The info is a bit sketchy at this point, but it looks like the Suzuki Grand Vitara is going to get some mid-cycle upgrades for 2009; two of which are engine-related.
Inside Line is reporting that there will be a new 3.2L V6 putting out 230 horsepower and 213 pound-feet of torque. This likely will replace the current 2.7L V6. The other engine I'm guessing will be a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine, which I believe is offered in other markets.
This is good news on both fronts. The present 2.7 V6 was neither powerful nor particularly fuel-efficient. If the 4-cylinder shows up, that should address the gas mileage issue. The more powerful V6 will take care of the power aspect.
I've long been a fan of the current-generation Grand Vitara (2008 model pictured). To me it's been sort of like an industrial-strength CRV, in that it's truly an off-roadable vehicle with fairly decent towing capability for its size. However, as much as I've liked it, it's always been a close-but-no-cigar thing with me. It now sounds like most my concerns may have been taken care of.
Also no word yet on prices or when it will show up, but my guess on the latter is within a few months. As more news becomes available, I'll get up here ASAP.
Suzuki Revamps Models for 2009
orangutan says:
10:38 AM, 07/25/08
Well, I'm glad they're finally improving the powertrain, though I doubt the 2.4 will dramatically increase its fuel economy, while I'm sure the 3.2 will decrease the already tepid 17 | 21 ratings.
orangutan says:
10:56 AM, 07/25/08
I found some more information on the new engines and supposedly they'll be rated for ~220 hp | 210 lbs and ~163 | 165 lbs for the 3.2 V6 and 2.4 I4 respectively. Fuel consumption is rated at the equivalent of just under 22 miles/gallon for the V6 and just under 26 miles/gallon for the I4.
[Values are converted from the advertisement into U.S. measurements.]
Check this out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GK6_biqBXk&fmt=18
There's also a page in Spanish talking about the changes that gives slightly different figures for the engines' outputs and fuel consumptions, and has an image of a three-door Grand Vitara:
http://www.adictoalmotor.com/2008/06/28/nuevo-suzuki-grand-vitara-2009/
firstwagon says:
05:34 PM, 07/26/08
The mileage was always disappointing but Suzuki did impress me by having the guts to keep building a real mini SUV instead of the easier route of a car styled to look like an SUV (Yeah, I know....they had one of those in the XL7 but what can you do?)
albook says:
08:54 AM, 07/27/08
They need to turn the Vitara into a "car dressed like an SUV" (they call them crossovers) because that's where the market's at. Few want a small real SUV, and no one looks to Suzuki for one. The XL7 on the other hand is doing well. I went to Orlando Florida a few months back, and they were everywhere. They must be a popular fleet vehicle.
djxavier says:
06:15 PM, 09/15/08
Couldn't disagree with you more albook. There are plenty of crossover vehicles now. Not many car manufacturers produce real 4x4 vehicles that are affordable for the mass market. This is a niche that Suzuki can grow the Grand Vitara in if marketed properly. Plenty of people are looking for real affordable 4x4's that are reliable and look great. Not everyone can afford a Nissan Xterra and not everyone wants a loud, ugly or unreliable Jeep.