2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara: Authentic and Purpose Built - A True SUV in Every Sense

BREA, Calif., Sept. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- As today's compact SUVs morph into little more than car-based crossovers, American Suzuki, its product team and family of dealers continue to provide consumers with the Gold Standard among compact SUVs, a standard built on 40-plus years of supplying 4x4 sport utilities for the retail customer. With its ladder-frame-reinforced unitized body, efficient 4-cylinder powertrain and available low-range gearing, the Grand Vitara continues to supply comfortable in-town transport along with capable outbound recreation. In combination with a timeless two-box profile, expansive greenhouse and composed all-independent suspension, the Grand Vitara's footprint, architecture and features rival sport utilities costing thousands of dollars more.

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Neo-classic Design

Building on a tradition of well-proportioned Suzuki 4x4s, the Grand Vitara employs artfully molded sheet metal with an expansive greenhouse, short front and rear overhangs and generous ground clearance. And with its front-engine, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive chassis, the 2013 Grand Vitara continues with a platform providing both a visual and dynamic balance.

In 2013 the freshened Grand Vitara receives an all-new front fascia and grille, new turn signals and chrome cladding on designated trims, new alloy wheels and new exterior colors.

Interior Flexibility

Despite having generous ground clearance when the road ends, the Grand Vitara also offers easy accessibility – for both driver and passengers – when the trip begins. A low step-in height affords easy access for all passengers. Once seated, everyone can enjoy an expansive greenhouse with little to restrict the view, making the Grand Vitara exceptionally drivable for in-town traffic and especially rewarding while viewing out-of-town scenery. The Grand Vitara's interior also defies the 'compact' descriptive, with generous seating area for five, along with a spacious, flexible cargo area for passengers' gear. With a 60/40 split rear bench the Grand Vitara accommodates a variable combination of passengers and cargo. Fold both sides of the rear seat forward and you can carry over 70 cubic feet of cargo, enough to support virtually any adventure.

In 2013 the Grand Vitara receives new seat fabrics, a two-tone interior and a new embedded navigation/infotainment system. The new voice-activated system is enhanced with streaming audio¹ as well as USB ports for a variety of portable music players.  The convenience of a rear vision camera² is also available as an added accessory.

Crosstown Mobility/Cross-country Adventure

The 2013 Grand Vitara retains MacPherson strut suspension up front and a multi-link, fully independent suspension in back. In combination with accurate, well-connected steering, available all-wheel drive or 4-mode 4WD (Limited), 4-wheel vented disc brakes and all-season tires, the Suzuki Grand Vitara can be equipped for sure-footed handling on virtually any paved – or unpaved – surface, in any season. And with its rugged, overbuilt construction and RWD bias the Grand Vitara is capable of towing up to 3,000 pounds. In short, it could almost tow your neighbor's car-based crossover.

Powertrain

As the 2013 Grand Vitara strikes an optimal balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability, so does its 2.4 liter DOHC four cylinder achieve a perfect balance of performance and efficiency. Boasting 166 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, the Grand Vitara powertrain shares its basic architecture with Suzuki's high-performance Kizashi, along with tuning appropriate to the Grand Vitara's dual on-road/off-road mission. The capable four-cylinder engine can be matched to either a 5-speed manual or available automatic.

Safety

The 2013 Grand Vitara's active safety features include an Electronic Stability Program^®3 (ESP) and four-wheel disc brakes with standard ABS and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD). In combination with traction control, the ESP on AWD models utilizes a sophisticated computer algorithm that controls the Grand Vitara's all-wheel-traction distribution and anti-lock braking in concert to help the driver maintain control in demanding conditions.

Passive safety features and capabilities include a reinforced body structure combined with front and rear crumple zones designed to help absorb the energy of an impact. Dual front advanced airbags are standard, working in combination with front-seat-mounted side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags front and rear and 3-point front and rear seat belts.

For young children riding in the rear seat, the Grand Vitara provides rear child-seat tether anchors (x3) and rear child-seat ISOFIX anchors (x2). Both work to help secure infants and/or young children in the car, while side-impact door beams and a tire pressure monitoring system work to improve safety for all passengers.

Have It Your Way

Suzuki provides a Grand Vitara serving a wide range of needs, in company with a wide range of budgets. The entry-level Grand Vitara includes the 2.4 liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission and fully-independent suspension. Outside, the Grand Vitara is enhanced by automatic-control projector beam headlamps, power side mirrors and intermittent front and rear wipers.

Inside, a host of standard upgrades include advanced touchscreen GPS navigation, automatic climate control, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, power door locks and windows, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 with auxiliary jack input, and standard Bluetooth hands-free calling. Dual power outlets are there for driver and front seat passenger, while the 60/40 split rear seats both fold and recline.

Opt for Premium trim and Suzuki customers will enjoy both standard automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive. The GPS navigation includes an advanced voice-activated touchscreen, along with access to real-time traffic⁴, designed to save you time.

At the top of the Grand Vitara lineup is Limited, affording the Grand Vitara prospect 18-inch alloy wheels, available 4-mode 4WD with flat-tow capability, a power glass sunroof with tilt and both heated outside mirrors and fog lamps. Inside the Grand Vitara Limited seating is leather-appointed, front seats are heated and the steering wheel is leather-wrapped. The driver and passengers gain access with a TouchFree Smart Key keyless start and entry system. And once inside they'll enjoy woodgrain interior accents and a 7-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with subwoofer and speed-sensing volume control.

Technical Specifications – 2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara

Wheelbase: 103.9 inches

Overall Length: 177.2 inches (with full spare tire cover)

Overall Width: 71.3 inches

Engine: 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine

Horsepower: 166hp @ 6,000 rpm

Torque: 162 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm

Transmission, Manual: 5-speed manual transmission

Transmission, Automatic: 4-speed automatic

Brakes: 4-wheel disc brakes with four-wheel ABS and Electronic Brake Force Distribution

EPA Fuel Economy Estimates: 19/26 RWD MT, 19/25 RWD Auto, 19/23 AWD Auto

¹Requires compatible smartphone app and active data service.  Drivers and/or passengers could be subject to data service overage charges should the drivers and/or passengers exceed the limits of the data service plan.

²Rear vision camera is a convenience feature and is not a substitute for looking to the rear and using rear-view mirrors.  Drivers should ensure the area is clear when driving in reverse.

³Electronic Stability Program^® (ESP) is a registered trademark of Daimler AG, which should remain on when driving except when freeing the vehicle from the mud or snow, cannot be relied upon to prevent accidents due to abrupt steering, carelessness or dangerous driving techniques.

⁴Real-Time Traffic subscription available at additional cost

About Suzuki

The Brea, Calif.-based Automotive Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corporation was founded in 1963 by parent company Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) and currently markets its vehicles in the United States through a network of automotive dealerships and numerous other motorcycle, ATV and marine distributors. With global headquarters in Hamamatsu, Japan, SMC is a diversified worldwide automobile, motorcycle and outboard motor manufacturer. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has operations in 201 countries and regions. For more information, visit www.media.suzukiauto.com.

SOURCE American Suzuki Motor Corporation