When the new Suzuki Grand Vitara is going on sale in South Africa

The new Suzuki Grand Vitara is launching in South Africa in the “week of 17 April,” the manufacturer confirmed to TopAuto.

Moreover, the company said at launch its headlining SUV will be available with both the 1.5-litre K15B engine that “is used in Baleno, Ertiga, Vitara Brezza, Ciaz, and Jimny” as well as an all-new hybrid powertrain with the code K15C.

This will make the new Grand Vitara the first vehicle with an electrified powertrain that Suzuki sells in the country.

What to expect

While Suzuki confirmed that the naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre motor will be available here, it is not yet known if it will produce the same power numbers as its siblings or push out a different figure.

In the rest of the Suzuki stable, the engine generates anywhere from 75kW/130Nm to 77kW/138Nm and the Grand Vitara is likely to be on the upper end of the spectrum.

The smart-hybrid derivatives then see the petrol engine combined with an integrated starter generator (ISG) to put out 76kW and 137Nm while reporting an average fuel usage of 4.9l/100km.

This power unit is paired with a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox, and will also be offered with Suzuki’s AllGrip four-wheel-drive system with four drive modes – Auto, Sport, Snow, and Lock.

Alongside lower fuel consumption, the “smart hybrid” configuration brings benefits such as a stop-start function, brake energy regeneration, and torque assist which “assists engine power during acceleration using the energy stored in the advanced dual-battery system,” according to the company.

As Suzuki’s “global flagship SUV” the Grand Vitara offers a generous selection of standard amenities.

Across the range, it sports LED projector headlights, cruise control, keyless entry and start, intelligent climate control, and six airbags.

Depending on the specification, the equipment list will also include a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, panoramic sunroof, heads-up display, ventilated seats, a 360-view camera, wireless charging, and rear-seat air conditioning vents.

The final South African specifications and model breakdown for the new Suzuki Grand Vitara will be announced closer to the vehicle’s launch date in less than a month’s time.

Concerning pricing, it’s likely going to be more expensive than the outgoing generation, so expect a figure north of R438,900.

2023 Suzuki Grand Vitara