2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara news, pictures, and information

SUZUKI OFFERS FOUR FOR THE MONEY, POWERFUL SIX FOR THE SHOW

The Suzuki-developed 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produces 166 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft. of 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 smooth 3.2-liter V6 engine wîth 230 horsepower and 213 lb.-ft. of torque. The V6 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 four-cylinder engine can be teamed to a standard five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission, while the V6 is matched to a standard five-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) To custom-tailor their adventure, customers can choose among RWD models, Single-Mode four-wheel drive or 4-Mode full-time four-wheel drive, a traction system unlike anything else offered in the §egmènt. An Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) is standard for all Grand Vitara models, along wîth a rollover sensor for the standard side curtain airbags. Enhancing the Grand Vitara's performance on any road — or off-road — is a heavy-duty structure underpinned by ladder frame reinforcement. Bringing it all to a stop are standard four-wheel disc brakes.

Suzuki 4-Mode four-wheel drive offers the best of both worlds; aided by a retuned suspension in 2009, it is exceptionally capable off-road but remains civilized on the asphalt. There, 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 while also maximizing traction. 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 improve driver control and can enhance driving safety on steep slopes.

For RV owners, a Grand Vitara equipped wîth an automatic transmission or wîth the 4-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 rugged little model named 'Brute.' The current Grand Vitara has proven its durability in some of the toughest markets around the world. 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 combination. This type of construction yields the strength and capability sought in large SÚVs, while providing the balance, 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 4-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 trailers, boats, ATVs or motorcycles.

Safety

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

Active safety (the ability to 'actively' avoid an accident) technology in every Grand Vitara includes an anti-lock braking system wîth electronic brake-force distribution, a tire pressure monitoring system and ESP wîth traction control. ESP helps ensure vehicle stability when cornering, 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 at each wheel 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), an advanced dual-stage front airbag SRS, an 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 safety. The front end and the bumper integrate energy-absorbing materials to help reduce the possibility of serious leg injuries if a pedestrian is struck. The hood is also 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 (IIHS) 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, and consistent wîth Suzuki's philosophy of enabling people to travel light and live fully, Suzuki offers easy-to-use features that add useful, real-world functionality to each vehicle. The Grand Vitara demonstrates its Suzuki sensibility wîth its 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 — to maximize approach and departure angles — 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 will 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 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara four-cylinder model is offered in four trim levels: Base, Premium, XSport and Limited. The base model is RWD only, but its list of standard equipment is far from basic and includes: a navigation system; 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®-compatible audio system; and 16-inch steel wheels.

The Premium model (four-cylinder only) adds an available four-speed automatic transmission, cruise control, a leather-wrapped §teering wheel wîth illuminated audio and cruise control switches, privacy glass, full-size spare tire cover, cargo cover, hands-free calling, Bluetooth wîth onscreen text display, 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 MSN Real-Time Traffic, weather, movie times, power tilt-and-slide sunroof, the SmartPass™ keyless entry and start system, 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 Limited builds on the XSport equipment and adds leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, 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.