2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara updates not for Australia

By Tim Beissmann | July 05th, 2010

Suzuki UK has launched a revised version of the Suzuki Grand Vitara four-wheel drive, with neater rear styling and a cleaner diesel engine the key improvements.

Both three- and five-door models have done away with the rear-door-mounted spare wheel for a more sophisticated, car-like appearance, leading to an overall reduction in length of 20cm.

In place of the spare is a tyre repair sealant kit and an inflationary device, and Suzuki says the changes do not affect the Grand Vitara’s 4×4 and off-road capabilities.

The 1.9-litre DDiS diesel engine (available in five-door models only) now meets Euro V regulations. Emissions are down from 185g/km CO2 to 179g/km, while combined cycle fuel consumption has also decreased to 6.8 litres/100km from 7.6 litres/100km.

But Australian customers will not be able to get their hands on the upgraded Grand Vitara any time soon, with Suzuki Australia’s Bridget O’Conner admitting there are no changes planned for the range at the moment.

“It’s not something in the foreseeable future that has been discussed in too much detail. We certainly always weigh up our options in terms of availability of stock, but no, not at this point,” she said.

Ms O’Conner said the updates were targeted primarily at the European market where urban styling and cleaner engines were a priority.

“If it becomes available of course we would consider it, but at this point it’s not available for Australia.”

The Grand Vitara accounted for 4.0 percent of the Compact SUV segment in the first five months of 2010 (down 1.8 percent year-to-date). Sales are so far on par with 2009 – 1647 this year vs 1678 last year.

The Suzuki Grand Vitara range starts at $25,990 for the three-door 2.4-litre petrol and peaks at $40,490 for the 3.2-litre V6.

Baddass

If it was a little more refined and powerful, the diesel Vitara would be a ripper. Can you get it in the 3-door model though? I’m under the impression you can’t get the V6 in the 3-door model either.

http://www.caradvice.com.au Tim Beissmann

Right on both counts Baddass. Diesel and V6 are five-door-only in Australia.

Carl

Dear Suzuki Australia, WHY are cleaner burning engines not a priority for Australians??? How much money does this guy get paid to have that sort of attitude against Australia!!!
Mad Max

Not sure about the rear muffler on the 3 door. Looks a bit ugly. Europe also gets the short wheel base Toyota Rav 4 without the rear mounted spare. It also looks a lot nicer and makes the rear door easier to close. Looks like Europe still gets the pick of cars over us. The price you pay for being a small market.

G

In Europe the car comes with a sealant kit instead of the spare wheel. In Australia it comes with a full size spare, which one would you like??

Mad Max

Depends what you are using the car for. If its 95% city use then the sealant kits probably ok. If its country driving or off road, then a spare is ok. Its nice to have a choice though.

Joofas

What choice is there here though. It would seem there is no option for a spare wheel on this ‘updated’ Grand vitara.

Given the GV is one of the only small 4×4 with transfer case and low range gearing (true 4×4) it would seem reasonable that you might be using this feature, in which case an inflation kit would be far less useful…

Likewise the muffler on the 3 door. If that’s not just asking to be damaged considerably off road, i dont know what is.

I have come to expect better of suzuki, with the off-roader heritage…

Mad Max

Joofas, I agree what your saying. My complaint with the Rav in particular is that by mounting the spare on the rear door, the door becomes very heavy to open and close when the car in on a slope. Its not bad if your a big strong fella (or lady), but if your not then its a pain. Children find it almost impossible. Yes I know that it gives more ground clearance if your off road, but how many of these are used for serious off roading. Like I said, its nice to have choice unless you live in Australia.

Duckula

Nice cars – but I swear they have the same engine as our ride on lawn mower, actually I think the mower is probably quieter.
Vibe

If they were to bring it to Australia, having no spare tyre would be idiotic.

And the back of the car looks a bit squished to me, very flat. Like it’s been rear-ended…
Tomas79

“In place of the spare is a tyre repair sealant kit and an inflationary device, and Suzuki says the changes do not affect the Grand Vitara’s 4×4 and off-road capabilities”

What good is a tyre repair kit to you, when your tyre shreds to bits out in the bush?? Obviusly the Vitara’s offroad capability will be seriusly effected by this!!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1435885244 Yani Hendriawan

i think it looks better with the spare on the back

Baddass

Yeah so true. It’s the same with the European Rav4 and Prado, they look kinda strange without the spare wheel. Like a dog with no tail.

http://caradvice OSU811

I was never a big fan of the Grand Vitara, until I got to
have a top of the range 3.2v6 prestige for over 6 months,
what a great SUV, the 3.2V6 is smooth and powerful and mated to a fantastic 5speed auto, I dont normally like autos but this nearly changed my mind!!, rides and handles very well for an SUV, and has heaps of features in the prestige!, very surprising package! to often overlooked!
Yonny

An inflationary device? I thought that was the Labor government.
johnny

Im looking at getting a 3door GV3 Vitara. People have been telling me not to get it as they roll/flip when turning corners. I have heard of this back in the 80′s when I was a kid. But is this still true? Can any one help?