ON THE ROAD – IAN LYNAS LOOKS AT FIFTY FIVE PLUS YEARS OF THE SUZUKI ALLGRIP

Suzuki is renowned for making small vehicles and of course marine engines and motorcycles and I am quite often surprised to learn that some are not aware of the superb off road capability of some of their vehicles which the Japanese company has been producing for over half a century.

We have to turn the clock back to 1970 and the introduction of the LJ10. In earlier times the term was 4WD, however Suzuki label it as ALLGRIP. I have test driven a number of their models with ALLGRIP and I was impressed; yes I know that few will take their vehicle off the tarmac and on to the rough; however in winter conditions the system can transport you in safety. During a number of launch exercises I have been able to put the ALLGRIP system through its paces and I was surprised at the terrain it was able to cope with.

When the LJ10 arrived on the scene, all those years ago, it did create quite a sensation, this was a vehicle from the Japanese mini car segment that could take on and challenge large SUV type vehicles; it seemed then as it is today, no challenge was out of reach of the little Suzuki. Development for Suzuki’s first four wheel drive system got in to gear in 1968; progress was fast with the arrival of the LJ10 two years later. Moving on at a pace Jimny, the mini Jeep like vehicle from Suzuki proved to be a hit worldwide and high levels of comfort came with the third generation and the then new part time 4WD system allowed switching between 2WD and 4WD. The Jimny was not restricted to rural use, it became quite trendy in the city; a vehicle to be admired and to be seen in. Later with the fourth generation model a 1.5 litre engine gave more power and improved economy.

In the Suzuki range, the Vitara has become a firm favourite and it first appeared in 1988; the Grand Vitara has become something of a lifestyle vehicle, extremely well appointed and a vehicle which delivers in terms of value for money. My favourite amidst an array of vehicles from the Suzuki stable is the Swift, when it first appeared on the scene I saw it as challenger to the MINI; for me it scored and still scores highly in terms of value for money and handling. On one Swift launch we were let free at Mondello Park to explore the handling within the safety of a motor racing circuit and it proved to be highly capable, but above all for me, a fun to drive set of wheels. In the Spring of 2017 the Swift with 2WD and ALL GRIP as optional was launched in Ireland and the UK, a facelift followed four years later and apart from its off road capability, despite its modest dimensions the Swift offers a spacious cabin and reasonable luggage space. We can expect moving forward that the ALLGRIP system will continue to play a role in the Suzuki story.

Ian Lynas