High on the highway: The full-time 4WD system gives the Grand Vitara a vice-like grip on rough roads

The Suzuki Grand Vitara was forced to hit the gym and it’s got all brawny now. Gone is the puny 2.0-litre petrol motor, which developed 120bhp; in its place comes a 2.4-litre motor that churns out 163bhp with 23kgm of torque. And though it has been developed on the same 2.0-litre unit, the changes in character are evident as soon as you step on the accelerator.

UNDER THE HOOD

This motor has to move around 1.6 tonnes of the Vitara and manages to do just that brilliantly and without any excuses. It delivers solid performance across its rev range but there is an irritating boom in the cabin as the engine works its way to 2000rpm.

It feels really good after the 2000rpm mark though and never seems out of breath, even at higher revs, where power is abundant and in quick supply —it’s a joy. Flat-out performance is also good with the Vitara reaching 100kph in 11.7 seconds, 2.3 seconds faster than the older version.

This engine is relatively quiet at idle and noise levels are respectable at cruising speeds, but you can hear it exercising its vocal chords towards the higher end of the rpm band. In terms of refinement, its rival, the Honda CR-V, still has the edge.

DRIVER’S DEAL

Though the gearshift quality has improved greatly, it’s not enough to make it the best in its class. It doesn’t like to be rushed and has a tendency to baulk if you shift too quickly. But the extra power comes in very handy when the Vitara goes off-road.

This Suzuki handles very well though, especially in wet situations. Show it a bad patch of land and the Vitara treats these surfaces with total disdain. The full-time 4WD system gives it a vice-like grip on the road and it never threatens to catch you out.

The Grand Vitara feels completely at home on poor surfaces where grip is in short supply. It manages this feat with its low range transfer case (that distributes power to all four wheels and increases torque, thus helping the vehicle out of sticky situations) and the centre-locking differential (which allows the car’s wheels to rotate at different speeds while taking a turn).

The disc brakes on all wheels work well and have a very reassuring feel to them. The hydraulically assisted steering is nicely weighted and linear and there’s good body control. But the ride on tarmac roads is slightly bumpy, especially if the surface is uneven.

Fuel economy is the Vitara’s Achilles’ heel. Unfortunately, it won’t get any better as this SUV still comes with a full-time four-wheel-drive system.

STYLE FILE

On the outside, the only noticeable additions are the bigger 17-in wheels. You’ll have to really look for the VVT badges and the very slightly updated grille.

This Suzuki SUV gets the same straight lines and looks sleek and urbane. The compact dimensions ensure easy manoeuvring in city traffic.

INSIDE STORY

Maruti could have also used this opportunity to fix the Vitara’s interior quality. Though it shares plenty of its parts with the SX4, it just doesn’t do justice to a car that costs upwards of Rs 16 lakh. It’s a shame because the interiors are well styled, offer good ergonomics and have decent equipment too.

Maruti needs to fix the turn indicator stalks, which come on the left, like a Euro-specced car. The Vitara’s front seats offer great comfort and the rear ones are wide enough to fit three abreast.

Also, the rear seats recline and split and fold 50:50 — a very convenient feature. A new climate control system, a trip computer and an in-dash six-CD changer round off the interior upgrade.

FINAL VERDICT

At Rs 16.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai), the new Vitara is around Rs 2.5 lakh more expensive than the one it replaces. But the new Vitara comes at a lower price in comparison to the CR-V and is much cheaper than the Mitsubishi Outlander too.

This revamped Suzuki could be seen as a stepping stone into the small petrol SUV segment. You get a more powerful engine with 43 more horses and only a 20kg gain in weight in the newest version of the Vitara.

However, although this is the cheapest compact SUV on sale, its inherent flaws remain. The cabin just can’t match those of its rivals and it also lacks the overall finesse we have come to expect. Still, at this price, it is definitely a good low-cost alternative to the CR-V.

SPec check

SUZUKI GRAND VITARA 2.4

Price: Rs 16.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai)
L/W/H: 4500/1810/1695mm
Wheelbase: 2640mm
Turning circle: 11m
Ground clearance: 200mm
Kerb weight: 1614kg
Engine: 4 cyls in-line, 2393cc, petrol
Installation: Front, longitudinal
Power: 163.5bhp at 6000rpm
Torque: 23kgm at 4000rpm
Gearbox: 5-speed manual
Fuel tank: 66 litres
Brakes (F/R): Ventilated disc/ discs
Tyre size: 225/65, R16