Suzuki Grand Vitara

[Chermin]

any one tested the new Vitara ,,,,, Looks Monster-ous to me, wonder if FC is a killer ..

[Hoppe]

Suzuki cars are not drinkers..

But dunno about this new Vitara though.

[Firstcall]

went to take a look today but didn't test drive tho. prob will test drive next weekend.

 

I quite like the squarish headlight clusters with projector lamps. The face design look strong, well proportioned and muscular.

 

The interior looks good and Germaic. Dashboard follows the modern trend with the integrated audio, cowled dials, circular side airvents and the absolute absence of fake wood is a absolute welcome. It is definetly the best looking 2.0l SUV interior on the road in Singapore today!

 

Everything look more classy, better refinement, higher quality and expensive than the Korean counterpart. Leather is soft and nice. The rear seats even come with nicely adjustable headrest.

 

Furthermore, this is a real SUV with configurable 4WD. I would gladly pay that 20k difference over the Koreans if not for the fact that it comes with rear drum brakes! This is something that I find difficult to understand. Neither do I understand why huge SUV like Fortuner comes with drum brakes also. Its just me, no drum brakes for me especially for big cars.

 

Going by more than 1.5 tonne kerb weight, powered by 140bhp non-vvt engine, don't expect the FC to be good.

[Chermin]

me was there too ths pm ....agree that the look is mascular n strong ..... was wondering if its the largest SUV vs the likes of VRV/Forrester/Airtrek ,,,,, looks the biggest too me ..... btw, wats with the configurable 4WD thingy ?? px looks aright but if its gonna swallow petrol then it may not be practicle ,,,, but wd want to test it though ...

[Chermin]

swift and the rest shoud not be drinkers,,,, but this monster .....

[Firstcall]

You can actually switch your 4X4 electronically via a switch rather than the traditional gear lever. There are 4 modes:

 

N= Neutral. Used when towing away.

 

4H Mode: Torque split between front and rear at 47:53

For normal road and highway cruising

 

4H Lock Mode: Make sure equal traction is distributed to all wheels

For travelling tru deep mud and such.

 

4L Lock Mode: Low transfer gear ratio to ensure max torque at low speed, usually used for extremely difficult terrain.

 

You can get a copy of Car Buyer, it has a full review of this car.

u can also go to http://www.grandvitara.com.sg website

 

As for FC, I'm sure it will be more than the advertised 10+ km/l. Given that Tucson and Sportage gets around 9km/l for having similar engine power and kerb weight of 1.5tonne, it's hard to imaging Grand Vitara having 4WD mechanism be in the same FC league.

Edited July 10, 2005 by Firstcall

[Guardsboy]

The Suzuki Grand Vitara is a 7-seater right ?

[Chermin]

nope ....five seater ,,,,but given the space,,,,4 behind is not a problem

[Guardsboy]

But the last Grand Vitara was a 7 Seater leh.

 

I've drove the Vitara. Thats a 5-seater.

[Chermin]

http://www.grandvitara.com.sg/glance/glance.cfm

 

 

u drove ? Are u still driving it now ? hows the FC ?

[Guardsboy]

Sorry only rented for a few days to drive previously, so not sure of the FC.

Anyway the current Vitara interior is not exactly very spacious.

[Firstcall]

quite true, i find more leg room at the rear seat of Kia Sportage...

 

but then again its sufficient.

[Joshark]

any one tested the new Vitara ,,,,, Looks Monster-ous to me, wonder if FC is a killer ..

 

Test drive today, Feedback as below

 

Sales Executive : James (good service)

 

Pros : Tall and wide body, good road presence

Commanding view from driver's seat

Cabin ambience is good, build quality is high

Cabin is spacious and luxurious in jap standard

High quality leather seats (See to believe)

Rear seat legroom is good, can seat 4 average size

Steering wheel is small, thus easy control

Steering wheel feedback is just nice

AT gear allows manual selection at gear level

Power button avaliable for higher rev

Sporty meters is lighted up without turning on the headlamp, good for day driving

 

Cons - Power delivery is decent, not peaky

Initial pickup is average

Built-in HU, aftermarket HU not possible

No Cruise Control (think only for local market)

 

Recommended for : Family Man

Not Recommended for : Boy Racers

 

Based on feedback above, what is really lacking is the Power. But if one needs more instant power and drive fast, SUV is not the choice. To me, SUV is more for family.

For normal day to day driving, Vitara is more than sufficient.

The V6 model might have better power, but pay more tax and price.

[Firstcall]

Hi Joshark,

How is the road noise insulation and brake feel / bite?

 

Thanks

[Chermin]

not sure if u have tested the likes of CRV, Forester, Rav4 ...etc ,,,,,any personal comparisons ????

[Joshark]

To me, road noise insulation is good . Brake feel is acceptable as the rear is on drums, wonder whether CM convert rear to disc

[Joshark]

Not tested CRV and RAV4, as i prefer the overall design and package of the GV.

Think the CRV and RAV4 is priced at abt 90K, which is more ex. Is better u take a look at the car yrself, as personal preference is different.

 

I have actually decided on GV, but still waiting to test drivce the V6 model

 

For Forester, the main advantage is that it is Fast as it was TC, definitely a better buy

if u always drive fast. Interior built quality is average and smaller cabin space.

[Crv2004]

I also think that it looks GOOOOOOOODD man