2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara news, pictures, and information

Suzuki BOOSTS ECONOMY, PERFORMANCE IN 2009 Grand Vitara

The new Suzuki-developed 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produces 166 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft. of peak torque, delivering EPA fuel economy estimates of up to 19 mpg/city and 26 mpg/highway. Available for Grand Vitara XSport and Luxury models is a new 3.2-liter V6 engine wîth 230 horsepower and 213 lb.-ft. of torque, replacing the 2.7-liter V6 engine in last year's Grand Vitara that produced 185 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. Despite an increase of 45 horsepower, the new V6 betters the old motor in fuel economy ratings. The new engine is also 20 percent cleaner than the 2008 model as measured by the State of California's smog index rating. The new V6 also features variable valve timing for both the intake and exhaust camshafts, and both Grand Vitara engines use a zero-maintenance timing chain in place of a belt.

The Grand Vitara's new four-cylinder engine can be teamed to a standard five-speed manual transmission or a new four-speed automatic transmission, while the V6 is matched to a standard five-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) To help fulfill their sense of adventure, customers can choose among RWD models, Single-Mode four-wheel drive or Four-Mode full-time four-wheel drive, a traction system unlike anything else offered in the §egmènt. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) is standard for all Grand Vitara models, along wîth a new rollover sensor for the standard side curtain airbags. Enhancing performance on any road is a strengthened structure for 2009, plus rear disc brakes that replace the previous drums.

Suzuki Four-Mode four-wheel drive offers the best of both worlds: further aided by a completely retuned suspension, it is exceptionally capable off-road but is civilized on the asphalt. On pavement, drivers can leave the dash-mounted transfer case switch in 4H and the electronically controlled on-demand four-wheel-drive system will apply traction to the front wheels only as needed, optimizing economy. When traveling off-road, or for low-speed power and traction, drivers can turn the switch to high-range 4H Lock or low-range 4L Lock to engage the center differential lock. The V6 models wîth Four-Mode full-time four-wheel drive also feature Hill Descent Control and Hill Hold Control, which can enhance driving safety on steep slopes.

For RV owners, a Grand Vitara equipped wîth an automatic transmission or wîth the Four-Mode full-time four-wheel-drive system can also be flat-towed. Switching the transfer case control into the neutral position helps minimize driveline wear and prevent non-driving miles from accumulating on the odometer.

Built Like a Brute

The Suzuki Grand Vitara continues Suzuki's 40-year heritage of building compact but rugged SÚV-type vehicles, including a model named 'Brute.' The current Grand Vitara has proven its durability in some of the toughest global markets. Key to the Grand Vitara's go-anywhere capability is its unibody construction wîth integrated ladder frame, rear-drive-based driveline and four-wheel independent suspension. Typically, only luxury SÚVs offer this premium architecture. This type of construction yields the strength and capability sought in large SÚVs, while providing the on-road agility and ride quality expected in a modern compact SÚV.

Also separating the Grand Vitara from the 'high wagons' in the §egmènt is the availability of a Four-Mode full time four-wheel-drive system wîth two-speed transfer case. This hardware, combined wîth its rugged body construction, steep approach and departure angles, and 7.9 inches of ground clearance (4WD models), enables the Grand Vitara to keep going when the pavement turns to trail. In addition, the Grand Vitara's 3,000-lb. towing capacity (with V6) is double that of many car-based models and enough to haul light recreational boats, ATVs or motorcycles.

Safety

Beyond offering a strong-yet-weight-optimized structure, the unibody wîth built-in ladder frame contributes to collision protection in the Grand Vitara. The reinforced cabin has the added safety of head-impact protection pad and front and rear side-impact door beams.

Active safety (the ability to help avoid an accident) technology in every Grand Vitara model includes anti-lock braking system wîth electronic brake-force distribution, tire pressure monitoring system and ESP wîth traction control. ESP helps ensure vehicle stability when cornering, under acceleration, during emergency maneuvers and when driving on slippery road surfaces. Taking input from a variety of sensors, ESP has the ability to apply individual brakes and reduce engine torque to help the driver maintain the desired line of travel.

