- Off-road challenge in a trio of Suzuki models
- Celebrating 55 years of Suzuki's ALLGRIP all-wheel drive
- We tackle Wales' infamous Monster Mountain course
- Find out how the affordable Suzuki Swift got on
- New Suzuki e Vitara (featuring ALLGRIP) now available to lease with Select
(Suzuki Swift. Credit Maxine Ashford)
As Suzuki's famous 'ALLGRIP' all-wheel drive system turns 55 years old, we were invited to put a trio of the manufacturer's models to the test - and this is how they got on.
Suzuki is renowned for producing great-value cars and the Japanese carmaker’s popularity is proven by the 3.2 million sales figure last year, placing it 10th in the world in terms of volume.
It’s a company that goes about its business in a quietly confident manner and the UK is a vitally important market topped only by Italy for sales in Europe.
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(Suzuki e Vitara)
So, what is it about the cars that make them so attractive to buyers? The answer is really the all-round appeal. Yes, there are faster and more stylish cars out there and, with the influx of Chinese brands, there are cheaper rivals too.
But few cars offer such a complete package and one of Suzuki’s unique selling points is the excellent ALLGRIP 4x4 system which is available on every model, from the compact Swift to the versatile Across – a car that was developed in collaboration with Toyota. It will even be fitted to the company’s all-new, electric e Vitara which is launching this year with a range of 264 miles and prices starting from £29,999.
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(Suzuki e Vitara)
What is Suzuki's ALLGRIP system?
So let’s take a closer look at this ALLGRIP system, which is celebrating quite a milestone this year. That’s because ALLGRIP is 55 years old and, despite evolving over the decades, its simple and lightweight engineering means it is cost-effective and has little impact on fuel efficiency (unlike some rivals that are weighed down by bulky contraptions).
We mentioned that ALLGRIP is optionally available across the entire Suzuki line-up, but it comes in various forms.
The compact Swift has ALLGRIP Auto whereby torque is automatically distributed to the rear wheels if any loss of grip is detected, so the driver can relax and let the system do all the thinking.
(Suzuki Swift)
The Vitara and S-Cross have ALLGRIP Select which gives the driver a lot more control over the drive modes called Auto, Sport, Snow and Lock. Auto mode prioritises fuel efficiency by defaulting to two-wheel drive whenever possible; Sport mode sees the traction control intervention weakened for a more engaging performance; Snow mode delivers a 50:50 torque split between the front and rear wheels, while Lock mode sees torque evenly distributed between all four wheels.
Finally, the Across Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) has E-FOUR technology with dual motor electronically-controlled 4WD delivering differing front and rear split according to the conditions. This car also features a Trail mode for more demanding terrain.
(Suzuki Across)
Whilst it’s no longer in production, we really need to mention the Jimny which featured ALLGRIP Pro that added low gear ranges for added capability away from the Tarmac.
So, that’s a brief history and rundown of what Suzuki’s ALLGRIP is all about, now comes the exciting part – putting all this innovative technology to test. Many manufacturers claim their cars offer 4WD ability but are reluctant to let motoring journalists put them through their paces. That’s certainly not the case with Suzuki.
(Suzuki Jimny Commercial. Credit Maxine Ashford)
Is the Suzuki ALLGRIP system any good?
As Cardiff prepared itself for a night in the presence of Stevie Wonder, we headed up to Merthyr Tydfil and a place called Monster Mountain – the clue to the terrain is really in the name. It’s renowned for its motocross trails and that seemed like the ideal location to test out Suzuki models, old and new.
All vehicles were riding on standard road tyres and there were no modifications made to any of the cars in readiness for the challenges ahead.
(Suzuki Jimny Commercial. Credit Maxine Ashford)
With a cross section of models available, we started with the oldest car in the line-up. This was the second-generation 2004 Grand Vitara featuring ALLGRIP Pro with high and low selectable gear ratios. At launch, this vehicle cost £11,500 and had a 0-60mph sprint time of 13.8 seconds.
Powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine, the Grand Vitara, which was full of character complete with CD player and cigarette lighter, powered up steep hills, felt composed as it leant at sharp angles and ploughed through mud and water.
Can the Suzuki Swift ALLGRIP really go off-road?
We opted for the latest 2025 Suzuki Swift for our next drive with its price-tag of £22,049. Beneath the bonnet is a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder, mild-hybrid engine matched to a five-speed manual transmission, and it could reach 62mph from a standing start in 13.6 seconds, maxing out at 99mph.
No hint of a CD player here, but instead you get full smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and luxury touches such as heated seats plus a wealth of driver safety aids. And that includes ALLGRIP Auto which adjusts the torque accordingly to maintain grip.
Just like the Grand Vitara, the Swift displayed complete confidence across the same obstacle course and arrived back at base none the worse for wear, but a little dirtier.
(Maxine at the wheel of the Suzuki Swift)
Few Swift drivers are likely to put their car through such a rocky, bumpy and challenging test, but it’s reassuring to know how capable it can be if necessary.
Finally, a Suzuki off-roading event wouldn’t be complete without some time behind the wheel of the Jimny. Our Commercial model – the last one to come off the production line in 2024 – was powered by a 1.5-litre engine and cost £21,699.
Due to its kerb weight of 1,090kg, the Jimny Commercial almost skips across testing terrain and it features the most sophisticated ALLGRIP Pro 4x4 system with low ratio gears for extra demanding work.
We selected the longer and most challenging course in the Jimny Commercial and it simply took everything in its stride. Steep hill climbs and descents posed no problems at all and it didn’t miss a beat as it drove over slippery rocks and through muddy water obstacles. With every confidence in the vehicle, our only real concern was the clouds of dust being kicked up by the pilot car just ahead of us.
(Credit Suzuki)
Is Suzuki ALLGRIP worth it?
From where we're setting it, the answer is a positive 'yes'. While Suzuki’s ALLGRIP system has advanced over the years, its simplistic yet effective format remains the same and that’s what makes it so appealing to the company’s loyal fanbase of customers.
A company spokesman said: “Suzuki Motor Corporation is well renowned globally for its 4x4 technology across many models and which spans 55 years since the introduction of the LJ10 in 1970.
“This well-proven expertise has evolved over five decades and is more recently known as ALLGRIP. This was created by developing the company’s vast 4WD knowledge to provide driving enjoyment and peace of mind in diverse conditions while promoting fuel economy and lower emissions thanks to Suzuki’s lightweight platform design.”
(Credit Suzuki)
Another look at the legendary Suzuki Jimny LJ80
Back in Cardiff Bay, there was a really special treat for any visitors to St David’s Hotel where a Jimny LJ80 took pride of place in the lobby. This pint-sized off-roader was presented to motorbike legend, Barry Sheene, in 1979, but was returned to Suzuki ownership more recently at auction.
It is powered by an 800cc four-cylinder engine and features a soft hood with removable side screen doors and three seats. And it was no mug when taking on off-road challenges thanks to the high and low ratio gears – it would have been a tad slower than some of the superbikes Barry Sheene rode though.
This 55th anniversary of ALLGRIP is a true celebration of Suzuki’s 4x4 know-how, but it also offered us a glimpse into what promises to be a very exciting future with the continuation of 4x4 technology into the electric era.
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