Suzuki Philippines is throwing its hat into the all-wheel drive crossover ring with the launch of the 2021 Vitara AllGrip (Update: Suzuki Philippines has confirmed all the details here).
For the uninitiated, “AllGrip” is Suzuki’s term for its all-wheel drive system. Designed to provide more driving excitement and reassurance, it’s meant to expand the Vitara’s range of capabilities. Unlike the AllGrip Pro in the Jimny, the Vitara uses a real-time system (AllGrip Select) that uses a viscous coupling to automatically distribute traction to the rear wheels if it detects slippage at the front.
Aside from appropriating torque, the AllGrip system in the Vitara comes with four driver-selectable modes: Auto, Sport, Snow, and Lock. The electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system with selectable driving mode uses a simple push-and-turn dial so the driver can experience different driving styles depending on the road surfaces or conditions.
Powering the Vitara AllGrip remains a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine. The M16A engine delivers 115 horsepower and 156 Nm of torque routed through a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters.
Differentiating the Suzuki Vitara AllGrip from its two-wheel drive sibling, this model comes with front and rear skid plates, chrome accents on the door handles and side molding, and a high-gloss black rear spoiler.
Inside, there’s not much differentiation except for the addition of the AllGrip logo on the front passenger side.
Suzuki Philippines is offering four colors for the Vitara AllGrip—with 2 single-tone and 2 two-tone colors. The single-tone colors are Galactic Gray Metallic and Pearl Cool White, while the two-tone colors are Solid Bright Red with a black roof, and Prime Solar Yellow with a black roof.
As for the price, the Suzuki Vitara AllGrip comes out at P 1.458 million, while the two-tone adds a P 10,000 premium, bumping the price to P 1.468 million. While it may seem like a lot of money, this actually makes the most affordable all-wheel drive crossover in the country, undercutting the likes of the Subaru XV and Mazda CX-30.
The official launch of the Vitara AllGrip is on Friday, May 28 on the Suzuki Philippines Facebook page.
Suzuki PH should have paired the AllGrip with the 1.4L Turbo BoosterJet engine (140hp/220Nm) lije in other countries! 1.458M is still a lot of money for a 116hp car.
ReplyDeleteNot bad, would have been better with the turbo. The Vitara currently, while still a pretty ok and average subcompact crossover, just doesn't stand out in any way. With all wheel drive, it makes the Vitara more interesting and unique even though I doubt it will sell any better with that price.
ReplyDeleteTrue, the 1.4 turbo is a better match for the Allgrip system. The 1.6 NA engine is ok on the FWD but I think will struggle with the additional weight of AWD.
ReplyDeleteYou must be joking, Ssangyong Tivoli XLV has all wheel drive and diesel for 1.250 M.
ReplyDeleteThe XLV has been discontinued.
DeleteXLV was removed from the local lineup many years ago to give way to the New Korando
DeleteHi Uly, can you feature an article related to Ssangyong losing all their Metro Manila dealers? They ask us to go to Laguna for PMS and worst, their mobile service costs almost 50% of the PMS. That's absurd!
DeleteAs far as I know...there were only two at most: Quezon Avenue and Otis. After a while Quezon Avenue closed, and Otis was left when it was re-branded as AutoAsia (shared with Kaicene). That one also recently closed...it's all down to business decision by the dealer principals, sadly.
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