EQUIPMENT LEVEL BOOST FOR GRAND VITARA

Higher equipment levels are making the sturdy and versatile Suzuki Grand Vitara even better value for money.

For a limited period from January 2015 new Grand Vitaras fitted with automatic transmission will come with an Adventure pack comprising satellite navigation, a reversing camera, nudge-bar and roof racks at no extra cost.

"We are pleased the popular Grand Vitara is continuing in the lineup of new Suzuki vehicles in New Zealand, alongside the all-new Vitara model that is scheduled to arrive in the second half of 2015," said Gary Collins, general manager of automobile marketing for Suzuki New Zealand.

"The low-range four-wheel-drive adaptability of the Grand Vitara with its strong intergrated ladder frame construction is ideal for some New Zealand drivers, providing a versatility that is rare on other models in this price range," he said. The body-on-frame increases rigidity and durability without adding to overall weight. 2

Both the Grand Vitara and Kizashi four-door sedan remain integral components in the Suzuki lineup, countering reports in an independent British website that these models have discontinued manufacture.

Four versions of Grand Vitara are available in New Zealand, with the option of three-door or five-door bodies. All are powered by a 2.4 litre petrol engine with variable valve timing technology four valves per cylinder, offering a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency.

For consumers not requiring four-wheel-drive, a rear wheel-drive five-door Grand Vitara JLX automatic is available, complete with the Adventure pack. This well specified version has a recommended retail price of $29,990 plus on-road costs. A three-door Grand Vitara JLX automatic with four-wheel-drive and Adventure pack is $33,190 plus on road costs.

The flagship Grand Vitara LTD automatic with leather upholstery, front fog lamps, integrated door mirror turn signals, electric slide/tilt sunroof and side chrome moulding, plus the Adventure pack, is $39,990 plus on road costs.

All new Suzuki vehicles include a five-year, 100,000 kilometres powertrain warranty, a three-year, 100,000 kilometres comprehensive warranty and five-year roadside assistance.

The five-door Suzuki S-Cross hatchback, which is available in both two-wheel-drive and iAWD four-wheel-drive modes, is also being offered with an Adventure pack at no extra cost. This package includes handy roof racks, chrome side trim, mud-flaps and protectors for the bonnet and rear bumper.

S-Cross prices start from $27,990, plus on-road costs, and four versions are available, headed by a well-appointed LTD version with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that offers lower fuel consumption. The CVT can also be operated in a seven-stage Steptronic mode from the transmission lever or via steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.

When the all-new Vitara arrives in 2015 it will be the first of six new Suzuki models to be launched internationally during the next three years.

"These are progressive times for Suzuki and we are delighted both the larger Grand Vitara and Kizashi remain in our range of vehicles," said Gary Collins.