Suzuki Recalling Grand Vitara and SX4 in the States

More than 32,000 Suzuki Grand Vitara and SX4 vehicles are being recalled in the United States over an improperly manufactured component of the tension adjuster pulley that could cause the drive belt to either slip or come off and lead to engine overheating or stalling.

Suzuki said the recall concerns the 2009-2010 model year Grand Vitara SUVs equipped with 4-cylinder engines; 2011MY Grand Vitara vehicles produced prior to October 17, 2010; 2010MY SX4s and 2011MY SX4s manufactured before October 14, 2010.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA] said that in the affected vehicles, the tension adjuster pulley for the drive belt that operates the alternator, water pump, air conditioner compressor and power steering pump, has an improperly manufactured internal spring that can break due to repeated stress.

According to the government agency, if the spring breaks, the drive belt can slip, causing a squeaking noise, or come off, in which case, the driver will have to use increased steering effort, while it can also cause the engine to overheat or stall.

The Japanese firm's dealers will replace the tension adjuster pulley with an improved part free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before February 16, 2011.

Suzuki Recalling Grand Vitara and SX4 in the States

More than 32,000 Suzuki Grand Vitara and SX4 vehicles are being recalled in the United States over an improperly manufactured component of the tension adjuster pulley that could cause the drive belt to either slip or come off and lead to engine overheating or stalling.

Suzuki said the recall concerns the 2009-2010 model year Grand Vitara SUVs equipped with 4-cylinder engines; 2011MY Grand Vitara vehicles produced prior to October 17, 2010; 2010MY SX4s and 2011MY SX4s manufactured before October 14, 2010.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA] said that in the affected vehicles, the tension adjuster pulley for the drive belt that operates the alternator, water pump, air conditioner compressor and power steering pump, has an improperly manufactured internal spring that can break due to repeated stress.

According to the government agency, if the spring breaks, the drive belt can slip, causing a squeaking noise, or come off, in which case, the driver will have to use increased steering effort, while it can also cause the engine to overheat or stall.

The Japanese firm's dealers will replace the tension adjuster pulley with an improved part free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before February 16, 2011.

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Suzuki Adds New 1.6L Petrol and 1.9L Diesel to facelifted Grand Vitara 3d Range

After the launch of the facelifted Grand Vitara model range with the 166HP 2.4-litre engine in October 2008 (for details and photos, click here), Suzuki is now expanding its UK lineup with the addition of a 1.6L petrol and 1.9L diesel engine to the three-door model range. The 1.6-liter gasoline unit which is linked to a 5-speed manual gearbox, makes 106HP at 5,900 rpm and a peak torque of 145Nm at 4,100 rpm offering a 0 to 62mph (100km/h) sprint time of 14.4 sec and a top speed of 99mph or 159km/h.

The entry-level petrol model that comes with a four-wheel drive system as standard achieves a combined fuel economy of 34.5mpg UK or 8.2lt/100km in the European cycle.S

The second addition to the Grand Vitara 3d lineup is the 1.9-liter DDiS diesel unit. that produces an output of 129 horsepower at 3,750 rpm and a maximum torque of 300Nm at 2,200 rpm. The four-wheel drive model accelerates from standstill to 62mph or 100km/h in 12.8 seconds and achieves a top speed of 106mph (170km/h) while returning 40.4mpg UK or 7.0lt/100km in the combined European cycle.

As with the rest of the range, both models feature a revised front end treatment and new door mirrors with integrated turn indicators while interior changes include a new multi-information display and revised air conditioning control panel.

In the UK, the 1.6-litre three-door manual is priced from £13,600 while the 1.9 DDiS diesel starts from £16,200.