News Release

Grand Vitaras make Queenstown Statement

14 October 2011

The pioneer of affordable, compact four wheel drive vehicles is becoming a familiar sight in and around Queenstown.

Two new Suzuki Grand Vitara Ltd five-door models are in use by Destination Queenstown, helping to promote tourism in the popular open lifestyle region.

The third generation Grand Vitara’s are in use by the Regional Tourism Organisation responsible for the promotion of New Zealand’s premier visitor destination.

Suzuki’s original Vitara ushered in a new generation of versatile four-wheel-drive vehicles in 1988, with a winning formula that has been maintained in the latest versions.

With its clever engineering base, the latest Grand Vitara is the logical vehicle to showcase Queenstown’s out and about attributes.

Unlike other compact Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs), the Grand Vitara is built using a monocoque body design with a built-in ladder type frame for extra strength. The rigid frame works in conjunction with the all-wheel independent suspension, making it ideal for both on and off-road use.

As well as having permanent four wheel drive, the Grand Vitara has both high and low ratio gearing, a rare quality among SUVs.

It means the Grand Vitara is better able to traverse off road territories that abound in the Queenstown region.

As official vehicle supplier to Destination Queenstown, Suzuki is represented in promotional and marketing activities in the Central Otago area.

Securing the agreement with Suzuki aligns two great brands with common lifestyle values and positioning, said Graham Budd, Destination Queenstown’s general manager of marketing. Suzuki’s “way of life” positioning and Queenstown’s inspirational outdoor lifestyle were “a perfect match”, he said.

“We’re delighted to have entered this partnership with Suzuki. The Grand Vitara is the perfect compact four wheel drive vehicle for our environment and the work we do in representing Queenstown as New Zealand’s favorite holiday destination,” said Graham Budd.

The boldly branded Grand Vitara’s are becoming a familiar sight on Queenstown roads, and their abilities both on and off the highway are impressing visitors and locals.

“We’re very happy to give our endorsement to the comfort and performance of the Grand Vitara and the DQ team is proud to be seen out and about in them,” he said.

Tom Peck, general manager of marketing for Suzuki New Zealand, also believes the brands are a great fit.

“This association with Destination Queenstown aligns us perfectly with an iconic Kiwi destination and the Grand Vitara is ideally suited to the challenging Otago landscape,” said Tom Peck.

The five-door Grand Vitara has a four-mode four wheel drive system with a torque sensing, limited slip differential for better all-wheel traction.

Not only does the Suzuki have a high four star rating for adult occupant protection, but also its strong passive safety features are backed up by secure handling and stability with the vehicle’s wide track and relatively long wheelbase.

Five versions of the Grand Vitara are available in New Zealand, with on road pricing starting from $31,690.  Unlike most rivals, Suzuki’s recommended retail prices include all on-road costs including 12 months registration, Warrant of Fitness, a full tank of fuel, 3 years manufacturers warranty and 5 years roadside assistance.

There is the option of manual or automatic transmissions. All are powered by 2.4-litre double overhead camshaft engines with variable valve timing technology.