SUZUKI has been celebrating 55 years of its ALLGRIP 4×4 technology – and we’ve had the chance to put some of the models from years gone by through their paces on a rugged Welsh hillside.
It’s not often manufacturers give journalists carte blanche to drive a wide selection of variants – from the Grand Vitara through the little Jimny to the popular Swift – on rough terrain with very little restrictions, but that is evidence of the faith Suzuki have in their overall ability to tackle all types of terrain.
And it was also the chance to hint at what’s coming later this year in the state of their first all electric car, the e Vitara. With ALLGRIP, of course.
The LJ10 of 1970 was their first foray in the four wheel drive field, offering those who needed it a lightweight and strong vehicle that afforded access across rougher terrain or for negotiating slippery surfaces during the winter months. In a motoring landscape that was populated with large four wheel drive vehicles, it was an instant hit.
And it’s fair to say the range has been punching above its weight ever since.
Vitara and Jimny are names synonymous with Suzuki’s success over the years and that original concept of a 4WD mini car evolved into the hugely popular range of small, compact and efficient off roaders.
Light weight has always been a mainstay of all the generations of four wheel drive Suzuki’s, and that also has benefits in lower fuel consumption as well as lower CO2 emissions. And that lightweight platform heritage has helped with their off-road prowess, even the little Swift, which nowadays is available in ALLGRIP Auto trim and which capably tackled anything the others did on the off-road course, even with normal road tyres. Certainly not its normal environment.
Probably the most iconic small Suzuki has been the Jimny – a car that would go on to rapidly sell out its production run with each new variant. It’s not been sold in the UK since last year but it’s truly a car with a cult following. With its robust ladder frame, part time 4WD and three link rigid axle suspension with coil springs, it was a serious off roader.
Suzuki’s first all electric car, the e Vitara, will also feature four wheel drive when it goes on sale in the coming months. ALLGRIP-e is an electric system that builds on Suzuki’s expertise in four wheel drive and features two independent motors at the front and rear. It’s said to give powerful performance and excellent responsiveness – we’ll see.
It will also include a trail mode so you can escape rough terrain by applying brakes to spinning wheels and sending drive torque to the opposite wheel via a limited slip differential.
Prices will start at £29,999 and it’ll come with a free home charger and 10,000 free miles too.
Suzuki e-Vitara
Price: from £29,999
Engine: dual motor 61kWh battery
Power: 181bhp
Torque: 224lb/ft
Transmission: single speed auto
Top speed: 93mph
0-62mph: 7.4 seconds
Range: 246 miles
CO2 emissions: 0g/km
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