Latest news with #SuzukiGrandVitara
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Suzuki Grand Vitara keen to show why its the grandest of them all
The GV badge made its return to the Suzuki stable in 2023 as the brand's flagship SUV. Our Suzuki Grand Vitara is clad in bicolour Splendid Silver with black roof and side mirrors. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe Our popular Suzuki Fronx compact crossover SUV departed our long-term fleet in June after a six-month stay, making way for its bigger sibling the Grand Vitara. As the Vitara part naming has been applied in various of the Japanese manufacturer's products, a quick run-down of its history is in order. Local history at least, as it is much less complicated than its global history. South Africans first encountered the nomenclature in Grand Vitara guise when Suzuki opened its local doors in 2008. This badge eventually made way for the Vitara and for a while was offered alongside the smaller Vitara Brezza. But then Maruti Suzuki in India, which manufacturers the car in collaboration with production partner Toyota Kirloskar Motor, stopped exporting the second generation which was renamed to Brezza. ALSO READ: Suzuki Grand Vitara makes grande return to Mzansi Suzuki Grand Vitara returns The export void was filled with the reintroduction of the Suzuki Grand Vitara badge, albeit it is a bigger car than the Vitara Brezza was. The Grand Vitara is 4 340mm long, where the Vitara Brezza conformed to India's tax friendly sub-four metre rule. Since the Grand Vitara's reintroduction just over two years ago, the Vitara has since been dropped from Suzuki's portfolio. This left the GV as the manufacturer's flagship SUV, with the Fronx crossover SUV coming on board as a spiritual replacement for the Vitara Brezza. The Suzuki Grand Vitara GLX rides on 17-inch machine polished alloy wheels. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe Over in the Toyota stable, the Grand Vitara's production sibling has kept the Urban Cruiser moniker which was also used for its own version of the Vitara Brezza. The Starlet Cross has joined as Toyota's version of the Fronx. The Citizen Motoring's long-term Suzuki Grand Vitara in GLX automatic trim is at R453 900 the second most expensive model in the line-up after the top-of-the-range mild hybrid all-wheel drive variant which comes at a R99 000 premium. But as both these two is kitted out in GLX trim, our tester is currently the best-specced Suzuki product money can buy barring the mild electrical assistance and all-paw grip. Familiar petrol engine Up front is the familiar KB15B 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that features in so many of Suzuki's local cars and is in our opinion one of the reasons for their remarkable sales success in recent years. It produces 77kW of power and 138Nm which is sent to the front wheels via four-speed automatic transmission. The dated box isn't everyone's cup of tea comparted to the easy-shifting five-speed manual. But it's the job done just fine if you are not in a hurry. ALSO READ: PODCAST: Why Suzuki Fronx stays ahead of Toyota Starlet Cross Suzuki claims that it will sip six litres per 100km which we'll put to the test over the coming months. While our GV does not feature all-wheel drive, its ground clearance of 210mm is the same as the go-anywhere Jimny. Suzuki says the seats, suspension and electric steering have been created for a comfortable ride on rough and uneven surfaces. In GLX trim, the Suzuki Grand Vitara comes standard with 9-inch infotainment system. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe The GV features good looks, which according to the manufacturer pays homage to the original Grand Vitara. Exterior highlights include a multi-level grille flanked by three-point LED daytime running lights and a rear three-dimensional LED light bar. GLX specific silver roof rails and 17-inch machine-polished alloys round off the picture. Loads of features Our tester is finished in bicolour which combines Splendid Silver paintwork with black roof and side mirrors. Inside, the GLX features full leatherette trim and 9-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Plus 360-degree surround view camera, wireless charging tray, head-up display, keyless start/stop, ambient lighting and panoramic sunroof. Safety comes in the form of six airbags, electronic stability control, ABS with EBA, hill-hold assist and rear parking sensors. The Suzuki Grand Vitara comes standard with six-year/90 000 km service plan and five-year/200 000 km warranty.
The Sun
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Russian expat exposes Malaysian used car dealership scam
A Russian expat living in Malaysia has gone viral after exposing a shocking scam by local used car dealerships that cost her thousands in unexpected repairs. The initial 'bargain' purchase TikTok user @ shared her eye-opening experience last month, explaining how her family thought they'd scored a great deal on a 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara. The car appeared to have just over 150,000km on the odometer and was priced at RM19,000 - a steal considering it would cost twice as much in Russia. 'The car looked in great condition and had only one previous owner,' Tanya explained in her viral video. When the 'bargain' turned into a nightmare Just a couple of months after purchase, their dream car became a recurring nightmare: -Weird noises started emerging from the engine -Random stalling occurred while driving -Weekly breakdowns became the norm -Constant mechanic visits drained their wallet 'We ended up spending nearly RM5,000 on repairs,' she revealed, frustrated by the endless stream of problems. The shocking truth unveiled Baffled by the car's constant issues, Tanya questioned her mechanic about why a relatively low-mileage vehicle was giving so many problems. His response was a bombshell: The car's actual mileage wasn't 150,000km - it was 250,000km. The mechanic could tell from the worn condition of the parts he'd been replacing that the odometer had been tampered with. 'I thought mileage fraud was just a Russian thing' Tanya's reaction was telling: 'You know I didn't freeze. I thought mileage fraud was just a Russian thing. Turns out it's a pretty common thing in Malaysia.' The mechanic's advice was clear: buy directly from owners, not from used car markets to avoid tampered vehicles. Malaysian netizens share similar horror stories Tanya's experience struck a chord with local car buyers who shared their own encounters: TikTok user muchawesomewow revealed: 'Yeah, I bought my 2011 car with just 100k km on the odo. After purchase & inspection at the Service Centre, I noticed the car actually had almost 250k km original mileage. 'Luckily only had to repair the wear & tear parts but everything else still good till today.' SimK said: 'They (used car dealerships) will say owner change the mileage not company.' While delyn delyn commented: 'I have bought c200, mustang, audi A6, bezza from direct owners and I only service, means no issue. all smooth. I don't trust shops. bought xtrail 2015 after covid. I was told accident free. 2 months after taking car. police called from jb, accident case from previous owner.' Lessons learned While Tanya's car is now completely fixed, she's made a firm decision: 'This will be my last experience purchasing from any used car markets.' Her story serves as a stark warning to other buyers about: -Verifying actual mileage through service records -Getting independent inspections before purchase -Considering direct owner sales over dealerships -Budgeting for potential hidden problems The bigger picture This incident highlights broader issues in Malaysia's used car market, where buyers - especially foreigners unfamiliar with local practices - can fall victim to unscrupulous dealers. The viral TikTok has sparked important conversations about consumer protection and the need for stricter regulations in the second-hand vehicle trade. For now, Tanya's expensive lesson serves as a cautionary tale for anyone considering a used car purchase in Malaysia.
