TECHNICAL GLOSSARY

Below is a list of terms and definitions that are used throughout the Suzuki Auto site.

3-Mode Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (i-AWD®): This sophisticated system helps the driver control how power is delivered to the wheels depending on road conditions - 2-wheel drive for maximum fuel efficiency to automatic all-wheel drive for unexpected traction loss and locked-mode all-wheel drive sending consistent power front and rear for enhanced traction in the slipperiest conditions.
4-wheel Active Limited-Slip Traction Control: The active limited-slip system helps improves vehicle traction. When one of the driving wheels is spinning on a slippery surface, the system brakes the spinning wheel, distributing the driving power to the other driving wheels. On 4WD models, all four wheels are monitored and adjusted. The result is better traction in poor driving conditions.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS): Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) are designed to make braking safer. EBD routes braking power to the wheel with the most traction while ABS simultaneously prevents wheel lock by rapidly pulsing the brakes in emergency situations. This helps the driver maintain control during braking.
Automatic Headlamps: The automatic lighting system uses an ambient light sensor to detect when night falls, activating the headlights at full power for nighttime driving, then automatically extinguishing them when the engine is shut down.
Automatic rain-sensing wipers: A special optical sensor detects moisture on the windshield, automatically activating and adjusting the wipers speed in the rain.
Bluetooth® Handsfree Calling: A specification for short-range radio links between electronic devices. In the car, Bluetooth enables hands-free phone calls utilizing the integrated microphone and plays through the car's audio system.
Bluetooth® Streaming Audio: Bluetooth wireless audio streaming lets compatible portable audio players and smartphones connect and stream music wirelessly to the car's audio system.
Body-on-frame: Equator uses body-on-frame construction, where a separate frame is the structural or load-carrying member of the vehicle. The frame supports the engine and body, and is in turn supported by the wheels and tires. The body is a separate unit that bolts to the frame. This gives the Equator added durability for off-road driving and hauling heavy loads.
Built-in ladder frame/body construction (Grand Vitara): The GV's unibody construction features a built-in ladder frame chassis. This design reduces weight and helps improve on-road handling while offering high torsional rigidity for superior off-road performance and durability. This type of chassis is typically found on luxury-brand SUVs.
Continuously Variable Transmission: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) changes steplessly through an infinite number of gear ratios, in contrast to traditional transmissions, which use a fixed set of ratios. Not only does this design eliminate "shift shock" during acceleration, it also provides better fuel economy by allowing the engine to operate at the optimal point of its power band.
Dual Zone Automatic Climate control: Dual-zone climate control enables the driver and front-seat passenger to adjust temperatures individually.
Daytime Running Lights (DRL): Daytime Running Lights (DRL) keep the headlights on at a low-power setting during daylight driving so other drivers, cyclists and pedestrians can see your vehicle for increased safety.
Departure angle: Maximum angle, in degrees, of a line running rearward and upward from the rear tire contact point to the lowest obstruction under the rear of the vehicle.
DOHC: Acronym for Double Overhead Camshafts; using two camshafts positioned over the valves, overhead cams efficiently open and close the valves to allow for more efficient breathing of the engine. As result, DOHC design contributes to a more powerful and fuel efficient engine.
Electronic stability control: Electronic stability control uses an array of computers and sensors that constantly monitor wheel speed, vehicle direction and steering input. When these sensors detect an imminent loss of control, the system instantaneously applies braking to individual wheels in concert with the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) to help maintain the vehicle's intended line of travel.
Full-time AWD system (Grand Vitara): The Full-time AWD system in the Grand Vitara is designed to seamlessly deliver power to the front and rear wheels for optimum on-road traction in any on-road condition without driver intervention required.
Full-time Four-Mode 4WD system (Grand Vitara): With its dual-range transfer case, the Grand Vitara's Full-time 4-Mode 4WD system matches power delivery to various highway or off-road driving conditions. Four High (4H) provides full-time 4WD. In loose-traction conditions, such as in dirt tracks and snow, you can shift into 4H Lock, which locks the center differential. For serious off-roading and extremely low-traction conditions, there's 4 Low Lock for maximum traction. Shift into Neutral (N), and your Grand Vitara is ready to be flat towed behind your RV.
Hill Hold and Descent Control: If you're stopped on an incline, Hill Hold Control prevents the vehicle from rolling backward when you release the brake. Hill Descent Control helps manage your speed and brake pressure on a downward slope, increasing confidence and putting less wear and tear on the brakes.
