Suzuki add diesel to Grand Vitara

By George Skentzos | January 16th, 2008

The Suzuki Grand Vitara range is set to welcome a much needed powerful and economical turbo-diesel variant to its line-up next month.

Backed by high customer demand, the diesel variant will also receive a full compliment of standard equipment with a $34,990 price tag.

Boasting a 1.9-litre Direct Diesel injection System (DDiS) intercooled and turbocharged engine, this new Vitara will sport a modest 95kW and an all crucial torque figure of 300Nm from just 2000rpm.

“That makes the new turbo-diesel version not only the most powerful in the Grand Vitara line-up but also the most economical, sipping just 7.6 litres of diesel to cover 100 kilometres.”

To put this into perspective, the Grand Vitara – which is by no means a small car – could travel from Sydney to Melbourne on a single tank of fuel.

With a diesel particulate filter, it easily meets strict Euro IV standards, with harmful carbon monoxide emissions kept to just 0.50 grams per kilometre.

The diesel engine also compliments the Grand Vitara’s off-road credentials as one of few compact SUV’s to feature a dual range transmission.

Inside you will find a host of safety equipment including ESP with traction control, six airbags and ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist.

Standard luxuries such as cruise control, MP3 compatible CD player, climate control air-conditioning and power windows and mirrors all contribute to the appeal of the turbo-diesel Grand Vitara due to hits showrooms February 1.

CarAdvice will have a first steer available within the next few days.

Lcat

I think this is a Renault engine?
Captain Mainwaring

Lcat is right, and with the minimal sound-deadening package that comes with the Grand Vitara, it’s a right old rattler.
Reckless1

It’s a real pity they’ve used a fairly boring, noisy old engine. I’m sure a better one could have been chosen.
greg

Great figures for an SUV, thats better than my 2.0 litre petrol SWB Grand Vitara, I get around 9.2L/100km so I can see why these are in demand GO Suzuki…………..
No Name

Lcat – your spot on their, someone just the other day on this website was enquiring about the diesel. The reviews by UK’s diesel car magazine don’t rate it sadly. try http://www.whatdiesel.co.uk for a test appraisal
It based on an old Renault engine and is quite unrefined noisy, slow, and noisy, uneconomical with a bit noise thrown in for the hell of it. The 2.0litre petrol is nearly as economical without the noise.

Come on Suzuki get real with diesel. I will be interesting to see what Alborz & Co think.
Frugal One

I think its a Fiat engine?

I drive a diesel, i dont like them, noise, smell, smoke, greasy fuel-bowser, greasy and wet servo concrete floor, the fuel costs MORE than ULP, as does the vehicle when purchased with a diesel donk.

PASS

Cheers

F-0
Steve

At least they’re making an attempt. I think 4WD’s should have diesel as default and petrol as an option. There are less conservative manufacturers that don’t bother, or have clearly stated that they don’t bother bringing a diesel into the market because their competition hasn’t.

Why would you discount yourself from being a leader. Diesel is clearly growing in this country due to the fuel price rises.

It might have a premium over other fuel and the cars, but you can travel greater distances without filling up as often.

It’s a shame they’ve opted for an older tech engine in the Suzi. But mum & dad won’t know or care.

Steve
http://v8superchat.co.nr fordman6

Imagine that engine in a swift? Anyway, sounds like a good car!
No Name

No Frugal One its definitely a Renault engine. Fiat have collaborated with Gen Motors and you find their engines in Vauxhall/Opel/Saab. The renault at a noisy 95KW is way behind Fiat/Gm’s 113 and 135Kw deisels.
Duck

Good!………………………Finally!
Dave

Bought one, awsome drive.
kris

One plus for that unit it has a timing chain,the aircleaner looks very low on the side of the motor not good for water crossings?
kris
Simon

Hey Guys, have just picked up my new Diesel from Newspot in Adelaide. It is awesome! great to drive and the fuel consumption is amazing. not sure what these comments on noise are. i am really surpised at the “lack” of noise and some of my mates have even challenged me in saying that it cant be a diesel. Hopefully Suzuki are on the right track and we see some more diesel range from them!
http://Sim Sim

Simon – whats the power and acceleration like? Does it compare well with petrol models of similar size vehicles? thanks
john

Problem is most of you people out there expect too much of a diesel. the Frogs vertually invented them. Benz came from near the Frog border! A diesel has a sweet note. Only the petrol looses it when the big ends go or tappets get loose. Most of you nerds relate the diesel sound to these sounds. Forget tappets etc and start life out with a diesel and you can come to respect the sound of a superb rattler. Unfortunately Suzy won’t capture the market. Well they should with right sized jigger using right donk. Aussies have to have their diesels in mack truck configuration!
Clark

I bought a 2004 Grand Vitara new at the dealer. It is my first experience with Suzuki. I now have 169,000 miles on it. It is the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned.
Unfortunately, there are no Diesels sold in the US. I would love to have a Diesel engine in my Suzuki. It would be the difference between 21 mpg and 33 mpg, or about $500 per year including maintenance (oil changes, etc).
http://www.truckinc.net/ Suzuki Trucks

It is not ordinary .. compared to previous Vitara, Suzuki has gone back to boxy, RAV4 style SUV.Can’t stop dreaming of it night and day. Looks so damn hot. Price is too much to handle. Bring it down to slightly above 100k…I’m gonna be at the nearest Suzuki showroom first thing tomorrow.
this is very awesome.