2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara 3-door

Suzuki Grand Vitara 3-door


Suzuki launched its first Vitara 20 years ago, creating the world's first compact SUV and tapping into a new market for vehicles that deliver true off-road performance with responsive, fun-to-drive on-road performance. Since then the stylish and versatile SUV has steadily evolved and kept pace with growing demand for good-looking, versatile 4x4s that are as rewarding on the open road as they are motoring off the beaten track.

In developing the new flagship 2.4-litre Grand Vitara, Suzuki has consolidated the design and engineering qualities that have helped the model enjoy such enduring success, while introducing an all-round upgrade in terms of engine performance, equipment specifications, safety, styling and all-round quality.

The result is a compact SUV that offers more than ever before: more power, more style and more driving pleasure but with no adverse effect on fuel consumption or emissions.

The highly specified Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.4-litre is available in three and five-door body styles and the arrival of the 2.4 Suzuki Grand Vitara 3-door gives a unique offering in the SUV market, with no other manufacturer currently offering this engine/body style combination.

At the heart of the new model is a 122kW/166PS 2.4-litre petrol engine (five-door slightly more powerful at 124kW/169PS). The unit makes full use of advanced technical and design features to deliver improved power and torque, with only modest adjustments in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. In fact, with five-speed manual transmission, tailpipe emissions are unchanged at 208g/km for the five-door model (205g/km for Suzuki Grand Vitara 3-door).

The engine is also only marginally larger in size, yet it incorporates a series of features seen for the first time on a Suzuki-designed powerplant. These include a balancer shaft, three-stage variable air intake and a tumble control valve in the intake ports to achieve the best possible fuel-air mixture.

Recognising the life saving potential of electronic stability systems, Suzuki is equipping the 2.4-litre Suzuki Grand Vitara as standard with ESP®, part of a company policy to introduce the system progressively on all forthcoming new models and model facelifts. ESP® uses selective wheel braking and controls engine output as necessary to stabilise the vehicle if it detects understeer or oversteer situations which could possibly result in total loss of control.

Further safety measures have also been upgraded, most notably with the introduction of ventilated rear disc brakes and extra shock-absorbing elements around the bonnet, wings and front bumper to reduce the risk of injury to pedestrians - a quality that had already earned Suzuki Grand Vitara a very respectable three-star rating in independent Euro NCAP crash testing.

Both the exterior and interior have been given a mild facelift. On the outside there is a revised front end treatment and new door mirrors with integrated turn indicators, while inside the cabin chrome and wood-effect inlays add extra touches of quality, together with improvements to the design and operation of some of the dashboard controls, including a new multi-information display and revised air conditioning control panel.

The 2.4-litre model has a high standard specification including an in-dash 6CD player with MP3 compatibility, rear privacy glass and 17-inch wheels. Five-door models additionally feature leather seats with front seat heating; High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps, cruise control, 18-inch wheels and electrically-operated glass sun-roof as standard.

2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara

Suzuki Grand Vitara


Recognized by AutoPacific as the "ideal" compact SUV/off-road vehicle, Suzuki Grand Vitara surpasses other SUVs in its size and price category in balancing off-road capability with the very real needs of a daily commute. The vehicle's surprising off-road performance is matched by an equally impressive interior, making the Grand Vitara the perfect choice for adventure-minded drivers seeking to confidently explore the outside world in comfort and style. The ultimate discovery vehicle, the Suzuki Grand Vitara helps customers engage directly with their environment and their experiences.

For 2009, the rugged and award-winning Suzuki Grand Vitara, a true SUV in a segment of "soft-roaders," offers "brute-ute" owners the opportunity to resize for better fuel economy without settling for a "cute-ute" lacking full SUV capability. A standard, all-new four-cylinder engine provides drivers with better mileage, and a new, more powerful V6 delivers fuel economy better than the V6 it replaces.

A new grille and front bumper design accent the Suzuki Grand Vitara distinctive, chiseled-yet-elegant lines, with additional interior enhancements, including illuminated steering wheel controls, a sliding front center armrest, visor extenders, HVAC controls, upgraded audio system and updated cloth upholstery. As with all retail 2009 Suzuki automobiles and light trucks, the Grand Vitara is backed by America's #1 Warranty: a 100,000-mile/seven-year, fully transferable, zero-deductible powertrain limited warranty.


Performance and Functionality

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 Suzuki Grand Vitara XSport and Luxury models is a new 3.2-liter V6 engine with 230 horsepower and 213 lb.-ft. of torque, replacing the 2.7-liter V6 engine in 2008 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 Suzuki 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. 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 segment. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) is standard for all Suzuki Grand Vitara models, along with 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 with 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara equipped with an automatic transmission or with 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 SUV-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 with integrated ladder frame, rear-drive-based driveline and four-wheel independent suspension. Typically, only luxury SUVs offer this premium architecture. This type of construction yields the strength and capability sought in large SUVs, while providing the on-road agility and ride quality expected in a modern compact SUV.

