The Big Bang 4x4 with a Long Evolution

It’s been 26 remarkable years since the Vitara first roared onto New Zealand roads and revolutionised the four-wheel drive market. Like all Suzuki vehicles, the world-leading SUV was born out of years of research to find out exactly what people needed from a four-wheel drive, both on and off the road.

To understand exactly how the model arrived at today’s finely tuned design, we need to go back to the very first examples of 4x4 innovation by Suzuki. And that was actually way back in 1970.

The ‘Light Jeep’, LJ10, was Japan’s first mass-produced 4x4 in the mini car category. It had an eager 359 cc two-cylinder engine. Five years later, it was making waves in Australia as the liquid-cooled, 550 cc LJ50. Then it evolved once more into the LJ80, and lit a fire in the market for fun 4x4 recreational vehicles. The game changed again in 1981 with the introduction of the SJ410, adding a sense of style into the 4x4 mix. The utility heritage remained, but it was breaking even more ground in the leisure market.

This new direction influenced Suzuki’s next 4x4 model, the SJ413. It had a lightweight 1.3 litre, four-cylinder engine. Comfort levels were increased, and a five-speed gearbox added. By now, the SJ413 was being sold in over 100 countries around the world, and known in many as the early models of Suzuki Jimny. But Suzuki had much bigger plans.

Four years later, Vitara exploded into the Suzuki 4x4 family in the shape of a 1.6 litre, four-cylinder engine model with two-speed transfer box. This revolutionary off and on-roader blended true 4x4 features with car-like dynamics and unprecedented comfort. Leaf spring suspension was replaced with coil springs front and rear. A built-in ladder frame construction marked its difference from would-be competitors. Vitara single‑handedly started a whole new trend in 4x4 motoring, and sparked a fast-growing range of two, three and four-door, longer wheelbase, and automatic alternatives.

A new level of sophistication was added in 1995, with the arrival of the first 2.0 litre V6 engine ever in a 4x4 vehicle, in the shape of Vitara Estate Wagon. The flagship model featured a widened and reinforced platform, a beefed up body, and a host of safety features, which were soon incorporated in the other models.

By 1997 the Vitara range was complete. The introduction of an intercooled 2.0 litre turbo-diesel engine gave Vitara 23% more horsepower, 29% more torque, and highly economical fuel consumption. It also gave superb flexibility for off-road use and comfortable on-road driving. But the 4WD market was heating up at that time, with other manufacturers scrambling to muscle in on Suzuki’s success.

Then, in 1998, the Vitara got Grand. Technical specs, styling and quality were all stepped up a notch, allowing even more customers to explore in a real 4x4. It even offered an off-road alternative to those seeking a ‘people mover’, with the introduction of the 7-seater XL-7 in 2001.

By 2005, Grand Vitara had evolved into ‘an off-road athlete’, taking Suzuki SUVs to a new level of performance and style. Four wheel independent suspension and full-time 4WD softened the Grand Vitara on road, but left it perfectly willing to trample through bush tracks and rivers. Style hadn’t been forgotten either, and in 2012 a 2WD version was added to give the Grand Vitara experience to those who had no need or desire to venture off road.

44 years of refinements have made the ride smoother and quieter, without dulling the experience in any way. And it’s been recognised with more than 35 international awards.

Where the ride goes next, we’re not sure. But we’re sure it’s going to take a whole new generation of 4x4 fans with it.

Suzuki 4x4 Timeline
1970    The very first 4x4: LJ10
1975    LJ50 took Australia offroad
1978    LJ80 made offroad fun
1981    Stylish beginnings in SJ410
1984    SJ413 was sold in 100 countries
1988    Vitara JX/JLX introduced
1991    Vitara longer wheelbase 5-door, 1.6 litre model
1995    Estate Wagon brought a new sophistication to Vitara
1997    The Vitara range was complete
1998    The first Grand Vitara arrived in NZ
2001    XL-7 7-seater
2005    Third Generation GV
2012    Two-wheel drive became available
2014    The current GV range