Suzuki Grand Vitara Urban goes two-wheel drive | CarAdvice

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Suzuki Grand Vitara Urban goes two-wheel drive

SUZUKI GRAND VITARA
By David Zalstein |
FIND DEALS

For the first time ever the Suzuki Grand Vitara SUV will be available as a two-wheel drive model in a revolutionary change for the brand that claims to have started the compact SUV trend.

“The addition of a 2WD version of Grand Vitara is a direct response to customer feedback,” Suzuki Australia general manager Tony Devers said.

Devers says in recent years the boom in 2WD models has maintained SUVs as the fastest growing segment in the market not just in Australia but around the world, with 2WD models now accounting for almost half of all SUV sales locally.

Known as the Urban, the new rear-wheel-drive-only entry-level five-door Grand Vitara will lead an updated line-up of five variants that sees every model receive a revised front end featuring a new grille and bumper, new seat fabrics, two new colours and new 17-inch alloy wheels.

The Grand Vitara Urban will follow the path of all petrol models, being offered exclusively with Suzuki’s 122kW/225Nm 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine tied to either a five-speed manual transmission or four-speed automatic.

Suzuki says despite driving two fewer wheels, the Urban matches the 4×4 Grand Vitara’s 1850kg towing capacity.

The Grand Vitara DDiS retains its place as the only turbo-diesel in the range, with the 95kW/300Nm 1.9-litre four-cylinder returning an improved fuel economy figure of 6.8 litres per 100km.

Standard features on the 2WD Urban include cruise control, rear park assist, Bluetooth connectivity and six airbags and stability control.

The Urban sits below the Sport and the range-topping Prestige models that feature a new fully integrated touchscreen satellite navigation system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity standard.

The Sport benefits from new 17-inch alloy wheels and rear park assist, and the automatic-only Prestige lands keyless entry and start, leather upholstery, a sunroof and 18-inch alloys.

Starting at the driveaway price of $26,990, the Grand Vitara Urban is available in White Pearl, Silky Silver, Quasar Grey, Pheonix Red Pearl, Bluish Black Pearl, Clear Beige and the additional new Gaia Bronze and Bison Brown.

Suzuki Grand Vitara driveaway prices:

  • Grand Vitara 3-door manual $24,990
  • Grand Vitara 3-door auto $26,990
  • Grand Vitara Urban 2WD manual $26,990
  • Grand Vitara Urban 2WD auto $28,990
  • Grand Vitara Sport 4WD manual $31,490
  • Grand Vitara Sport 4WD auto $33,490
  • Grand Vitara Prestige 4WD auto $38,990
  • Grand Vitara DDiS 4WD manual $35,990

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Maximark2601

    Four speed automatic in 2012 is a huge disappointment.

    • zej

       Not nearly as much as the lack of off-road ability, which is the point of the Grand Vitara in the first place. But remove that and it becomes pointless, outdated, inefficient and expensive compared to it’s rivals. Otherwise, I’d happily trade one or two ratios for a low range transfer case and a pair of driveshafts.

      • Arden Lester

        So your missing the point of this car. If you want a off road capable grand Vitara then get the 4WD drive one. If you want one around the city then get the 2WD one.  The only thing with this car is it is old and now not competitive in the 2WD market but when a new one is released it will be fine.

    • Phil

      Suzuki’s are generally disappointing all over according to all the ownership surveys.

      Anyway learn to drive a manual and save yourself $2000.

    • Phil

      Suzuki’s are generally disappointing all over according to all the ownership surveys.

      Anyway learn to drive a manual and save yourself $2000.

    • Phil

      Suzuki’s are generally disappointing all over according to all the ownership surveys.

      Anyway learn to drive a manual and save yourself $2000.

      • Gus

        Hi Phil, I’m not sure what surveys you are referring to, but every survey I see shows Suzuki customers very happy with their cars.

  • Maximark2601

    Four speed automatic in 2012 is a huge disappointment.

  • Kiwilexus

    I like that it’s rear wheel drive when so much of the competition is front wheel drive

    • TG

      Certainly very unusual to be RWD. I can only guess that Suzuki is getting ready early for the new RAV4 due at the end of the year.

  • horsie

    The new front grill is ugly. I agree with zeg. if you want a 2WD softroader there are much better choices out there than this. You will get all the discomforts of a ladder chasis withough the binifit of 4WD. i can’t see any point.

  • Pittmans4

    theyve gone soft and catered to all the city girly men,whats the point of having a 4wd with no 4wd,its just stupid.suzuki make good 4wd cars and it should stay that way

  • Brian

    I would have prefered to see the three door model with 2WD. 

  • Starchy

    After  owning  a  v6  5  speed  auto  for  3 1/2  years  without  one  single  fault  we  have  just  purchased  a  Urban  Luxury  2wd  and  are  rapt  already  looking  foward  to  buying  another  on in  3  years  and  for  the  record  before  the  Grand  Vitaras  we  only  owned  V8  commodores  Grand  Vitara  10/10