Suzuki undercuts 4x4s
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by Toby Clark • Suzuki has added another model to the UK's growing list of 4x4 commercial vehicles. Despite a comprehensive list of features, the Vitara JLX Commercial undercuts just about all the competition but will be available with petrol power only.
The Commercial van, based on the passenger-carrying Vitara .11,X, replaces the SJ commercial. With a GVW of 1,450kg and payload of 405kg, it boasts what Suzuki calls a "Go Anywhere" four-wheeldrive.
This is a selectable 4WD system driven via a five-speed gearbox with a high/low ratio transfer box. Steering is powerassisted. Suspension is all independent with MacPherson struts at the front and coil sprung wishbones and trailing links at the real-.
The engine is an aluminium 1,590cc four-cylinder unit that pro duces 56kW (75hp) at 5,200rpm. Peak torque is 123Nm (90113ft) at 3,10Orpm.
The Vitara is pitched as a cheaper alternative to Daihatsu's Fourtrak Commercial. At £9,350 (ex-VAT), it is at least £1,600 less than the diesel Fourtrak, and £1,200 less than the cheapest Land Rover Defender 90, though it cannot match either vehicle's payload.
Suzuki hasn't cheesepared the trimmings. The Vitara Commercial has electric door mirrors, a rear wash/wipe and tiltadjustable steering column as standard, while many body features are colourkeyed.
The Vitara has a threeyear, 60,000-mile warranty, six-year anti-perforation warranty and a twelvemonth roadside assistance scheme.