Friday 25 September 2009

AUSSIES GAGA OVER SUZUKI GRAND VITARA



SUZUKI SAYS: The Suzuki Grand Vitara sports utility vehicle (SUV) has received high praise from two authoritative motoring magazines in Australia.

Considered the toughest 4x4 vehicle judges Down Under, the 4x4 experts from 4x4 Australia and Overlander 4WD magazines both recently honoured the Grand Vitara by naming it Australia’s best compact SUV – for the second year running.

The Grand Vitara took the best compact SUV honours despite a highly competitive field of contenders, including the VW Tiguan, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan X-Trail, Jeep Wrangler, Subaru Forester, and Honda CR-V.

Key attributes of the Grand Vitara singled out by the judges included the low-range transfer case, rugged ladder-frame chassis and all-independent suspension, which allowed the Suzuki to traverse a 4x4 test route few other compact SUVs were able to complete.

The evaluation teams also praised the Grand Vitara for its comfortable seating, precise steering and value-added pricing.

While the award went to the diesel-powered Grand Vitara DDiS – a derivative not offered in South Africa –Overland 4WD magazine team also acknowledged the excellence of the petrol models, identifying both the 2.4 four-cylinder and the 3.2-litre V6 as the diesel’s closest rivals.

The Australian success of the Grand Vitara is mirrored by the local reaction to Suzuki’s compact SUV. The vehicle has received high praise since being launched in SA in September last year, and demand remains strong, despite the economic downturn.

The locally available Grand Vitara range is offered with a choice of two petrol engines: a 2.4-litre four-cylinder, and the flagship 3.2-litre V6. The 2.4 model can be ordered with a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic gearbox, while the V6 range-topper is only offered with an auto transmission.

High specification levels, comprehensive safety features and class-leading all-terrain capability are further hallmarks of the Grand Vitara line-up.

The Grand Vitara range is offered with a comprehensive warranty and service plan, and is available through Suzuki’s growing national dealer network, which currently consists of 23 outlets.