Suzuki Auto South Africa became one of the first countries in the world to show off the new Grand Vitara when it took the wraps off the model at the Festival of Motoring at Kyalami at the weekend – where more than 28 000 visitors streamed through the gates.
The local launch is scheduled for early in the year in line with the actual international launch and, for the time, will see a hybrid engine form part of the options.
Available in K15B 1,5-litre powerplant and the new K15C 1,5-litre dual-jet motor
The Grand Vitara will be available in two engine configurations: the Suzuki K15B 1,5-litre powerplant and the new K15C 1,5-litre dual-jet motor with SHVS mild hybrid technology.
K15 B-equipped variants will be available in manual and automatic transmission options, while the K15C-equipped options will have AllGrip AWD paired to an automatic transmission.
The SHVS has an integrated starter generator motor that replaces the conventional alternator 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 connects the to hybrid versions of the Grand Vitara alongside the standard lead acid battery.
The SHVS system mainly helps the engine during normal and more demanding driving conditions to increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. It can, however, channel energy to components such as headlights, air-conditioning and infotainment to reduce the engine load for further fuel savings.
With an electronically controlled four-wheel drive system
AllGrip Select is an electronically controlled four-wheel drive system that allows the driver to choose from four selectable driving modes.
As the new flagship in the Suzuki range, the Grand Vitara will offer class-leading features such as a 9-inch high-definition touch-screen infotainment system, a 310-degree around-view camera system, head-up display and wireless smartphone charging on range-topping models.
The entire range comes with other luxuries such as LED projector headlights, cruise control, six crash bags, keyless entry with a push-button start system and intelligent climate control.
