Suzuki kicked off the 2022 Festival of Motoring media day by unveiling its upcoming flagship model, the Grand Vitara. Here’s what we know so far.
As one of South Africa’s fastest-growing passenger car brands, Suzuki has found success by selling products in the crucial sub-R500 000 market in South Africa. The brand has now branched out by announcing the future introduction of a bigger vehicle that revives the Grand Vitara nomenclature, which it announced at the 2022 Festival of Motoring media day.
A new development
The announcement of another Suzuki product that will also wear a Toyota badge is no surprise, with the Grand Vitara being rebadged as the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, a product that will likely also make its way to local shores. Built on Suzuki’s Global C platform, the Grand Vitara measures 4.35 metres long, 2.79-metres wide, 1.63-metres tall and has a kerb weight between 1 150 and 1 375kg, depending on the specific varaint.
Two engines
The Grand Vitara will be available with two engines, namely the K15B naturally aspirated petrol unit that powers products such as the Baleno and Jimny, among others. This engine is likely to be paired with a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission.
The big news though is the introduction of the K15C engine, which features hybrid technology in the form of an integrated starter generator motor and a 12V lithium-ion battery that assists the engine, improving fuel consumption and emissions. The mild hybrid is likely to be paired with either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox.
All-wheel drive
The Grand Vitara will be available with the brand’s AllGrip all-wheel drive system with various modes, while 210m of ground clearance and a hill descent control function means that off-roading is certainly a possibility in the latest model.
Features
There will be different specification levels throughout the range, but expect flagship models to get features such as a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, niceties such as cruise control, LED headlights, keyless entry/start, six airbags, automatic climate control, leather upholstery, dual-tone exterior colours, a panoramic roof and a head-up display.
Rivals
In terms of dimensions, the newcomer will compete with the likes of the Honda HR-V, Toyota C-HR, Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos in what has become one of the most competitive passenger car segments within the local market.
Arrival and price
The brand has stated that the Grand Vitara will be launched locally in the first quarter of 2023, with pricing and exact specification to be announced closer to the time.