Also separating the Suzuki Grand Vitara from the "high wagons" in the segment is the availability of a Four-Mode full time four-wheel-drive system with two-speed transfer case. This hardware, combined with 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 with built-in ladder frame contributes to collision protection in the Suzuki 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara model includes anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution, tire pressure monitoring system and ESP with 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 Suzuki 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 with a rollover sensor. The three-point driver and front passenger seat belts feature pretensioners and shoulder height adjustment. Each rear seating position is equipped with 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 Suzuki 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara one of the best-equipped compact SUVs with 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara shows its Suzuki sensibilities in the simple, uncluttered design. Form follows function, with styling that does not compromise visibility, as it does in many crossover-type SUVs. Handsome good looks are part of the mix, too, along with SUV 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara offers comfortable seating for five, including reclining rear seats, and 24.4 cu.-ft. of storage space with the rear seats up. Cargo space expands to 68.9 cu.-ft. with 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 SUV feel at home. Controls are easy to access and use, which anyone used to driving a large luxury SUV might find refreshing.

Four Trim Lines, Two Engines, Three Drivelines

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 with automatic climate control and micron air filtration system, trip computer, power windows, mirrors and door locks, remote keyless entry, tilt steering 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 steering wheel with illuminated audio controls, cruise control, privacy glass, full-size spare tire cover, cargo cover, and, when equipped with the optional Single-Mode four-wheel drive, heated exterior mirrors.

The XSport, available with 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 with 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 with a handsome matching alloy for a strong SUV image.

The top-of-the-line Luxury builds on the XSport equipment and adds leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, eight-speaker audio with 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 Suzuki 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 steering-wheel-integrated controls, with playlists and track information appearing on the audio display.

2009 Suzuki Alto

Suzuki Alto


At the 2008 Paris Motor Show, Suzuki has unveiled the all-new Suzuki Alto — the fifth and smallest member of its acclaimed lineup of world strategic models. The new Suzuki Alto combines eye-catching style and easy urban mobility with great performance in terms of fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions, thereby meeting the lifestyle needs of today's motorists and the pressing global need for environmental compatibility. Plus, it is one of the most fun-to-drive city cars available — a great new example of Suzuki's "Way of Life!" philosophy.

As the second model in the second phase of Suzuki's world strategy (a phase that's focused on user-friendliness and delivering expanded possibilities for family members), the new Suzuki Alto offers good levels of comfort and convenience within a modest overall length.

Plus, a design that combines sporty, European-inspired looks with great aerodynamics means the new Suzuki Alto is the most stylish car of its size.

The new Suzuki Alto reflects the unparalleled knowledge of small-cars that has made Suzuki so successful with minivehicles in Japan and compact cars like the Swift all over the world. Suzuki Alto is a definitive response to the need for enjoyable, eco-friendly motoring. Suzuki aims to achieve annual sales of 60,000 units in Europe following a sales launch in spring 2009.


The new Alto is aimed mainly at urban people who want a small car that offers style and enjoyment together with great environmental credentials, and it reflects the ideals of the second phase of Suzuki's world strategy. At the heart of the concept for the new Suzuki Alto is Suzuki's belief that people should be able to enjoy economical, eco-friendly motoring without sacrificing style, comfort, practicality, or performance. Compact dimensions (the new Suzuki Alto is the smallest of Suzuki's world strategic models) play a large part in realising outstanding environmental credentials by keeping weight to a minimum, but without detracting from user-friendliness.

Design, Comfort and Practicality

The new Suzuki Alto has a sporty, solid look that exudes urban energy despite the body's compact dimensions. The design is elegant and beautiful thanks to aerodynamically efficient contours that combine tautness with evocative curviness. It is ideally matched to European tastes and with a drag coefficient of just 0.30 promotes fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions.

The cabin layout apportions most of the space to the front seats but still provides ample space for four adults. Handy storage spaces for small items are located all around the cabin. Notwithstanding the new Alto's compact exterior dimensions, there's a usable amount of luggage space behind the rear seats, and folding down the rear seatback expands the space into a roomy luggage area suited to daily use.

Performance and Environmental Compatibility

The new Suzuki Alto is powered by a three cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine successfully launched as an engine of the Suzuki Splash. This unit is light and compact with low friction characteristics. Maximum power output is 68PS (50kW) with maximum torque of 90Nm. Fuel consumption is low at 62.7 mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions are just 103g/km. Standard transmission is a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic transmission (uncommon among one-litre cars) with gate-type shifter is available as an option.

