Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0 2WD

Entry to Suzuki Grand Vitara ownership now comes in the form of a rear-wheel drive-only model.

What's New
If you are looking for any visual differences between the four-wheel drive Grand Vitara and two-wheel drive version tested here, don't bother. Both versions are physically identical in every way. Underneath the sheet metal, however, the entry-level Grand Vitara looses a couple of differentials and half shafts, making it a rear-wheel drive vehicle. In the process, it manages to shed 60kg too, which also translates to better performance and fuel consumption.

Suzuki's original plan for the Grand Vitara was for it to be a refined family car that can also be used as a workhorse. Which is why it uses a hybrid chassis system consisting of a monocoque body with a built-in ladder frame. The advantages of monocoque body are mostly for the sake of road holding and ride comfort. The ladder frame set-up, on the other hand, allows the vehicle to have superior off-road abilities, but with a compromised on-road performance. So by combining the two, Suzuki is hoping the Vitara can provide the best of both worlds.

In reality, the Vitara has been proven to be a reliable and capable workhorse, but it still lacks the refinement of its Japanese rivals such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 when driven on tarmac.

How it Performs
With a reduced body mass, the two-wheel drive Grand Vitara is a different animal compared to the more expensive four-wheel drive versions. Off-the-line acceleration is more instant and the braking performance is also improved. This makes the car more agile, too, when cornering, as you can brake later into the turn and carry more speed out of it. The only thing that still needs to be improved in the handling department, is there's lots of body-roll.

Fuel consumption should also be better than its four-wheel drive counterpart. As it doesn't have all those extra mechanical components to move around, it has less weight and friction in the drivetrain,
On rough roads and speed-reducing strips, the two-wheel drive Grand Vitara rides more comfortably than the four-wheel drive versions. Although still not quite as refined as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, the two-wheel drive Grand Vitara should still be able to please most drivers.

Inside, the cabin is no different from the 2.0-litre four-wheel drive Grand Vitara. It has leather seats, steering-mounted audio controls and a multi-information display. Overall, the cabin should be able to accommodate five adults comfortably and their luggage for a weekend road trip.

How it Stacks Up
The 2.0-litre four-wheel drive Grand Vitara lists for about $9,000 more than the entry-level version. However, both models have the same list of standard equipment that includes two front airbags, fog lamps, roof rails, 16-inch alloy wheels, immobiliser and an external spare-wheel cover.

The two-wheel drive Vitara makes the most sense as long as you do most of your driving on asphalt. It not only has a pleasant ride quality and adequate performance, but should also offer a better fuel consumption than some other SUVs. It is most likely going to be one of Suzuki's top sellers, although that can mean a possible long waiting list.

Technical Specifications

MODEL Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0 2WD (A) ENGINE Engine: 1,995cc 16V in-line 4 Max Power: 140bhp at 6,000rpm Max Torque: 183Nm at 4,000rpm TRANSMISSION 4-speed automatic TOP SPEED 165km/h 0-100km/h 13.6s