The saying ‘like two peas in a pod’ implies things are identical. But, a closer observation of any two peas from the same pod will reveal subtle differences – a similar situation is evident between the Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser.
Before getting to the nitty-gritty, it is crucial to understand auto companies have been collaborating for many years and that these two vehicles are almost identical is simply the result. While not always noticeable, these collaborations help to contain the ever-increasing cost of cars by maximising volumes through the parts supply chain.
It is also a way for a manufacturer – Toyota – to leverage the expertise of another - in this case, Suzuki, for its Heartect platform and small car know-how.
Bottom line – there is nothing wrong or amiss with it, and while the two vehicles are nearly identical, each does come infused with the relevant ‘badge spirit’ to set them apart.
The launch of the Grand Vitara allowed for a lengthy drive in the manual version. By sheer coincidence, a business trip allowed for an equally long drive in the Urban Cruiser, setting the scene for a side-by-side review.
The vehicles in question are the Urban Cruiser 1.5 XR Manual (R347 400) and the Grand Vitara 1.5 GL Manual (R339 900)
The Grand Vitara is part of an ongoing collaboration with Toyota for the development and production of a range of compact vehicles. In this instance, Suzuki designed and developed the model, with manufacture taking place at the Toyota Kirloskar factory in India.
There are specification differences between the two, with the Suzuki edging ahead having a heated rear screen/demister and rear wiper, auto retractable side mirrors, partial leather and cloth seats (versus cloth), auto on-off lights, LED headlights and auto headlight adjustment compared to the Urban Cruiser.
Visually, the two cars are far from identical, with the Toyota having a distinctive front end where the bi-halogen projector headlamps are positioned lower in the face and inset within the bumper and framed with a chrome bezel.
There is also a large lower grille aperture with a honeycomb design combined with a silver ornamental skid plate while, above that, the clamshell bonnet ties it in with design cues seen on RAV4 and Fortuner.
The Grand Vitara boasts a multi-level grille flanked by three-pointed LED daytime running lights above the automatic headlights.
Whereas, the Toyota bodywork on the Suzuki platform gives it the lead in the size stakes with the 20 mm length and 10 mm wider than the Suzuki, giving it 353 litres of base luggage space against the 310 litres of the Suzuki. However, the latter can expand that to 1 147 litre.
Both vehicles employ the same version of Suzuki’s K15 engine – the K15B, a naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 77 kW at 6 000 r/min and 138 Nm at 4 400 r/min.
This engine uses multipoint fuel injection and variable valve timing to offer adequate torque from low engine revolutions to the torque peak.
Both models have four-disc brakes (vented in front), MacPherson front struts and a torsion beam rear suspension system.
Interior features and fittings are primarily mirror images with only the personalisation touches of each manufacturer differentiating, with a new dashboard design, an Android Auto, and a wireless Apple CarPlay-enabled 7-inch infotainment screen.
The audio and Bluetooth-connected telephony are all manageable via switches on the small-diameter multi-function steering wheel, which, for the first time on the Urban Cruiser, has both tilt and telescopic adjustment.
Additional convenience features include Push Start with Smart Entry, rear PDC, height adjustable driver’s seat, power-folding side mirrors, reverse camera and auto air-conditioning.
The Cruiser is marginally longer than the Vitara, and the latter is slightly heavier. Both have the same wheelbase and handling and, on dirt roads, are twinned even with the marginal length and mass differences.
For long distances – whether the cloth/leather combo in the Vitara or pure cloth for the Cruiser – the seats are comfortable with enough range of movement to allow an ideal seating position for drivers of any height, and the rear is spacious enough for two adults.
The descriptor Urban Cruiser accurately identifies the intent of the vehicles, even though both proved worthy steeds on long haul trips with fuel consumption a neck-and-neck race between the two and averaging between 6,1 l/100 km and 6,5 l/100 km depending on the urgency of the moment.
Occupant safety comes in the form of six crash bags on all variants along with electronic stability control (ESP), anti-lock brakes with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Hill Hold Assist (HHA), rear parking sensors as standard and ISOFIX, with both top and bottom tethers.
In conclusion, the road manners of a raised-height vehicle are commendable, and the glass presence greatly facilitates parking. Subsequently, its distinctive Grand-Urban-Vitara-Cruiser design makes it the ultimate choice for potential buyers, often driven by their strong brand affinity.
