The Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0 16v aut. with a Abbey GTS 420 with an actual weight of 1489 kg is in general a good match and suitable for journeys on most kinds of roads, sometimes with some limitations in the mountains.
The motor preformance of the Suzuki is in general sufficient. But the weight of the Abbey with a normally distributed User Payload (200 kg in the caravan and 200 kg in the car including passengers), is quite heavy. Proper and careful loading is essential and don't drive too fast. Remember to load your caravan correctly, insuring that the noseweight of the caravan is sufficient and the weight is distributed properly!
Flat roads
Towing Performance
172
105
Mountains
Risk of snaking
135
127
Weight ratio: 82% (92% of kerbweight)
1489 kg
1823 kg
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Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0 16v aut. Abbey GTS 420
Actual Weights
Abbey GTS 420: 1489 kg.
Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0 16v aut.: 1823 kg.
Noseweight: 80 kg.
Actual weight ratio: 82%.
Performance
The engine's performance is generally fairly good on flat roads (performance score to compare 172 points).
Speeds of 66 mph (107 km/h) to 75 mph (121 km/h) are often quite possible.
There is only moderate power at low engine speeds (score to compare 105 points).
Slightly higher revs (2800 rpm) may be necessary under normal conditions on flat roads.
Acceleration from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) is theoretically possible in 28.2 sec.
In the mountains the performance is generally sufficient (score to compare 135 points).
No problems are to be expected on steep mountain roads but the performance is not that great. Hill starts are possible on steep slopes from 11% to 12%.
On motorway inclines higher revs (5300 rpm) are needed.
A speed of 52 mph (84 km/h) is usually possible on most motorway inclines.
Weight
The towing limit of the Suzuki is more than sufficient (check this in your vehicle documents).
If you passed your driving test after 1 January 1997, you will need a B+E (or B96) driving license.
Weight ratio between the laden caravan and the loaded car is 82%. Common in the UK: the weight ratio between the laden caravan and the kerbweight of the car is 92%.
The risk of snaking at higher speeds, strong side winds and thoughtless driving exist. Even if the combination normally feels stable, the forces by deflection side to side are so great that it could be dangerous. Only if the driver has knowledge of and experience in driving a caravan it should be safe to drive. Proper and careful loading is essential! An electronic stability system in the car and / or on the caravan is recommended.
Recommended noseweight is 80 kg.
Safe speed up to 56 mph (90 km/h).
Stability and safety score to compare is 127 points.
If the caravan starts to snake you should reduce your speed and slow down directly! Lift your feet off the accelerator and brake gradually. Hold the steering wheel into a fixed position.
Conclusion
Performance is sufficient.
Proper and careful loading is still important!
It's a good match, sometimes with some limitations in the mountains.
Influence of User Payload on stability
Weight distribution and noseweight are vital in obtaining a stable caravan.