Having recently unveiled the face lift in Japan, where it is known as the Escudo, Suzuki has now unveiled the face lift in Europe.
The updated Grand Vitara has a newly developed more powerful and sporty look thanks to a new grille with two boldly shaped fins, a thick, sturdy-looking front bumper, and chrome side moldings. It is fitted with eight-spoke, 17″ aluminium-alloy wheels – or alternatively with 10-spoke, 18 aluminium-alloy wheels. The front under garnish is made from the newly developed SSPP (Suzuki Super Polypropylene) a resin material which has the environmental advantage of being 10% lighter than current polypropylene and is coloured that it does not need to be painted. The nine body colours available include the new Bison Brown Pearl Metallic 2 (ZUF) and Gaia Bronze Pearl Metallic (ZUG).
The five- and three-door versions of the Grand Vitara each have a new seat fabric. The new fabric for the five-door version adds refinement to the sporty interior design. It features diagonal and vertical stripes which emphasize quality, lines which give a sense of thickness and ruggedness, and distinctive details. The new fabric for the three-door version has a close-knit pattern which highlights sportiness.
The Grand Vitara debuted in Japan in 1988 as the Escudo – the world’s first compact sport utility vehicle – and has remained the flagbearer for Suzuki’s four-wheel-drive (4WD) lineup. With near-50:50 weight distribution (benefiting from a powertrain based on a longitudinally mounted front engine and rear-wheel drive), a centre differential equipped 4WD system, all-round independent suspension, and a body which combines lightweight unibody design with a sturdy ladder frame, it embodies Suzuki’s concept of an ‘off-road athlete’. In addition to providing outstanding off-road capability, the Grand Vitara delivers on-road stability and comfort. Its styling conveys both refinement and strength, and its performance on diverse surfaces exceeds conventional expectations of a compact SUV.