Standard passive safety features in every Grand Vitara model include driver and front passenger seat-mounted side-impact airbag supplemental restraint systems (SRS), advanced dual-stage front airbag SRS, advanced weight-sensing front passenger airbag SRS and front and rear side-curtain airbags networked wîth a rollover sensor. The three-point driver and front passenger seat belts feature pretensioners and shoulder height adjustment. Each rear seating position is equipped wîth a three-point seatbelt and a headrest. Also provided is a rear child-seat LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children).

The Grand Vitara's safety engineering also reflects Suzuki's attention to pedestrian impacts demanded in many global markets. The front end and the bumper integrate energy-absorbing materials to help reduce the possibility of serious leg injuries. The hood is designed to absorb some of the impact and help protect against serious head injuries. These factors helped the 2009 Grand Vitara earn the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's highest rating of good in its most recent frontal crash protection test. In combination, these active and passive safety features make Grand Vitara one of the best-equipped compact SÚVs wîth respect to safety.

The Look and Function of a Suzuki

To simplify and improve the driver experience, Suzuki offers easy-to-use features that add useful, real-world functionality to each vehicle. The Grand Vitara shows its Suzuki sensibilities in the simple, uncluttered design. Form follows function, wîth styling that does not compromise visibility, as it does in many crossover-type SÚVs. Handsome good looks are part of the mix, too, along wîth SÚV necessities, including short overhangs and roof rails. Exterior mirrors, door handles and bumpers are all color keyed.

The compact exterior footprint contains a roomy, comfortable and versatile cabin to take people and cargo on daily trips or extraordinary voyages. The Grand Vitara offers comfortable seating for five, including reclining rear seats, and 24.4 cu.-ft. of storage space wîth the rear seats up. Cargo space expands to 68.9 cu.-ft. wîth the 60/40 split-folding seatbacks folded. High-quality materials and attention to fit and finish should help make a driver accustomed to a large luxury SÚV feel at home. Controls are easy to access and use, which anyone used to driving a large luxury SÚV might find refreshing.

Four Trim Lines, Two Engines, Three Drivelines

	Vital Stats
Engine : 2.4 L., 4-cylinder Power: 166 hp Torque: 162 ft-lbs Engine : 3.2 L., 6-cylinder Power: 230 hp Torque: 213 ft-lbs
5-speed Manual, 4-speed Automatic, 5-speed Automatic

The 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara four-cylinder model is offered in four trim levels: Base, Premium, XSport and Luxury. The base model is RWD only, but its list of standard equipment is far from basic and includes: air conditioning wîth automatic climate control and micron air filtration system, trip computer, power windows, mirrors and door locks, remote keyless entry, tilt §teering wheel, automatic on/off headlamps, four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3/XM Satellite Radio®-capable audio system and 16-inch wheels.

The Premium model (four-cylinder only) adds an available four-speed automatic transmission, a leather-wrapped §teering wheel wîth illuminated audio controls, cruise control, privacy glass, full-size spare tire cover, cargo cover, and, when equipped wîth the optional Single-Mode four-wheel drive, heated exterior mirrors.

The XSport, available wîth RWD or Four-Mode four-wheel drive, adds function and luxury features, including power tilt-and-slide sunroof, the SmartPass™ keyless entry and start system, six-disc CD changer, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, roof rack rails and fog lamps. With the V6, XSport 4WD also gains Hill Descent Control and Hill Hold Control, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, eight-speaker audio system wîth subwoofer and center channel speaker and door-mounted courtesy lights. In addition, the XSport deletes the full-size spare tire cover and replaces the standard steel spare wheel wîth a handsome matching alloy for a strong SÚV image.

The top-of-the-line Luxury builds on the XSport equipment and adds leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, eight-speaker audio wîth subwoofer and center channel speaker black wood grain trim accents and full-size spare tire cover (with steel spare). With the V6, the Grand Vitara Luxury trim line also receives 18-inch alloy wheels and a HomeLink® wireless control system. In all Grand Vitara models, standard and optional audio systems are XM Satellite Radio®-capable, and an accessory iPod® interface is available. A connected iPod® works seamlessly through the radio or the §teering-wheel-integrated controls, wîth playlists and track information appearing on the audio display.

SUZUKI PUTS THE ‘STYLE' IN LIFESTYLE WITH CUSTOM ACCESSORIES