HomeLink® wireless control system (Grand Vitara): HomeLink® starts with a vehicle-mounted transceiver that's programmed to activate radio frequency (RF) controlled devices, such as garage doors, gates or home lighting. Now when pulling up to your residence, open the garage door and pull into a lighted garage, or you can turn on the house lights from the car for peace of mind.
Independent multi-link rear suspension: This system uses multiple independent suspension links to control wheel movement. Since each wheel moves independently, this helps maintain better contact with the road, delivering improved traction as well as a smoother ride vs. less sophisticated non-independent rear suspension designs.
Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (Kizashi): This sophisticated system controls how power is delivered to the wheels depending on road conditions - from front-wheel drive for maximum fuel efficiency to advanced all-wheel drive for improved traction in slippery conditions.
ISOFIX child seat anchorages and LATCH child seat tether anchorages: ISOFIX and LATCH child-seat anchor points make it quick and easy to properly and safely secure child seats.
MacPherson strut: A compact, efficient suspension design that features "struts," which combine the coil spring and shock absorber in a single unit.
Micron air-filtration system: The climate control system features micron air filtration, which filters out microscopic dust and pollen to improve cabin air quality for all occupants.
Navi/Navigation System: A computer in a vehicle which provides directions to a destination. An electronic system in the car that uses Global Positioning Satellites (GPS) and onboard maps to determine current position and provide directions to a desired destination.
Paddle Shifters: First introduced in Formula One race cars, steering-wheel-mounted paddles let you manually shift the transmission for maximum performance with just the squeeze of a finger, or leave it in automatic and let the transmission do the work.
Privacy glass: Darkly tinted glass on the second-row and rear windows helps protect the view of the interior from outside eyes. It also helps keep the interior cooler by minimizing sun exposure.
Rear sonar parking assist: Rear sonar parking assist provides both visual display and an audible warning as you approach objects in reverse, assisting in both parking and maneuvering in tight places.
Safetybelt pretensioners: Seat belt pretensioners tighten driver and front passenger seat belts when needed, which can help prevent occupants from jerking forward and striking interior surfaces, causing injury.
Second-generation dual-stage airbags: Second-generation dual-stage airbag system is equipped with sensors to select an optimum inflation level for a seat occupant. This maximizes airbag protection. Second-generation dual-stage airbag system is equipped with sensors to select an optimum inflation level for a seat occupant.
Side airbags (seat mounted and curtain): Side airbags, mounted on the seat sides and/or at the top of the windows add an extra safety margin. Upon inflation, they help protect the occupants' body or head.
SmartPass keyless entry and start system: No more fumbling through your purse or pocket to unlock the door. The SmartPass™trade; system uses sensors to automatically detect the key fob, allowing you to unlock the doors with just a press of a button. Once inside, simply turn the ignition to start the engine, without having to touch the key fob.
Speed sensing volume control: Speed sensing volume control is a fully automatic function requiring no driver input that lowers or raises the stereo volume in coordination with speed reduction or increase. Whether exiting or entering the highway, the speed sensing volume controls maintains the stereo volume at an audible level.
Steering-wheel-mounted audio controls: Steering-wheel-mounted audio controls let you keep your hands on the wheel while making adjustments for an extra measure of convenience and enjoyment.
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS): The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) senses tire air pressure and alerts the driver when the pressure drops 25 percent or more below the recommended inflation level in one or more of the tires. This reduces the possibility of driving on underinflated tires, which can impact vehicle control and stability, as well as result in reduced fuel economy.
Touchscreen: A touch-sensitive display screen: touching different portions of the screen with a finger will cause the computer to take actions determined by a program.
Traction control: The Traction Control System (TCS) is designed to use electronic sensors to detect and limit wheel slip during acceleration, making accelerating and driving in slippery conditions easier.
Transfer case: A device used in a four-wheel-drive vehicle that allows power to be delivered to both front and rear axles. "A transfer case is unique to 4 wheel drive vehicles, and is what directs power to both axles of the vehicle through two separate driveshafts.
Variable intermittent windshield wipers: The intermittent wiper system helps the driver optimize the wiper speed to match any weather condition.
Ventilated disc brakes: Disc brakes use a caliper that grips a brake rotor attached to the wheel to generate stopping power. Their lighter weight and superior cooling properties facilitate shorter and more consistent stops.
Zero-maintenance cam timing chain: Suzuki's zero-maintenance cam timing chain is designed to last the life of the engine. By comparison, a cam timing belt is designed to be replaced periodically, which increases vehicle ownership costs.