By James Bergeron
Photo Gallery:
2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara
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Public relations people can be quite the bunch. They are typically very nice, can help get you any information you require on a product or get you in contact with someone who can — but I wasn’t expecting this. Suzuki somehow has enough pull in their PR department to ensure I am able to test the new 2009 Grand Vitara’s four wheel drive capabilities by dumping 15cm of snow on the city!
Okay, obviously I am joking (about the PR pull, not the snow), but I am glad that I do have a capable four-wheel drive machine this week with the weather turning for the worst, and me with my fingers crossed that we do not get another winter like last year.
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This week, I am once again behind the wheel of a Suzuki Grand Vitara. I say once again because it was but a few months ago that I drove the outgoing, 2008 edition. This is both good and not-so-good as I see it — it is great because I still vaguely remember the 2008 Vitara and its driving characteristics, and not-so-great because it is difficult to review the same vehicle again so soon.
The last Grand Vitara I reviewed (2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara) was also a JLX model with automatic transmission. This tester, though, is the JLX-L model, with that extra “L” designating that leather is included.
Not a great deal has changed from 2008 to 2009, but there is one very significant difference, with a move away from the standard 2.7-litre V6 engine across the board to 2.4-litre I4 or 3.2L V6 engine choices. With this comes a new pricing structure as well, leaving me with a tester only $400 more than the 2008 model I tested but adding leather seating and door panels to spice it up.
2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara I4 JLX-L
MSRP as tested (including destination): $31,545
For more information on Suzuki and the Grand Vitara visit Suzuki Canada
