Suzuki Grand Vitara diesel 2008 Review

. . . as we chug steadily up a steep, slippery hill in the new Suzuki Grand Vitara Turbo Diesel it is evident that this is what oil-burners do best.

Sure, the new 1.9-litre, direct-injection, intercooled turbo diesel engine miserly sips the Earth's fossil fuel resources and emits greenhouse gases at the same rate as a small car.

But it is the generous 300Nm of crank-twisting torque that I am thankful for as the latest in the long and trusted line of Grand Vitaras plods steadfastly up the greasy Mt Cotton hill at just a tickle over idle.

Grand Vitara Turbo Diesel is only the third diesel in the competitive compact SUV class, after the launch last year of diesel versions of the Kia Sportage and Jeep Patriot and Compass.

The five-door diesel Grand Vitara is listed at $34,990 which places it just behind the top-of-the-range V6 Prestige and completes the five-model range.

It comes with the same specification as the Prestige, but without the leather upholstery. So that means it gets a leather-wrap steering wheel, stability control, climate air, MP3 compatible CD player, cruise control and remote keyless entry with immobiliser.

Powered by a Renault 1.9-litre common-rail turbo engine, the Bosch magnetic coil piezo injectors can squirt precise amounts of fuel from the high-pressure (1600 bar, 23,000psi) common rail up to five times during one cylinder's combustion cycle.

This not only reduces fuel consumption and gas emissions, but also compression knock and therefore engine noise.

The water-cooled Garret turbocharger features energy efficient variable fins which at low revs are almost flat so turbine speed is high and boost is up.

At high revs the fins turn to a steeper angle, so turbine speed does not go off the scale.

Turbo cooling is provided by an electric cooling pump, which keeps engine coolant circulating through the turbo charger after the engine has stopped.

The diesel is married to a new five-speed manual gearbox which is notchy but robust. There will be no automatic.

Paul Dillon, general manager of Queensland importers Suzuki Auto Co, said their technicians last year evaluated a test vehicle here over 3000km and had not encountered any issues.

On a test drive with Dillon around Brisbane last year and on the very short road test at last week's state launch, the vehicle sounded quiet and strong, pulling from as low as 1700rpm.

From 2200rpm, it rolls on with more urge than the V6 Prestige for reasonable passing duties. However, with only 95kW on tap, the top end isn't as vibrant as the V6.

As it approaches red line, the engine begins to groan and there is minor coarseness through the gear shift and pedal.

At 100km/h in fifth gear the diesel ticks over at just 2200rpm, which should yield good fuel economy. Suzuki claims 9.4l/100km in city duties and 6.7 on the highway.

The Japanese brand proudly boasts that its compact SUV range is more likely to be used for off-road ventures than most of its ilk.

Consequently, the major portion of the launch was conducted on the four-wheel-drive circuit of the State Government's Mt Cotton driver training facility.

Here the little diesel "Zuke” is in its element, splashing through the bog holes, stepping over tree roots and chugging up gnarly hillclimbs.

Going down some steep hills, the low-revving diesel engine helps to negate the need for a hill descent feature despite its under 2:1 transfer case ratio. Only perpendicular slopes are going to prove a problem.

This is a genuine off-roader suited to beach runs, forestry trails and some tight bush work. Only rock crawling is beyond its capabilities.

However, greenies shouldn't be perturbed by this off-roader. It is fitted with a particulate filter incorporated in the exhaust that burns off carbon deposits.

Inside, the Suzuki looks crisp and modern with comfortable seats, generous leg and head room, and clear vision all round for an open, airy feeling.

Safety is aided by stability control that includes traction control and anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist.

There are also six airbags in the cabin and the bonnet and bumper area are designed to be pedestrian friendly.

Suzuki Auto Co sales and marketing manager Stephen Craig said they expected to sell more than 500 diesel Grand Vitaras in a year, accounting for about 28 per cent of all their 4WD sales, which also includes the practical little Jimny.

Suzuki will follow up the diesel Grand Vitara with a minor update and increase in engine capacities for its petrol models in the middle of 2008.

The 2-litre four-cylinder will become a 2.4, while the 2.7-litre V6 grows to 3.2.

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Grand Vitara diesel

$34,990

ENGINE: 1870cc 4-valve, 4-cylinder direct injection common-rail turbo diesel

POWER: 95kW @ 3750rpm

TORQUE: 300Nm @ 2000rpm

BORE X STROKE: 80 x 93MM

COMPRESSION: 17:1

DRIVE: 4-mode 4 x 4

TRANSMISSION: 5-speed manual; transfer high 1.000, low 1.970KERB

WEIGHT: 1605kg (1660kg with full options)

PERFORMANCE: 170km/h (max), 0-100km/h in 13.2sec

ECONOMY (L/100KM): 9.4 (city), 6.7 (highway), 7.6 (combined)

EMISSIONS: 195g/km of CO2; Euro 4 compliant