Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara AllGrip AWD tech: How does it work?

When it arrives, the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and its cousin, the Toyota Hyryder, will be the only models in the midsize SUV segment to offer four-wheel-drive capability. With Suzuki offering its four-wheel-drive tech in three versions, we take a look at each and examine the one that will be offered on the Grand Vitara and Hyryder.

Suzuki AllGrip AWD: what is it?

Suzuki uses the ‘AllGrip’ moniker for its all-wheel-drive tech, which comes in three grades or versions. The first is the ‘AllGrip Auto’, which is offered on the international-spec Swift and Ignis. Then there’s the ‘AllGrip Select’ system that’s available on the Vitara and S-Cross models sold abroad and will be the one offered on the Grand Vitara and Hyryder in India. And lastly, there’s the ‘AllGrip Pro’ for more serious off-roaders such as the Suzuki Jimny.  

Suzuki AllGrip Auto: how it works  

The simplest of the AWD systems, AllGrip Auto works in two-wheel-drive (front wheels) mode by default and automatically engages the rear wheels on slippery roads when the system detects the front wheels losing grip. Once the grip is restored and the vehicle is travelling normally, the system reverts to two-wheel-drive (2WD) mode.

This process happens via a viscous coupling located between the front and rear axles. When the front wheels slip, there is a rotational difference between the front and rear differentials, and this difference churns and heats up the oil in the viscous coupling. This heating of the oil causes it to expand engaging a multi-disc clutch, which then sends power to the rear wheels.

Suzuki AllGrip Select: how it works

Unlike AllGrip Auto, which automatically engages and disengages, AllGrip Select offers the driver control over the system, with four modes to choose from – Auto, Sport, Snow and Lock. The system is electronically controlled via a push-and-turn dial on the dashboard.  

In Auto mode, two-wheel drive (front wheels) is the default, and when the system detects front wheel slippage, it sends power to the rear wheels via an electronic coupling. Once the front wheels have grip, the system switches back to 2WD. Suzuki says that the system can also anticipate slippage based on the road surface, throttle position, steering angle and other factors, and thus send power to the rear wheels just before slippage occurs, thereby improving driving stability.

In Sport mode, apart from switching the engine to a lively throttle setting, the AWD system – using inputs from the steering wheel, throttle position and other sensors – calculates the vehicle’s intended motion and path, and then automatically sends appropriate amount of power to the rear wheels to help in cornering manoeuvres. Thus, the driver gets an overall sporty driving experience from both, the engine and the handling characteristic.

Snow mode, as the name suggests, is for use in snow and other similar, slippery conditions. The system sends very measured amounts of power to all wheels to maintain a stable driving condition. At times, the system can operate in 2WD mode, but here too it anticipates any slip/skid conditions and can send power to the rear wheels to mitigate them and provide a stable drive condition.

Lock mode is a subset of ‘Snow mode’ and can be engaged only in conjunction with the latter. In this setting, power is sent to all four wheels in a near-50:50 front-rear power distribution ratio. This helps the vehicle get through muddy, sandy and tougher off-road conditions. There is also a brake-locking-differential function which, via the ESP system, can brake an individual spinning wheel, thus tricking the differential into sending power to the wheels on the ground.

Suzuki AllGrip Pro: how it works

In the AllGrip Pro system, the main distinguishing feature is the presence of a low-ratio gear that further multiples engine torque and limits speed. Of the three AllGrip modes, this is the one best suited to off-road driving.

The driver can select between two-wheel-drive high (2H), used for all normal driving conditions; four-wheel-drive high (4H), for some off-road or slippery conditions; and four-wheel-drive low (4L) mode, which is required for very tough off-road conditions like deep mud and sand or very steep slopes.

Suzuki AllGrip in India  

The Grand Vitara will bring in AllGrip Select technology to our market, and while Maruti Suzuki is highly unlikely to offer the AllGrip Auto system in the Ignis or Swift or the AllGrip Select system on the Indian S-Cross, we will see AllGrip Pro with the arrival of the 5-door Jimny.

Also See:

Maruti Grand Vitara partially revealed ahead of global debut

Maruti Suzuki’s new mid-size SUV to replace the S Cross in India