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Introduction This site is all about The Suzuki
Grand Vitara 4WD. It contains the most in depth review and
information on the SGV on
the web. The car is also known as the Chevy Tracker or Chevrolet Tracker the difference between them is equipment specification and price. The Chevy is available only to North Americans. It is also known as the Suzuki Escudo in Japan for some variants. Are there any others ? The Model History of the Grand Vitara in brief Launched in 1988 the SGV started its life out just called the Vitara. The first model was a small 2 door or 3 if you called the rear hatch a door. Note that I am referring to Australian models when detailing relevant specifications. In fact the Vitara name used for the base or non-4WD 4 cylinder models presently and it seems only for the North American market. Other names include the Escudo for the Japanese version. When introduced it was the first civilised small 4WD on the market. Meaning it wasn't designed to spend its life in the bush but still had a frame. I Think it was a 50/50 view. Hence it was a new vehicle class. A 4WD mainly for city folk with real 4wd capability or for the young or young at heart city folk that is ! It's main competitors at the time where from Daihatsu as none of the major manufacturers had a similar model. Of course in Oct 2005 a completely new model was finally released. This model is referred to as the JB series. You can read more about this on my Technical and Mechanical Specification pages on this site.The Body Shape Vitara and SGV started life out as a 2 door (SWB) only model (1988). The original 4 door (LWB) was released a few years after (1991). The original shape was wedgy and good looking, current and quite different from the other makes and models in it day and hence was a good seller for Suzuki. The original 3 door shape carried along side the new model 4 door for about 12 months before being replaced with the similar style 3 door model. The next model shape was released in 1998 and have a curvy I dare say tougher look to it. With the trade mark side body cladding. All models have a ladder frame with a separate chassis. This shape had various body and drive train
configurations that included: Again the latest model was released world wide in October 2005. However it was available in other parts of the world much earlier. It is currently available only in 3 or 5 door config. The XL-7 remains unchanged to date (early 2006). About this site As there is very little relevant information on the web (when I first created the site) about this particular car I thought it'll be nice to up a proper website with a review of the SGV. (AND of course to try out a new web design !) I intend to update every month with
various bits of Although my version is the SWB model
comments can be Feel free to submit stories etc..
about you own car ! Opinion on the SGV The GV package is certainly a niche one. All others except the cheaper makes have monoque bodies and not quite as effective 4WD systems. This means a lot when you actually want to go somewhere that requires a 4WD. These monocoque are fine for light duty 4WD or 'soft-roaders'. It has been proved that monocoque are not as tough as the separate chassis. The technology may be called old but it is more effective. Eg. trucks, and Land Cruisers, Patrols still use this method because the monocoque weight savings are negated by the need for extra strengthening. The Shogun or Pajero even the new Jeep Cherokee or the new Landrover discovery are good examples. The problem with the separate chassis construction in general (according to numerous motor publications) is that it is not as safe in the event of a major crash. However with the addition of the latest safety equipment this is very slowly proving false. So what should the next models provide, judging from past history a further refinement of the chassis, interior, suspension and 4WD system and engine would probably do the trick nicely. Suzuki haven't a good track record at completely new model changes. So make sure that the car looks decent, one one wants to be seen in a car that looks like an afterthought eg. Liana, Baleno et al.. Check out the Reviews pages for more critical details on the GV. About me I'm not a mechanic by trade. In fact far from it. Making useful web pages like this is what I do for a pass time. After having a number of sites like this it is clear that most people are after this sort of information. Just remember that this is a personal site and will have personal opinions which you may or may not agree with. SGV or car ownership is far from an obsession, in fact I change cars and makes on average every 18 months. I just enjoy dishing out this sort of stuff on the Internet. (I would be nice if someone actually sponsored me to it but hey that's life !) I reluctantly traded my Hayabusa for the SGV due to changing work commitments. Please note that I no longer own the Grand Vitara (2005) |
