Suzuki Grand Vitara News

Is the Suzuki Grand Vitara still in contention for Australia? A firm never-say-never is the response from the company's boss.

Suzuki's first fully electric model could shake up the market, looking to employ new cost-effective technology in one of the world's most hotly contested new car segments.

An all-new Suzuki-designed and based but Toyota built and optional Yaris hybrid-engined small SUV may be on its way to Australia… eventually. Unveiled in India as the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder on July 1 and again on July 20 wearing the far-more evocative Suzuki Grand Vitara badge, it is part of a new joint-venture exercise designed to make petrol-electric more affordable on a global scale. Ac

The next-generation Suzuki Vitara is shaping up as the company’s first electrified model range for Australia, paving the way for every successive SUV and passenger car released thereafter.

Suzuki has today pulled the covers off a new Grand Vitara, with the classic nameplate now packing Toyota's hybrid technologyRevealed in India, the Grand Vitara isn't all that grand when it comes to dimensions, with the new model roughly the same length as

A new Suzuki Grand Vitara is expected to be revealed in the next two years to replace the now-discontinued JT-series model, and could grow in size to accommodate up to seven seats.

The Lamborghini Aventador was one of the vehicles affected by the latest set of recalls

New Honda Jazz sets new benchmark for rear view cameras: $14,990.

Suzuki has again started making a two wheel drive version of its Grand Vitara something they have been doing for years with previous models, none of which made it to Australia.That's changed with the appearance of the new "twobie". Suzuki is a survivor and realises you have to diversify to survive in the 21st century car market and that means you really do need a two wheel drive (quasi) SUV.It caters directly for the needs of urbanites seeking the tough 4WD look but who never, ever go off road. Two wheel drive versions of SUVs are gaining momentum as punters realise they don't need nor do they want to pay for an all-wheel-drive capability.But Suzuki has taken a different track with its 2WD Grand Vit'. Unlike direct competitors and apart from Mitsubishi's Challenger 2WD the little Zook drives through the rear wheels and not the front.Does it matter? Probably not except for the fact that a rear wheel drive will tow better than a fronty and there is always the drive feel question which favours powered rear wheels. The 2WD Grand Vitara is available in five door, long wheelbase with a 2.4-litre petrol four cylinder engine and a choice of five speed manual and four speed automatic transmission.Hopefully they can scrounge up a more modern auto before too long. Aisin makes one. The 2WD Zook sells for $26,990 (two grand under the 4WD model) and comes well equipped to mid-spec of the fourbie model.The four pot engine is good for 122kW/225Nm output and because the 2WD Grand Vitara weighs less than the 4WD model, it will use less fuel, (around 8.0-litres/100km) and perform better. Grand Vitara also gains a styling refresh with a more purposeful looking grille and headlights and detail changes throughout the vehicle.

And it's an aspect Suzuki Australia general manager Tony Devers says is part of the brand. "The thing with the Grand Vitara is it is part of the Suzuki DNA, they won't let go of dual range or things like that," he says.   Given the SUV market is split evenly between two and four-wheel drive, there's also an expectation of a cheaper 2WD Grand Vitara, but don't expect any confirmation of that from Suzuki Australia yet.  What Mr Devers will says is that they are looking at something smaller - as well as a seven-seater - for its SUV catalogue.   "Grand Vitara fills one niche, there are smaller ones coming in now. "The car that was at the Delhi Motor Show, the XA Alpha Concept might be the next go - we're trying to get that concept car for the Sydney show.  "Japan are working on a seven-seater as well, so I think we'll go smaller and larger than the Grand Vitara over the next two years," he says.  The Australian arm of Suzuki is targeting 26,000 sales this year - up from a 2011 tally of 23,778 that was eroded by natural disasters and industrial action in India, from where the Alto light car hails.  "We went three months without any Altos and we do 350 a month of those."  "There will be an additional 1500 Swift Sport, plus in the second half of the year we'll get revised Grand Vitara and SX-4, that's where the incremental volume will come from," he says.  A top 10 finish in 2013 is also being targeted by Suzuki - who expect to fight it out with Kia, VW and Subaru for final spots in the top 10.  The Suzuki four-wheeled product portfolio was expected to grow to include a Kizashi V6, turbocharged and wagon model, but the GFC has delayed those cars for at least 18 months - but Mr Devers says the Kizashi will get a push into the lease and fleet markets this year, albeit with a watchful eye on resale values. "The big thing is awareness with Kizashi, once people drive it they love it. "This year, we'll build it's profile and hit fleets and novated leases," he says.