six airbags and ESP stability control.
Devers said the addition of the Urban to the line-up would ensure outstanding value, with a driveaway price of just $26,990.
“Grand Vitara has always been popular with drivers aged over 50 and our research shows the fast growing 35-49 year old market has a strong preference for 2WD.
“The opportunity is enormous, given Grand Vitara’s award-winning heritage.”
Customers wanting the benefits of 4×4 are well catered for with four versions of Grand Vitara on offer.
It begins with the GV3. Next in the line-up is the Urban, the only Grand Vitara to be offered with 2WD, then the award-winning DDiS turbo-diesel, the Sport and the range tops out with the luxurious Prestige.
The Sport and Prestige models all come standard with a new fully integrated touch-screen sat nav unit, complete with Bluetooth®.
The Sport nameplate is the first model in the line-up to come with the satellite navigation system, with Bluetooth® and USB connectivity. It also features new 17-inch alloy wheels and rear park assist.
The Prestige model sits atop the tree, complete with leather, sunroof, 18-inch alloys, keyless entry and start, premium sound, satellite navigation, Bluetooth® and USB input. It will only be available in automatic.
Suzuki’s award-winning Grand Vitara DDiS turbo-diesel continues to be popular with customers and engine management system upgrades have improved fuel economy to just 6.8 litres per 100 kays. The DDiS now also comes standard with Bluetooth®.
Pricing
Grand Vitara 3-door manual $24,990 driveaway
Grand Vitara 3-door auto $26,990 driveaway
Grand Vitara Urban 2WD manual $26,990 driveaway
Grand Vitara Urban 2WD auto $28,990 driveaway
Grand Vitara Sport 4WD manual $31,490 driveaway
Grand Vitara Sport 4WD auto $33,490 driveaway
Grand Vitara Prestige 4WD auto $38,990 driveaway
Grand Vitara DDiS 4WD manual $35,990 driveaway