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Suzuki has begun another exciting chapter in its 99-year history with the
release of a new Grand Vitara compact SUV line-up.
An evolution of the groundbreaking 2005 model, the 2008 Grand Vitara range
adds real customer benefits and builds on Suzuki's comprehensive four-wheel
drive heritage.
It continues Suzuki's tradition of constantly improving the compact SUV
segment it began, with the new range offering more power, better economy and
more standard safety features.
Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers said the new line-up would
re-establish the Grand Vitara as one of the premier compact SUVs on the
market.
“This new model demonstrates everything the company has learned as one of the
market leaders in providing a world class product offering outstanding
value.
“New engines with more power and better economy, more safety features
including Electronic Stability Program (ESP®*) standard on all models and
Suzuki’s great value for money will ensure the new Grand Vitara range has the
broadest offering on the market,” said Devers.
A new petrol engine line-up headlines the changes, with an all-new 2.4-litre
variable valve timing (VVT) four cylinder engine and an all-new 3.2-litre VVT
V6.
The 2.4-litre will be available in both three- and five-door models,
replacing the superseded 1.6-litre (3-door) and 2.0-litre (5-door) engines.
Rated at 122 kW, it provides a 67 per cent increase on the previous 1.6-litre
in the 3-door, while fuel efficiency improves to 8.8 litres per 100 km for the
five-speed manual.
A four-speed automatic transmission will be available in the 3-door, which
also comes standard with ESP®, six SRS airbags and rear ventilated disc
brakes.
“Suzuki remains the only manufacturer with a 3-door compact SUV, offering
customers real choice to find the perfect vehicle for their needs.
“Boasting a new engine, comprehensive safety features, excellent economy and
now available with an automatic transmission, the new Grand Vitara 3-door is
truly in a class of its own,” said Devers.
The 5-door Grand Vitara also comes standard with ESP®, six SRS airbags, rear
ventilated disc brakes and cruise control.
A new 5-door 2.4-litre Prestige version joins the line-up, complete with
leather trim, sunroof, mirror-mounted side indicators, ESP, six SRS airbags,
premium 7-speaker (plus subwoofer) sound system and 17-inch alloy wheels. It
also comes with the option of new 18-inch alloy wheels.
The engine upgrade has improved acceleration performance, with the 0-100 km/h
sprint now taking 11.7 seconds, down from 12.5.
The 1.9-litre turbo-diesel DDiS engine has been reworked by engineers for an
8 per cent improvement in fuel economy. The most fuel efficient model in the
Grand Vitara line-up now boasts an ADR economy figure of just 7.0 litres per 100
km.
The 165 kW Prestige V6 completes the range, with the all-new 3.2-litre
quad-cam V6 offering 22 per cent more power over the outgoing 2.7-litre V6.
VVT technology ensures optimum fuel efficiency, with the 3.2-litre V6
offering a class-leading ADR economy figure of 10.5 L/100 km. That represents a
9 per cent increase over the outgoing 2.7-litre V6.
Standard features include High Intensity Discharge (HID) projector headlamps
with dusk sensor and washers, hill descent control and hill hold control, a
premium 7-speaker (plus subwoofer) 6CD sound system, stylish mirror-mounted side
indicators, rear ventilated disc brakes and 17-inch alloys with optional 18-inch
alloys available.
The luxurious feel of the Prestige V6 is boosted by a big improvement in
interior noise levels, dropping around 2 decibels over the outgoing model.
“The range-topping Prestige V6 represents outstanding value with best in
class fuel economy, driving range and braked towing capacity,” said Devers.
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