ALLGRIP, a trademarked technology popularized by Suzuki and applied to the various Suzuki cars including the Jimny now finds its way to the latest variation of the Vitara in the Philippines. The addition of this 4×4 technology produces what is now the most affordable all-wheel drive SUV in its class.
Priced at P1.458M for the mono-tone variant and a mere P10K more for the two-tone version, may result in more buyers latching on to the European feel of the black roofline. Side-by-side and spec-to-spec, this Vitara is currently the most affordable all-wheel drive in its class, compared to the Mazda CX-30 at P1.99M or the Subaru XV at P1.68M. The new Vitara AllGrip was launched virtually via a Facebook event, but the actual car is already available at the dealers.
“Ever since the new look of Vitara was launched in the Philippine market, we have seen enormous support for the model. One of the iconic models of the brand, this newest 4×4 vehicle provides individuality, stylish looks and added confidence on the road. This car will definitely encourage people to drive and bring more fun into their lives,” Keiichi Suzuki, Suzuki Philippines Vice President and General Manager for Automobile Division said.
But why all-wheel drive?
The Vitara has always been about all-wheel drive.
First launched in 1988, it was also known as Escudo in Japan, the Sidekick in the U.S. and later in Indonesia, but Vitara elsewhere. It was also rebadged for as the Chevrolet Tracker and Mazda Proceed Levante (for Japan and RHD markets). All that rebadging and renaming was cosmetic, because under the it, the Vitara was always a four wheel drive–the rear-wheel drive version came out months after the first compact SUV was launched in Japan.
So AllGrip is a technology refined by Suzuki for this size of vehicle. It is a little strange that during the launch and in the press literature, not much focus was put on the AllGrip system–because this one is vastly different from the more mechanical one in the Jimny’s AllGrip Pro.
The Vitara’s system utilizes a viscous coupling instead of a mechanical link, that is more responsive in real time distributing power to the front and rear wheels when activated. In the Jimny’s AllGrip Pro there is a transfer case between the driveshafts running from the front and rear differentials, and uses it to switch between 2WD and 4WD as required. In 4×4 more the power is distributed evenly to all tires.
With the Vitara’s AllGrip Select, drivers can switch between the four modes of “Auto, Sport, Snow, and Lock” depending on the road conditions and driving scenarios. The “Snow” mode is equivalent to “Winter” in other cars and is really useful for slippery, muddy or gravelly conditions when the slip factor changes with the distance. “Lock” mode keeps all four wheels spinning with a near 50:50 proportion of power.
“Sport” factors in speed and steering positions in usually dry weather conditions transferring power to the rear wheels for more accurate and safer driving say, on winding roads. Keeping it in “Auto” mode for daily use however, should be the default option, allowing the system to deliver the best combination of power and traction for better fuel economy in most driving conditions.
The new Vitara uses the very competent M16 1.6-liter engine and 6-speed automatic transmission with manual mode and paddle shift. This Vitara is sourced from Suzuki’s Magyar-Suzuki Ztr. plant in Esztergom, Hungary.
Externally there is little to differentiate the current Vitara with the new one except for the AllGrip badge. Both variants even share the same colors, well almost, along the line. It comes in two-tone–Prime Solar Yellow with Cosmic Black Pearl Metallic and Solid Bright Red with Cosmic Black Pearl Metallic. For mono-tone it is the same as the FWD version in Galactic Gray Metallic and Cool White Pearl.
It still has the long sunroof which will never be used under the sun, and that wonderful round clock with an analog face and chromed trim. The interior layout is the same–roomy, homey and unfettered but elegant. Total luggage space remains to be 375 liters. Even when the rear seats are not folded, there’s enough space to store a golf bag, and folding the rear seats gives even more space to store larger items.
Then there is the ten-inch infotainment system with smartphone linkage function. The clinometer that tells the driver the vehicle’s position in terms of pitch and roll angles, and additionally, an automatic wiper, light system and dimming rear view mirrors, rear camera and parking sensors, and a keyless Push-Start System.
The new Vitara’s AllGrip Select brings with it a slew of sensors and systems which also convert to active safety and driving assist equipment . It has SRS airbags as standard, hill descent and hill hold control, and brake assist function. It is also equipped with Electronic Stability Program which detects over and under steering to help the driver maintain directional control and it the brains behind the AllGrip Select system.
What is new is the Cruise Control system with speed limiter that provides comfort especially on long drives. What has been improved further is the pedestrian protecting, impact-absorbing structures that mitigate the extent of injuries in the event that the car comes into contact with pedestrians.
Suzuki’s Vitara AllGrip Select adds a new dimension to the compact SUV, all-wheel drive market arena. Existing in a universe where 2WD is more popular mainly because of price reasons, the SUV’s comparatively low price and excellent reputation for customer service, availability and even financing options, may put it in a very competitive position is what is the smallest segment of the popular SUV market.