Daily Record
25-04-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Galloway duo appeal for donations ahead of mercy mission to war-ravaged Ukraine
A Galloway duo are planning their next mercy mission to war-ravaged Ukraine in August and urgently need more donations. Retired printer Andy Macdonald, aged 69, from Kirkcudbright, is the founder of a non-profit organisation called which is raising funds to buy, service and deliver ambulances to Ukraine for urgent humanitarian needs. This is through sales at outlets across Scotland of artist Ritchie Collins' print, 'Field of Hope', and a range of his greeting cards which have also all been donated. And he has teamed up with 63-year-old former truck driver – and now volunteer hospital patient driver and first responder – Iain Gordon from Stranraer, who has a long history of humanitarian support for Ukraine in recent years. Soon after the invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops, Iain was asked if he would drive a truck with humanitarian aid out and since that initial journey he has made 16 further trips, spending a week or ten days deep in eastern Ukraine each time, delivering whatever is needed. With funding support from his home town and across Dumfries and Galloway, he fills a vehicle up for the trip and takes it to whoever is most in need. This has included ambulances, 4x4s and disability minibuses. Iain said: ' In the past few months Andy and I have donated a Ford Kuga 4x4 which is being used by a former commander in the military who, after being seriously wounded, now helps a specialist hospital in Kharkiv who deal with amputation and catastrophic spinal injuries. 'We have also donated a disability minibus to a charity organisation near Kharkiv which will be used for health and social care of the children and elderly in their community. 'Another 4x4 donated was a Suzuki Grand Vitara which will be used to take aid to village communities near front lines where a 4x4 is the only means of getting there.' It can take four days to reach eastern Ukraine and between ferries and fuel and the return, each trip can cost £900 to £1,500 alone. The next trip is planned for August 13 and they plan to take three vehicles across. Iain said: 'We will be taking a donated LWB Renault Master van from a fire and rescue group in Fife which is fully equipped with everything required to fight fire. This will be used by an administration in a village community just 9km from Russian lines and will help save houses attacked and also save the lives of those living there. 'It will also have on board medical and mobility supplies including 15 wheelchairs, many crutches and a new palliative care type bed with air mattress and this will be going to a trauma hospital in Kharkiv dealing with amputation and catastrophic spinal injuries. 'On the same trip we will be taking a donated Skoda Roomster from a lovely lady in Kirkcowan, which we will fill full of new children's clothing and gifts. 'The whole thing will be donated to the authority looking after a large group of orphans near Kharkiv. They will further use this car in social care aspects of the children's care. 'Also on this trip we are taking a Volvo XC90 AWD that Andy and I have paid for with our own money which will be full of civilian aid and medical supplies. 'When the aid from this is distributed to those in need, the car is being donated to a psychological team who are caring for soldiers, paramedics and firefighters as well as first responders affected because of the trauma of the war. Click here for more news and sport from Dumfries and Galloway. 'All three vehicles will be tidied cosmetically and serviced and fully checked before leaving.' The pair have also paid for their own ferry out and flight home but are appealing for help to buy the items they need to take over. Iain, who can be contacted via email at: iaingordon1@ or via his Facebook page, said: 'We desperately need funding from anyone willing to help. 'If you feel this is something you could help with a small contribution towards our costs it would be much appreciated. 'This war is nowhere near finished and every day many, many people and children are injured and killed with so many others losing their homes and all they own. I know this because I have seen this with my own eyes and dealt with these people personally on many occasions. 'Many times I have been right to the front line and the most dangerous places in order to give help and aid to the injured as well as many broken, desperate people.' The pair, who are keen to talk to groups about their charity work, will also be at Lockerbie Ice Rink on Sunday, April 27, from 11am until 2pm at a Rotary event, where there is an auction and stalls. Andy will have large framed prints in the auction and a stall selling prints with all money made going to the trip. His website is Donate at:
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Yahoo
Midland bicyclist killed in collision
Mar. 3—A 42-year-old Midland woman was killed Friday night after being struck by a SUV on FM 1936. According to a Texas Department of Public Safety report, Jessica Jo Gatlin was crossing FM 1936 from west to east when she rode into the path of a Suzuki Grand Vitara being driven by a 46-year-old Odessa resident near Blair Street around 7:40 p.m. Gatlin was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash remains under investigation.