News 2009 Series 3 Door : 2.4L M $24,990 5 Door : 1.9L M $34,990 (Diesel) September 2008 update - Suzuki has finally 'replaced' the old V6 and 4 cylinder engines. They have been used in various forms for over 12 years and although not completely new or particularly hi-tech they should be well received. New safety features on all models also make the revised versions more desirable. ABS - Anti-locking brakes and EBD - Electronic Brake Distribution and ESP - Electronic Stability Program, front, side and curtain airbags, four wheel disc brakes. The formerly underpowered 3 door finally gets the proper engine 2.4 too! I can now recommend the 3 door version if you want a decent small 4WD. New 2007 Suzuki XL-7
I must admit I was surprised when I saw pictures of the new XL-7. It actually looks odd but good at the same time. It certainly won't be confused for another make or model for that matter?? They have even incorporated 'classic' Vitara and Grand Vitara themes in the design. Interior pics look great with various trim packages but overall a lifting of quality and look of material. It's actually looks likes like a nice place to be and although not 'youthful' in theme it's modern almost Volvo or European in in feel.. A new 3.6 litre V6 engine is now available too ! Claimed figures include 186Kw and 329Nm. I understand it has variable valve timing. That's class leading performance - at least spec wise. The drive train is a part time 4wd system presumably 'torque on demand' although the acronym Suzuki will use is still unknown. Yes, it has all independent suspension. Underbody bits are based on General Motors 'Theta' platform (AKA Chevrolet Equinox) but on the outside it all looks unique. It doesn't use the current SGV bits. Any downsides based on spec ? Well reduced 4wd capability via height and system. That said it is largely dependent on what traction control aids will be included with the car. Otherwise dare I say it ? Another typical SUV. Expected release dates are late 2006 for Nth America and 2007 for the rest of the world. New 2006 Grand Vitara News In case you haven't
heard a completely new Grand Vitara has been released in various markets
around the world. 16 Valve 1.6 Litre 4 cylinder
engine - with variable valve tech or VVTi 16 Valve 2.0 Litre 4 cylinder
engine (J20A) 24 Valve 2.7 Litre V6
cylinder engine (H27A) Direct Injection Diesel 1.9 Litre 4 cylinder
engine. (F9Q) Constant 4WD is available on all models but only the 4 door comes with proper low range gearing. All have 4 speed auto or 5 speed manual except the V6 which has a 5 speed auto. All have open 4WD diffs and only the 5 door has a manual central diff lock with LSD available for high and low range gearing. The body and frame is integrated. It's not a pure monocoque but a modern compromise. The main thing is that it differentiates its self from the rest and being much tougher than other small 4wds. See Land Rover Discovery or Mitsubishi for more details. I hope Suzuki can capitalise on the toughness aspect than the inner city aspect of this ability since that is what sells. It is interesting to note that the Grand Vitara and Jimny/Sierra are the only 2 door 4wds left for sale - NEW in Australia. Remember too that there are different mechanical specifications for each country. Ie. Some countries have 2 and 4 doors do not have 4wd. Likewise features vary from country to country. The choice engine is of course the diesel !
The Drive Train and Suspension The SGV in Australia has always had a part-time 4WD arrangement. The original had manual front free wheeling hubs. Auto hubs where added on the 1998 update. Else where in the world there where 2wd only models in various specifications. 4wd was activated by a small compressor in the engine bay and could be activated manually up to 100kph. In 2WD mode and models the SGV is rear wheel driven (RWD). The differentials in the front and back are the 'open' variety. There are various markets where there a 2WD only version is available. In 4WD guise all models have a separate transfer box with High and Low range 4WD. Selection of 4WD was always via a separate gear lever. 4 Speed Automatic or 5 speed manuals are available. The suspension has always been a combination of live axle rear axle with coils and independent McPherson struts in the front. The Engines Pre-2005 The original Vitara range in 1988 began with a carbed SOHC 16
Valve 1.6 Litre 4 cylinder engine. The range was eventually expanded to a LWB or Estate as Suzuki called it in 1991. In 1995 a new V6 Quad-Cam 24 Valve 2.0 litre engine was released
for the LWB or Estate. Towards the end of the original model shape a 2.0 litre 4
cylinder DOHC engine appeared. It was available for both SWB and LWB. The original
version of the current one. Read more about historical specs on this page About my SGV Since so many have asked : My recommendation Since so many don't want to read the
overall reviews here is a summary of my conclusions. Check out the: Frequently Asked Questions Extra advise if you're considering to
purchase : |
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