- New flagship revealed shortly after global launch
- Grand Vitara to feature Smart Hybrid technology
- FOM reveal to precede Q1 2023 launch
Suzuki Auto South Africa has unveiled its new flagship model, the Grand Vitara, at the Festival Of Motoring on Thursday, 25 August. It is available on display at the Suzuki stand throughout the Festival weekend.
With its reveal, South Africa becomes one of the first countries in the world to show this model after its debut in India on 20 July.
As the manufacturer’s flagship, the Suzuki Grand Vitara will introduce a host of new technologies and a new level of luxury to the Suzuki line-up in South Africa. The model range is wholly designed and developed by Suzuki and produced at the Toyota Kirloskar Motor factory in India under the global Suzuki/Toyota global alliance.
Among the many new and class-leading features that are available on the Grand Vitara are Suzuki’s renowned Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki (SHVS) technology, as well as Suzuki’s AllGrip Select All-wheel-drive system.
Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki
The SHVS incorporates an integrated starter generator motor that replaces the conventional alternator that is designed to deliver additional power to the engine during acceleration. The SHVS also regenerates energy during deceleration for storage in the long-life 12-Volt lithium-ion battery, which is fitted to hybrid versions of the Grand Vitara alongside the standard lead acid battery.
The SHVS system primarily assists the engine during normal and more demanding driving conditions and in doing so, increases fuel efficiency and reduces emissions. It can, however, channel its energy to components such as headlights, air conditioning and infotainment to reduce the engine load for further fuel savings.
The Grand Vitara will be available in two engine configurations, namely Suzuki’s renowned K15B 1.5 litre powerplant and the all-new K15C 1.5 litre dual-jet motor with SHVS mild hybrid technology. K15B equipped variants will be available in both manual and automatic transmission options, while the K15C-equipped variants will feature AllGrip AWD paired to an automatic transmission.
AllGrip Select
AllGrip Select is an electronically controlled four-wheel drive system that allows the driver to choose from four selectable driving modes.
Available in certain Grand Vitara models, it allows the driver to select from four distinct driving modes namely AUTO, SPORT, SNOW and LOCK with a simple push-and-turn dial. By selecting between these driving modes, drivers can optimise their experience for fun, peace of mind or efficiency depending on their needs and the road surface or prevailing conditions.
Grand luxury
As the new flagship in the Suzuki range, the Grand Vitara will offer class-leading features such as a 9” high-definition touch-screen infotainment system, a 360-degree around-view camera system, head-up display and wireless smartphone charging on range-topping models.
Other must-have luxuries such as LED projector headlights, cruise control, 6 airbags, keyless entry with a push-button start system and intelligent climate control are fitted – in true Suzuki style – to the entire range.
