Suzuki Grand Vitara 3 Drive Test drive since 2010 SUV

Secret Grand

Going for the Grand Vitara in the salon of one of the dealers of Suzuki, until the last minute I doubted: would the alternate be completely new, as we were promised?
The fact is that then, at the very end of July, no information about the new generation of the European version of Vitara could be found everywhere, it was only about the upcoming autumn presentation in Europe
Suzuki Grand Vitara here is it! To recognize the classified guest in the system of the instantly aged Grand Vitar was not a wider and lowest body, a serious expression on the face, and the truth, a completely different, matured machine! Be careful, we still do not give it to anyone for a test, the exception only for you, the manager is admonished, but I already roll out of the gate.
Folk love
I admit that in this situation I was the first time. Going on a test trip outside the city, had no idea what kind of filling was hidden under a sparkling body that there was neither a technical characteristic nor prices. The only official source was the passport of the vehicle, where it meant: the operating volume of 2 liters, power 145 hp. The rest of the data borrowed from the right -handed analogue of Eskudo.
The front panel is made of solid, albeit hard plastic. Aluminum overlays and practical upholstery of convenient front seats leave a pleasant impression of a combination of devices with fashionable wells would not have spoiled another sports car! Ergonomics at the height of sitting behind the wheel, involuntarily pay attention to the cars of the same model as you, aren't you? So now: an unexpected opening was the abundance of Grand Vitar on the streets of Moscow. Why do motorists love the car now the previous generation so much? First of all, perhaps, for an adult all -wheel drive transmission and a separate frame that none of the classmates can boast of. As soon as he opened the door, he immediately glanced into the space between the front seats, hoping to see the distributor box in the usual place, and did not find it. And what is it on the console here? Eureka from now on the transmission is headed by a rotating handle.
The next stage of acquaintance was the inspection from below. As expected, a full -fledged frame, like the predecessor, there is no modern trends. Many automakers are slightly cunning, using the concept of an integrated frame. Suzuki is not an exception, because formally the body of the Grand Vitara bearing. However, massive spar, steel engine protection and gearboxes inspire optimism. A good application for versatility!
Walking around Moscow
The transmission control is assigned to the machine gun selector and the rotating handle on the console, unlike the previous vitara, the current one is noticeably quieter and generally comfortable. In European, dense pendants allow you to feel like in a high car. With an increase in speed, you expect noticeable rolls and buildups, but in vain! Grand Vitara is very willingly passing turns, delicately warning the driver about the approach of the critical regime only by squeak of tires.
The spare wheel on the fifth door is saved by a lot of place for luggage, the basis of good controllability is a very stiff suspension that does not allow breakdowns, but willingly counting and passing a road trifle to the body. In fairness, we note: this is also characteristic of most competitors. Return to the ground and feel like a driver of the SUV, moreover, quite heavy, forces the engine. It reaches maximum power to 6000 rpm, but once again to push the pedal in the kik-Down does not want to prevail over the rest of the noise after 4000 revolutions.
Alas, in the silence of Grand Vitara shows a very leisurely acceleration. The operation of the machine is also imperfect: the jerks are tangible both when transferring the lever to position D at the beginning of movement, and when switching up and down. However, if you love to grab the breeze so much, wait for cars with a V-shaped six-cylinder engine of 2.7 liters with a capacity of 183 hp. and a five -speed automatic box.
No dirt?
According to European statistics, the owners of even serious all -terrain vehicles leave asphalt and move to the shank only several times a year. But we have our own rules of the game, in which the expression from a place to the quarry acquires a literal meaning.
Under the surprised looks of the drivers of KAMAZ, lined up for loading, we go down to the sand funnel. The handle rotation to the 4h-Lock position, and on the instrument panel, the icon of blocking of the interdosseous differential flashes red. Grand Vitara willingly breaks into battle, but soon, having slipped the rear axle, gets in a clay condensed milk. Will you have to ask for help? 4L-Lock and we slowly but surely crawl out of sand captivity even on the all-season tires of Bridgeto-Duer.
Do not forget that this machine does not at all claim to the role of UAZ! Her element is primarily the same parquet, that is, still a road, and better with a coating, and not off-road.
Suzuki Grand Vitara for its class demonstrates very worthy cross -country ability in combination with no less worthy level of comfort and controllability on asphalt. Great recipe for gaining popularity!

Suzuki Grand Vitara
The second generation is being replaced by a model produced since 1998. It has been presented under the name Escudo in Japan in the spring of 2005. The European debut of cars will take place in September at a salon in Frankfurt.
Engines: 2.0 and 2.7 liters (145 and 183 hp).
Gearboxes: 5-speed mechanical, 4- and 5-speed machines. Constant all -wheel drive.
Test car: 2.0 l, 145 hp, an automatic 4-speed gearbox.
SUMMARY
At a reasonable price, Grand Vitara is able to squeeze competitors thanks to the novelty and a successful combination of the practicality of the city station wagon with off -road qualities.
+ Attractive appearance, spacious and stylish interior, the availability of differential blocking and lowering transmission, passing control at high speeds.
- A rather noisy engine, harsh in switching automatic.
Mikhail Gzovsky
 


 

Source: The magazine "Driving"