UK gets diesel 3-door Suzuki Grand Vitara

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It used to be that US buyers could regularly choose 2- or 3-door (if they were closed-roof models) small SUVs if they felt that's what suited their needs. They included the Samurai, and later, the Sidekick from Suzuki, the Isuzu Rodeo, and the Toyota RAV4, just to name a few. Today, our market's loaded with small SUVs, but they're all on longer wheelbases and sport four doors and a rear hatch, just like their larger brethren.

In other markets, you can still get the smaller SUVs from some manufacturers, however. We like the 3-door Suzuki Grand Vitara quite a bit. It keeps the Vitara's good looks, but compresses them into a short, buggy-like package. This week, Suzuki UK announced the availability of a diesel version of the small Grand Vitara, which to us seems like a seriously versatile little machine. A 4x4 sized like a commuter car that manages 38.2 mpg on the combined cycle definitely has some appeal. Keep in mind that the Brits generally use imperial gallons in their ratings. If that's indeed the case here, we'd be lower - around 32 mpg (thanks to Brian in the comments for correcting me). Still pretty nice. If you were given the option, would you choose something like this over one of the current misers (i.e. Fit, Yaris, Prius)?

Press release after the jump.

[Source: Suzuki UK]

PRESS RELEASE:
3-DOOR DIESEL MODEL JOINS SUZUKI'S GRAND VITARA LINE-UP

Customers opting for a diesel powered Suzuki Grand Vitara have until now been restricted in their choice to the larger 5-door bodystyle, but a new 3-door model joins the range from April, priced at a competitive £14,999 on-the-road.

Unlike its petrol-engined 3-door sibling, which is essentially a 'soft roader', the new 1.9 DDiS Grand Vitara adopts the drivetrain of the manual transmission 5-door models and supplements permanent four-wheel drive with a centre differential lock and a low range to ensure serious and outstanding off road capability. It can therefore tackle tough, muddy off-road conditions with ease, while the system's four different modes are easily selected via a dash-mounted rotary switch.

Power output from the Renault-supplied intercooled and turbocharged engine is 129 PS, and a hefty 221 lb ft (300 Nm) of torque peaking at 2000 rpm delivers reassuring ability in both on and off-road driving situations. Such output doesn't penalise fuel economy either, and the 1.9 DDiS 3 door Grand Vitara achieves 38.2 mpg on the combined cycle, while carbon dioxide emissions are 195 g/km.

In line with other Grand Vitara models, equipment levels are generous, and include climate control air conditioning, front electric windows, an integrated radio/CD player with steering wheel mounted audio controls, tinted glass, tilt adjustable steering, reclining rear seats, heated and folding door mirrors, immobiliser, alloys and front fogs. Outstanding safety credentials include front, side and curtain airbags for front seat occupants, plus curtain airbags in the rear.

Thanks to a unique lightweight monocoque body combined with a stiff, built-in ladder frame, rigidity matches the most traditional of off roaders. In contrast to the 5-door model's understated elegance, the 3-door with its 'crouched' muscular form projects a more sporty persona. A relatively long wheelbase has permitted a roomy cabin with front and rear legroom comparable to that of models from a higher segment.

The 1.9 DDiS 3-door joins a line-up comprising 1.6-litre VVT and VVT+ 3-door manual models; 2.0-litre 16v 5-door manual and automatic models; and 1.9 DDiS 5-door manual model.

MODEL GRAND VITARA DIESEL M/T 3 DR

TRANSMISSION		Manual
DIMENSIONS
Overall length	mm	4405
Overall width	mm	1810
Overall height	mm	1695
Wheelbase	mm	2440
Front track	mm	1540
Rear track	mm	1570
Ground clearance	mm	200
Turning circle	m	10.2
Boot capacity rear seatbacks raised	litres	184 (VDA method)
Boot capacity rear seatbacks lowered	litres	516 (VDA method)
WEIGHTS
Kerb weight	kg	1570
Gross vehicle weight	kg	1870
Braked trailer weight	kg	1600
Unbraked trailer weight	kg	550
Gross train weight	kg	1870
Nose weight	kg	85
ENGINE
Type 1.9 F9Q		Compression ignition, four stroke
Cylinders		4 in line
Fuel distribution		High pressure common rail direct injection
Piston displacement		1870
Bore x stroke	mm	80.0 x 93.0
Compression ratio		17.0.1
Max. power	kW @ rpm	95 @ 3750 rpm
Max. torque	Nm @ rpm	300 @ 2000 rpm
EMISSIONS / FUEL CONSUMPTION
CO2 (Combined)	g/km	195
Urban	mpg	31.4
Extra urban	mpg	43.5
Combined	mpg	38.2
Fuel tank capacity	litres	55L
TRANSMISSION
Type		Mechanical, 5 speed synchromesh
1st gear ratio		3.854
2nd gear ratio		2.135
3rd gear ratio		1.411
4th gear ratio		1.000
5th gear ratio		0.784
Reverse ratio		3.854
Transfer ratio		LOW=1.970, HIGH=1.000
Final gear ratio		4.300
Maximum speed	mph	105
0-62 mph	sec	12.6
0-100 km/h	sec	12.8
CHASSIS
Steering		Hybrid, mechanical rack & pinion (POWER STEERING)
Front suspension		MacPherson strut and coil spring
Rear suspension		Multi Link/ Coil Spring
Front brakes		Diagonal split, servo assisted ventilated discs, ABS
Rear brakes		Drum, leading and trailing
Tyres		225/65R17S or (spare225/70/16S)
Wheel size		16 x 6J or (spare 16 x 6.5J )