Suzuki has announced that its updated-for-2009 Grand Vitara will hit showrooms Australia-wide in September, bringing with more power, better economy and greater safety than the outgoing model, along with a few minor cosmetic upgrades.
Two new petrol engines join the Grand Vitara range, with a 2.4-litre inline four replacing the old 1.6 and 2-litre units and a new 3.2-litre V6 taking up residence in the Grand Vitara Prestige. Both engines are equipped with variable valve timing (intake cam only on the 2.4-litre and both intake and exhaust on the 3.2) and both are smoother, quieter and more refined than the outgoing motors.
The 2.4-litre engine also features a variable-length intake manifold, which can change the length of the inlet tract to help improve torque production across the rev range and improve efficiency. Combined with the VVT system, the 2.4-litre four is capable of busting out a respectable 122kW while delivering an admirable fuel consumption figure of just 8.8 litres per 100km when equipped with the 5-speed manual gearbox.
With an extra 500cc over the outgoing 2.7-litre V6, the 165kW 3.2-litre donk in the Grand Vitara Prestige still manages to deliver an ADR economy figure of 10.5 litres per 100km, which makes it 9 per cent more frugal than its smaller predecessor. Power is also 22 per cent higher than the old engine and with its variable valve timing, roller rockers and silent drive system for its timing chain, it's easy to see why the 3.2L V6 is the flagship motor for the 2009 Grand Vitara. The 1.9-litre turbodiesel four carries over from the old model, and has been warmed over by Suzuki's engineers for an improved fuel economy figure of 7L/100km.
The 2.4-litre engine is available with either a 5-speed manual or a four-speed automatic, while the V6 comes with a 5-speed slushbox as the only option. All engines come hooked up to Suzuki's excellent 4x4 system, which features a dual-range transfer case and locking centre differential for when the going gets really tough. The Prestige V6 also comes equipped with hill descent control and hill hold control as standard.