Suspension

The front suspension is of MacPherson strut type and the large, high-rigidity suspension frame is complemented by further strengthening in the strut mounting areas for superior handling. The rear suspension has Suzuki's proprietary 3-link rigid axle design, and incorporates numerous refinements for the new car. The coil springs and dampers were tuned for optimum handling stability through extensive testing on roads in Europe.

Suzuki targeted handling that makes driving enjoyable on urban roads, so drivers enjoy linear response, gentle roll movements, light steering feel, and good absorption of shock and vibration. These benefits reflect the experience Suzuki has gained in motorsport around the world.

The new Suzuki Alto has a minimum turning radius of just 4.5m making it easy to manoeuvre and park in tight spaces.

Safety

To help the driver avoid hazards on the road, the new Suzuki Alto is available with Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), which modulates the engine performance and applies the brakes during cornering and under aceleration.

In the unfortunate event of an accident, the new Suzuki Alto's body reflects Suzuki's Total Effective Control Technology (TECT) concept in the form of crushable structures that absorb impact energy, frame members that disperse impact energy away from occupants and a strong cabin structure. Use of high-tensile steel for major body parts means the resulting high level of occupant safety does not add excessive weight to the body.

SRS front, side, and curtain airbags are available to reduce the severity of impacts suffered by occupants in the event of a collision. Energy-absorbing trim materials provide further head protection.

Technical Specifications
Engine: Petrol 1.0l
Drive system: 2WD
Transmission: 5MT/4AT
Steering: LHD/RHD
Number of doors: 5
DIMENSIONS
Overall length: 3,500 mm
Overall width: 1,600 mm
Overall height: 1,470 mm
Wheelbase: 2,360 mm
Tread
Front: 1,405 mm
Rear: 1,400 mm
CAPACITIES
Seating capacity: 4
Luggage capacity
Max. Volume: 774 l
Rear seatback folded (VDA method): 367 l
Rear seatback raised (VDA method): 129 l
Fuel tank capacity: 35 l
ENGINE
Type: K10B
Number of cylinders: 3
Number of valves: 12
Piston displacement: 996 cm3
Bore x stroke: 73.0 x 79.4 mm
Compression ratio: 11.0
Maximum output: 68PS (50kW) @ 6,000 rpm
Maximum torque: 90 Nm @ 4,800 rpm
Fuel distribution: Multipoint injection
PERFORMANCE
Maximum speed: 155 km/h
0-100 km/h: 14 s
Fuel consumption (Combined): 4,5 l/100 km
CO2 emissions (Combined): 103 g/km

2008 Suzuki SXForce Concept

Suzuki SXForce Concept


The Suzuki SXForce Concept is one of the latest additions to Suzuki's media-acclaimed Suzuki LIVE Series - a line of brand-dedicated concept vehicles specially designed for life enthusiasts, adventurers and thrill-seekers.

Reinforcing the link between the company's rich motorcycle heritage and versatile line of fun-to-drive automobiles, the Suzuki SXForce is a sportbike-inspired concept based on all-new 2008 SX4 Sport. Designed and built by Road Race Motorsports of Santa Fe Springs, Calif., the SXForce boasts a powerful 250-horsepower, 2.0-liter, turbocharged engine matched to a five-speed manual transmission.

The exterior shell of the SX4 Sport has been modified to be eye-catching to both four-wheel and two-wheel enthusiasts. It features a striking blend of carbon fiber, Flash Pearl White and Orange Metallic paint and showcases a number of performance-based automotive parts and stunning motorcycle accents, including sportbike-style side rearview mirrors and dual exhaust, also found on the championship-winning GSX-R1000.

While the Suzuki SXForce Concept is sure to be a showstopper on display, it was designed to look even better on the road. This fully drivable, track-tested SX4 Sport concept receives several performance enhancements, including a fully tuned performance suspension system, F1-style outlet gills to help underhood air flow, tailored rear bodywork with carbon fiber diffuser, Carbontrix rear wing, Tein coilover suspension height and damper setup, and reinforced structure to further enhance rigidity for optimal handling. The Suzuki SXForce is outfitted with 18-inch Enkei racing wheels and a staggered high-performance Toyo T1-R tire package - 225/45-18 in the front and 235/40-18 in the rear. It also is equipped with Rotora six-piston calipers with two-piece 355mm rotors for sportbike stopping power.

The motorcycle theme continues inside the Suzuki SXForce Concept, beginning with suede and leather seats and interior appointments, mimicking sportbike leathers. Other interior enhancements include motorcycle instrument cluster and controls, roof air intake for optimal breathing and a revised track-themed interior featuring carbon fiber components and accents. Engine vitals are monitored via a Zeitronix ZT-2 wideband data logger and all vital engine parameters are logged on a laptop and viewed on the ZT-2 gauge mounted on the Hayabusa handlebars. The Suzuki SXForce is equipped with an integrated Garmin navigation system, and its rear seats have been removed and replaced by a high-output Rockford Fosgate audio system.