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Model history 1988 - Original SWB 3 door released. The Body Shape Vitara and Grand Vitaras (SGV) started life out as a 2 door (SWB) only model (1988). The original 4 door (LWB) was released a few years after (1991). The original shape was wedgey and good looking, current and quite different from the other makes and models in it day and hence was a good seller for Suzuki. The original 3 door shape carried along side the new model 4 door for about 12 months before being replaced with the similar style 3 door model. The next model shape was released in 1998 and have a curvy I dare say tougher look to it. With the trade mark side body cladding. All models have a ladder frame with a separate chassis. This shape had various body and drive train
configurations that included: Of course the latest model was released world wide in October 2005. However it was available in other parts of the world much earlier. It is currently available only in 3 or 5 door config. The XL-7 remains unchanged to date (early 2006). The Drive Train and Suspension The Vitara and Grand Vitara in Australia has always had a part-time 4WD arrangement. The original had manual front free wheeling hubs. Auto-hubs where added in with the 1998 models. Note that not all countries have 4wd as standard and may come with or without manual and/or low range systems. Post-October 2005 models 3 doors have constant 4wd with a center diff and LSD but no low range gearing. 5 doors have a 4 mode system with the option to lock diffs and low range gearing. 4 speed auto only for the 4 cylinder model and 5 speed auto for the V6. 5 speed manuals are available. Pre-October 2005 models when originally released in 1998 had fixed hubs but could be shifted into 4WD on the move and up to 100kph. The current version was updated and now has automatic free-wheeling hubs ? In 2WD mode and models the SGV is rear wheel driven (RWD). The differentials in the front and back are the 'open' variety. There are various markets where there a 2WD only version is available. In 4WD guise all models have a separate transfer box with High and Low range 4WD. Selection of 4WD was always via a separate gear lever. 4 Speed Automatic or 5 speed manuals are available. The suspension has always been a combination of live axle rear axle with coils and independent McPherson struts in the front. 4WD systems (Opinion) The manual vs on-demand 4WD systems is an interesting issue. Having read the reviews and been on the various tracks myself it is clear the as long as the 4WD system engages there isn't any problem. However many other manufacturers models don't do this properly. Hence I reckon that a system and does it automatically AND has the option to turn on 4WD manually in some way is the best system. Anyway its all fine that a car has 4wd for but the other most important factor is having low-range gearing. I've been in situations where slow rock climbing was required. If I didn't have a low range it would be a very difficult and possibly damaging drive. I also have to point out that in most cases it was the extra ground clearance that was far more important than having a 4WD regardless of high of low range. The type of tyres are also important but I will go into this topic in the 6mth review section. For those new to 4wds Low range means that the engine will rev higher at any given speed, this aids the production of power. Eg in high range the engine will use say - 1500rpm at 20kph. However peak torque is at 4500rpm. This usually means it is best to have 3000-4500rpm for the best performance. Hence if travelling over a slow rocky climb you would need to travel much faster for more power. If the car had low range at 20kph the the engine would be at 3500rpm hence in the middle of the torque band hence you have the power to travel over objects without damaging the car. So I would prefer a car with a 4WD system that is automatic but has a manual over-ride and a manual either by lever or button - low range box - would be the ideal system.
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Mech and Tech Intro I've tried to put all the technical and mechanical specifications stuff related to the Grand Vitara into this page since its getting quite crowded else where on the site. The Engines Oct-2005 onwards (Current shape) 16 Valve 1.6 Litre 4 cylinder
engine (M16A) 16 Valve 2.0 Litre 4 cylinder
engine (J20A) 24 Valve 2.7 Litre V6
cylinder engine (H27A) Direct Injection Diesel 1.9 Litre 4 cylinder
engine. (F9Q) 2004 In 2004 Suzuki revised the 2.7 engine to 135Kw and 250Nm @ 3300rpm. I do not know the details of the changes that where made. 2001 In 2001 Suzuki released the XL-7 essentially a stretched version of the normal SGV with a new 2.7 litre V6. This engine has the stats of 130kw @ 6200rpm and 231Nm @ 3300rpm of torque. Again I am not sure how different this engine is to the 2.5 litre V6 or whether it is another re-bore. 1998 In 1998 the original shape was replaced by the butch one and renamed Grand Vitara. There are 3 petrol EFI engines available : A revised 2.0 litre 4 cylinder DOHC 16 valve (J20A) . And a new 2.5 litre V6 Quad Cam 24 valve (H25A) appeared with the
new model. In some parts of the world there are 2 diesel engines are also
available. The new model's 2.0 litre diesel is from Renult. Fuel consumption is interesting. Mine is currently using 10-11 litres per 100km in 2WD mode. It also seems to be getting more economical as it clocks up more Kms. When new, for the first 2000kms the figure was higher and hovered between 12-13 litres per hundred. Bearing in mind I have a manual SWB version. In 4WD mode the consumption didn't seem to increase very much so far. 1995 In 1995 a new V6 Quad-Cam 24 Valve 2.0 litre engine was released
for the LWB or Estate. Towards the end of the original model shape a 2.0 litre 4
cylinder DOHC engine appeared. It was available for both SWB and LWB. The original
version of the current one. 1988 The original Vitara range in 1988 began with a carbed SOHC 16
Valve 1.6 Litre 4 cylinder engine. The range was eventually expanded to a LWB or Estate as Suzuki called it in 1991.
Approximate Top Speeds 1998-2005 Approximate Revs per Speed 1998-2005 For J20A 4 cylinder manual : Towing The SGV has a decent towing capacity and I have seen a few towing smaller caravans 10 or 12 foot ones in outback Australia but not many. Put it this way Outback Aust is Landcruiser, Hilux or Patrol country. The following applies to pre-october 2005 models. 3-Door 5-Door
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