Suzuki Grand Vitara covers all the basics well

THE 2015 Grand Vitara looks solid in classic SUV tradition with a rear door-mounted spare tire.

SUZUKI Motor of Japan is globally recognized as the manufacturer of excellent motorcycles, subcompact and compact cars and compact sport utility vehicles.

Among Suzuki’s compact SUVs, the Grand Vitara has earned a reputation for its masterful 4-mode 4X4 system that can tackle serious off-roading and extreme surface conditions but is also  pleasant to drive on paved city streets.

So how does a 2-wheel-drive third generation Grand Vitara rate in Suzuki’s sporty lineup? And compared to other brands’ 4×2 compact SUVs/ crossovers?

Suzuki Philippines manifested a lot of confidence in the 2WD Grand Vitara when they chose not to offer the 4WD variant along with it.

At P1,160,000, the 2WD Grand Vitara is not cheap; the Special Edition costs more at P1,210,000.

For that price range, what does the 2WD Grand Vitara offer that its similarly priced rivals do not?

Rear wheel drive

For one thing, the 2WD Grand Vitara is rear wheel-drive whereas its 2WD competitors are front wheel-drive.

The rear wheel-drive system delivers more driveability dynamics, such as no wheel spin when quickly moving away from traffic lights in the rain.

It also means some admirable cornering traits, although not as planted as other lighter, more agile 2WD compact SUVs.

For another thing, the Grand Vitara is much roomier than most of its rivals. 

A LEATHER-wrapped steering wheel, silver trim, and. navsat in a predominantly black interior

The driving position is alright, satellite navigation is standard equipment, and the color touchscreen and automatic climate controls are user-friendly. 

These offset the plentiful hard plastics and not so impeccable fit-and-finish.

Comfortable seats

The seats are comfortable, covered with stitched black cloth trim combined with permeated beige fabric on the sides.

Legroom front and back is more than adequate. The back seat with center armrest is set higher than the front seats, theater-style, giving the rear seat passengers a good view of the road.

However, there are no air conditioning vents at the rear.

Cargo space measures 398 liters with the backseat up, increases to 758 liters when the backseat is folded forward, and maximizes to 1,386 liters when the backseat is flipped up against the front seats.

There is a detachable tonneau cover to protect your cargo from prying eyes.

Strong engine

THE 2.4-liter VVT petrol engine produces 168 hp and 227 Nm max torque.

As for performance, the 2.4-liter VVT petrol engine with multipoint fuel injection is certainly stronger than the 2.0-liter powerplants of other entry-level 2WD compact SUVs.

The rather noisy engine packs 168 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 227 Newton meters max torque at 3,800 rpm, more than enough to pull the 1,655 kilograms curb weight.

When you feel the need for speed, you can push the Sport button beside the gear shift. While the Grand Vitara does not accelerate as swiftly as its rivals, once the engine hits its stride, the Suzuki gets to be fun to drive.

On the other hand, the 2WD Grand Vitara is like no other compact SUVs in that its transmission is 4-speed automatic. All its rivals have either a 6-speed AT or CVT (continuously variable transmission), both of which are superior to the 4-speed AT.

Suitably weighted steering

THE COMFY backseat has black cloth trim with beige swatches.

The steering system is slow, yet it is suitably weighted, neither too light nor too heavy.

The ride is firm, even in urban settings, which is a traditional 4WD Grand Vitara off-road characteristic. 

The suspension system consists of MacPherson strut with coil spring in front, and multi-link at the rear.

The Grand Vitara is composed and quiet on smooth roads but big potholes and corrugated surfaces affect its occupants’ comfort levels a bit.

The rear door opens sideways and has a full-size spare tire mounted on it, making it easy to detach in case of a flat tire. No need to look for a gasoline station because the spare is a space-saving, mileage-limited doughnut type.

Stability

LUGGAGE space measures 398 liters, and expands to 1,368 liters when the rear seat is flipped up against the front seats.

An Electronic Stability Program consisting of ABS (anti-lock braking system), EBD (electronic brake force distribution), traction control and stability control is standard equipment together with at least two airbags.

The sturdy body structure with energy-absorbing trim helps direct the force of impact away from the highly reinforced cabin should a collision occur.

Indeed, the 2WD Grand Vitara feels solid, tough and capable although it has no off-road gear and lacks the eye-catching style, refinement and high-tech gizmos of its competitors.

Its advantages over small SUVs that cost less than a million are its 2.4-liter engine, rear-wheel-drive system, roomy cabin, comfy seats and flexible cargo space.

A strong engine, sturdiness, driveability, practicality, space and comfort are precisely the basics of a good SUV – and the Grand Vitara has all the basics well-covered.