Suzuki Grand Vitara resurrected
Suzuki Australia says local interest would be ‘huge’ for reborn mid-size SUV, but it’s not yet locked inIt’s official – the Suzuki Grand Vitara will rise from the ashes.
Not seen in new car showrooms in Australia since 2019, the Suzuki Grand Vitara was favoured by many for its V6 engine and 4x4 drivetrain, and while the new model won’t deliver a six-cylinder wallop, it marks the Japanese brand’s return to the top-selling mid-size SUV segment.
The news was confirmed via a short official video that reveals the new 2022 Suzuki Grand Vitara SUV’s slimline horizontal LED tail-lights and badging.
The all-new model will be fully revealed next week.
“There would be a huge amount of interest in Australia for a new Grand Vitara,” said Suzuki Automotive Australia general manager, Michael Pachota.
He told carsales the Swift and Grand Vitara were the two most recognisable Suzuki nameplates Down Under, and that new GV had been kept under wraps until now.
However, the new Suzuki SUV hasn’t been confirmed for Australia at this stage.
“My understanding, first and foremost, is that the new Grand Vitara is made for the Indian market. But there will be an export component,” he said.
“In terms of the export situation, nothing is confirmed for Australia. We can’t even check it up for ADRs, but once the technical details come out we can [investigate].”
The new Grand Vitara was developed by Suzuki Maruti in India and shares its platform and mechanicals with the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, including conventional petrol and petrol-electric hybrid powertrains.
If the Toyota Hyryder is any guide, the new Grand Vitara will also be available with a high specification including a panoramic sunroof, digital driver’s display, head-up display, 360-degree parking camera via central 9.0-inch touch-screen, heated and ventilated seats, a wireless phone charger, remote vehicle operation via smartphone, reclining rear seats, and more.
Crucially, the Suzuki Grand Vitara’s Toyota twin features six airbags, but no autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system, which will be necessary if it’s to be sold in Australia in future.
“Suzuki and Toyota share the platform but it’s developed by Suzuki,” said Pachota.
“It’s part of a collaboration with Toyota and will be similar to the Hyryder SUV.”
The Hyryder is offered with a pair of 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engines hooked up to a five-speed manual, six-speed auto or e-CVT for hybrid versions.
The regular petrol engine produces 75kW/135Nm while the hybrid is good for 68kW/122Nm from the combustion engine and 59kW/141Nm from the electric motor.
Reports from India suggest the hybrid will offer a 25km EV range.
The new Grand Vitara is not a replacement for the Suzuki Vitara small SUV, which Suzuki says is still finding favour with Aussies buyers.
“We’re continuing with Vitara but we’ve had severe production issues with supplying vehicles,” said Pachota.
“With that said, it’s still popular; we’ve got huge back orders we’re trying to fulfil.”
Stay tuned for more details on the new Suzuki Grand Vitara as they emerge with the SUV’s unveiling in India next week.
Related: Buying Used: Suzuki Grand Vitara (2008-15)
Related: Suzuki Vitara Turbo 2020 Review
Related: Suzuki Vitara – What you need to know
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