- Five-door Grand Vitara has spacious interior
- Long-travel suspension provides a comfortable ride
- Some off-road capability
- Three-door Grand Vitara has cramped interior and underwhelming performance
- Cabin lacks sound insulation
- Slow steering lacks response around centre
- Four-speed auto and five-speed manual transmissions lack ratios of rivals
- Cheap interior materials
Review: Suzuki JB.I Grand Vitara (2005-06)
Overview
Released in September 2005, the Suzuki JB Series I (JB.I) Grand Vitara was a four-wheel drive wagon. Manufactured in Shizuoka, Japan, the JB Grand Vitara was available in three- and five-door bodies; while the former was powered by 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engines, the five-door models were available with 2.0-litre four-cylinder and 2.7-litre V6 petrol engines (see table below).
The JB Grand Vitara had a monocoque body which was mated to a ladder chassis. The three-door models were 4005 mm long, 1810 mm wide, 1695 mm tall and had a 2440 mm long wheelbase. The five-door models, however, were 465 mm longer (at 4470 mm) and had 200 mm longer wheelbases (at 2640 mm).
The JB Grand Vitara had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension.
| Body | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3dr wagon | 1.6-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man. | 73 kW at 5900 rpm | 139 Nm at 4100 rpm |
| 5dr wagon | 2.0-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man., 5sp auto |
103 kW at 6000 rpm | 183 Nm at 4000 rpm |
| 2.7-litre petrol V6 | 5sp man., 5sp auto |
135 kW at 6000 rpm | 250 Nm at 4500 rpm |
4WD system
The JB Grand Vitara had a permanent four-wheel drive system with a torque-sensing centre differential. The three-door 1.6-litre models had a single high-ratio gear, while the five-door models had a two-speed transfer case. As such, the five-door models had the following selectable drive modes which could be engaged ‘on the fly’ via a dashboard-mounted switch:
- 4H: four-wheel drive (47:53 front:rear torque split) and high-range gearing;
- 4H Lock: four-wheel drive with the centre differential locked and high range gearing; and,
- 4L Lock: four-wheel drive with the centre differential locked and low range gearing.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Grand Vitara included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Features: Grand Vitara
Standard features for the Grand Vitara included a four speaker sound system with CD player, climate control air conditioning, a multi-function steering wheel, 50/50 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a height adjustable steering wheel, three 12 volt power outlets, roof rails, tinted windows and an immobiliser.
Within the five-door range, the 2.0-litre models were further equipped with halogen projector headlights, a 60/40 split and folding rear seat with a centre armrest, height adjustable driver’s seat, a driver’s side map pocket and luggage compartment trim. The 2.7-litre models were further equipped with courtesy lights.
2006 Grand Vitara Trekker
In June 2006, limited-run Trekker editions were released. Compared to the standard Grand Vitara, the Trekker editions featured a six-disc CD player, front fog lights, bonnet and headlight protectors, front weather shields, a nudge bar, roof racks, tow bar kit and cargo net. The 2.0-litre models were further equipped with a 300-litre luggage pod, while the 2.7-litre models were also fitted with cruise control.
Review: Suzuki JB.II Grand Vitara (2006-08)
Overview
Released in August 2006, the Suzuki JB Series II (JB.II) Grand Vitara introduced an expanded range as the 2.7-litre models with automatic transmissions were offered in a Prestige variant. In 2008, the range was expanded with five-door Grand Vitara models that were powered by 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engines; for these models, a five-speed manual transmission was fitted as standard.
| Body | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3dr wagon | 2006-08 | 1.6-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man. | 73 kW at 5900 rpm | 139 Nm at 4100 rpm |
| 5dr wagon | 2006-08 | 2.0-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man., 5sp auto |
103 kW at 6000 rpm | 183 Nm at 4000 rpm |
| 2006-08 | 2.7-litre petrol V6 | 5sp man., 5sp auto |
135 kW at 6000 rpm | 250 Nm at 4500 rpm | |
| 2008 | 1.9-litre turbo-diesel I4 | 5sp man. | 95 kW at 3750 rpm | 300 Nm at 2000 rpm |
Safety equipment
Compared to their JB.I predecessors, standard safety equipment for the JB.II Grand Vitara were substantially the same. The 2.7-litre Prestige variant, however, was further equipped with front side airbags and full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants).
Euro NCAP crash testing
In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2007 five-door Grand Vitara fitted with a 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine – and equipped with dual front airbags, front side airbags and curtain airbags – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 29.87. This result, however, included one point for a driver’s seatbelt reminder which was not available in Australia, such that ANCAP’s rating for locally-delivered models 28.87 out of 37. In the frontal offset crash test, there was insufficient pressure in the driver’s airbag to prevent the driver’s head from ‘bottoming-out’ the airbag onto the steering wheel and protection from serious leg injury was marginal for the front occupants. In the side impact and pole tests, however, the Grand Vitara received maximum points.
Features
Compared to the standard 2.7-litre Grand Vitara, the Prestige variant which featured 17-inch alloy wheels, a seven speaker sound system (including subwoofer) with a six-disc CD player and MP3-compatibility, leather upholstery, cruise control, proximity key, front fog lights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
2007 Grand Vitara Trekker
In April 2007, Grand Vitara Trekker editions were released. The Trekker editions added a six-disc CD player, Garmin satellite navigation system, a 21-litre Waeco portable fridge/warmer, nudge bar, headlamp and bonnet protectors, front weather shields, a cargo net and floor mats.
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