Double Apex was given the opportunity to experience Suzuki’s new Grand Vitara which enters the world of electrification with a new mild-hybrid option.
The Suzuki Vitara returns to South African soil but this time around it repossessed the Grand moniker as found on the JT-generation launched globally in 2005. The previous-generation LY Vitara was available with a hybrid option in select international markets but this is the first time that the powertrain is being made available in our region.
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Sticking To The Formula
The Grand Vitara maintains the previous Vitara’s Global C platform which consists of front MacPherson struts and a torsion beam at the rear. It also retains the 1.5 L K15C Dualjet four-cylinder engine mated to a compact starter generator and a six-speed automatic transmission. This unit sends 76 kW and 137 N.m to the brand’s front-biased AllGrip all-wheel drive system. At R529 900, the flagship Grand Vitara may seem steep but it comes loaded with a plethora of comfort, convenience, and safety features both inside and out.
The New Age Of Design
The first thing that demands your attention from the Grand Vitara is its design, which is a big deviation from existing Suzuki models. The new crossover adopts a pair of three-point LED daytime running lights above the headlamps and just beneath the traditional clamshell bonnet. Other noteworthy cues include the LED taillight bar while a set of roof rails aim to remind you that this is a crossover aimed at adventurous consumers.
The cabin is a bit more traditionally Suzuki as it maintains an abundant use of plastics, but the level of perceived quality has enjoyed a considerable improvement compared with previous Indian-constructed examples. The hybrid model benefits from synthetic leather upholstery for the seats, multifunction steering wheel, gear selector, and other noteworthy controls.
The cabin space is still suited to nuclear families with a generous amount of headroom and boot space. The flat-folding rear seats are easy to use and expand the usable rear space to adequately suit light utility work.
Features To Keep You Occupied
As noted, the hybrid model does come at a noteworthy cost in comparison with the rest of the range, but it justifies this with practical features such as a head-up display, a panoramic sunroof, climate control, and ambient lighting. The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system is the center of the cabin and has a comprehensive list of functions that include its ability to act as a display for the multiple cameras scattered around the exterior.
This is not only a handy feature for maneuvering through tight parking bays, but it also provides improved sighting as you navigate rough terrains. The infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but currently, only Apple’s software can be used wirelessly. An update for wireless Android Auto is promised to be en route soon.
Free-revving spirit
The K15C continues Suzuki’s philosophy of keeping powertrains simple as it steers clear of forced induction while maintaining variable valve timing. Thankfully the six-speed automatic transmission is a bit more evolved than the four-speed unit found in non-hybrid models. While working in conjunction with the starter motor sourcing power from a 12-volt battery at low speeds, the hybrid Grand Vitara enjoys improved overall NVH levels and responsive acceleration characteristics. Due to its short gearing and natural aspiration, the drivetrain does appear to struggle at speeds higher than 120 km/h but it is still an improvement over the previous model.
Most of the time, power will be delivered to the front wheels but the Grand Vitara will evolve into an all-wheel drive crossover on demand. The traction control system monitors slip on the front wheels and activates the rear drive line if it senses the need for more grip. You can change the attentiveness of this feature with the drive select mode which consists of Sport for more spirited tarmac driving and Ice/Mud for when you want to have some fun off the beaten track. Via this mode, you can access the differential lock which grants the Grand Vitara more prowess over slippery routes.
Although the Grand Vitara possesses a mild-hybrid system with claims of a 5,6L/100 km consumption average, we rarely saw this figure drop below 10,0L/100 km but in the Hybrid’s defense, our route consisted of predominantly off-roading conditions
Back To The Off-Roading Roots
While the new Grand Vitara doesn’t share the same robust construction as its ladder-frame predecessors, this generation model is no slouch when the need to climb a modest mountain arises. Granted, it’s not going to get you as far as the Jimny, but the 45-minute journey up Louvain’s historic 4×4 ox trail consisting of articulations and rocky inclines didn’t present any major obstacles that could hinder the Grand Vitara’s progress. Aiding its ability through the trail were the impressive Apollo Apterra Cross tyres wrapped around 17-inch alloy wheels which are standard fitment on the hybrid model.
An improvement in road comfort compared with the previous model is immediately noticeable as the Grand Vitara opts for a softer sprung suspension versus its predecessor’s sharper setup. From behind the wheel, it’s quite evident that the new-generation model offers improved damping that soaks up inconsistencies along the tarmac with little vibration. The Grand Virata is still a high-riding crossover so, in terms of cornering characteristics, it doesn’t feel too sharp. Body roll is evident even at slower speeds and the cross-terrain tyres don’t grip the tar as well as traditional road compounds.
Summary
Compared with the last-generation Vitara, it’s clear that Suzuki’s Indian arm is serious about stepping its game up in all factors of car production. The Grand Vitara improves on most of the crucial points and brings the badge closer to its iconic heritage. The range is limited to normally aspirated models, but the addition of a mild-hybrid option certainly adds appeal to the badge.
As for its price, the Grand Vitara Hybrid’s price gives it a disadvantage next to the likes of the locally built Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid which benefits from a bigger battery system and slightly larger interior dimensions.
Model: Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.5 GLX Hybrid AllGrip 6AT
Price: R529 900
Engine: 1,5-litre inline four, 12V MHEV
Transmission: six-speed automatic, AWD
Max power: 76 kW
Max torque: 137 N.m
0-100 km/h: N/A
Top speed: 165 km/h
Fuel Consumption: 5.6 L/100 km
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