55 Years of Suzuki ALLGRIP: The Perfect 4 Wheel Drive for Highland Roads

In the Scottish Highlands, where sunshine can turn to snow showers in the space of a few miles, confidence behind the wheel isn’t just nice to have: it’s essential. That’s where Suzuki’s legendary ALLGRIP technology comes in.

Celebrating 55 years since Suzuki’s first 4x4, the LJ10, launched in 1970, the brand continues to lead the way in building vehicles that can handle whatever the Highlands throw at them, from twisting single-track roads to frosty morning commutes.

A Legacy of Go-Anywhere Confidence

Suzuki’s story with four-wheel drive began with the compact and capable LJ10 which was a true off-road pioneer. Since then, that spirit of adventure has lived on through more modern models like the Vitara, much-loved Jimny and the iconic Swift.

Today, Suzuki’s 4x4 expertise has evolved into one advanced, efficient, and confidence-inspiring system: ALLGRIP. It’s the culmination of over five decades of development, designed to give you control, security and driving enjoyment across every season.

What is ALLGRIP?

ALLGRIP is Suzuki’s intelligent four-wheel-drive technology, designed to automatically deliver extra traction when you need it; whether that’s on icy Highland roads, gravel tracks or when rain suddenly turns a country lane into a challenge.

Unlike heavy-duty off-road systems, ALLGRIP is lightweight and efficient, so you can enjoy the benefits of four-wheel driving without sacrificing fuel economy or increasing emissions. It’s the best of both worlds - added safety and stability, delivered responsibly.

Three ALLGRIP Systems

Suzuki offers three distinct ALLGRIP systems across its range; each one created to suit different driving needs:

• ALLGRIP AUTO
  Featured in the Swift, this fully automatic system kicks in whenever the car senses a loss of traction, sending power to the rear wheels for extra stability. It’s ideal for everyday driving in unpredictable Highland weather, offering peace of mind with no buttons or settings to worry about.
• ALLGRIP SELECT
  Found in the S-Cross and Vitara, this advanced system lets you choose from four driving modes: AUTO, SPORT, SNOW, and LOCK.
  - In AUTO mode, the vehicle prioritises fuel economy and uses two wheel drive by default, but if front wheel slippage is detected, the system switches to four wheel drive for greater stability.
  - In SPORT mode, the vehicle is optimised for sporty driving, such as on winding roads. Traction control intervention is weakened so that acceleration response is improved, and makes turning corners easier.
  - In SNOW mode, stability is maximised through traction control intervention and a permanent 50/50 torque split between the front and rear wheels. This makes driving through snow, unpaved or other slippery surfaces easier.
  - In LOCK mode, torque is distributed evenly throughout all four wheels when encountering tough surfaces. The traction control system applies braking to wheels that are spinning without traction and prioritises torque allocation to tyres that are gripping.
  Whether you’re looking for maximum efficiency, tackling winding roads, or facing a fresh layer of snow in winter, ALLGRIP SELECT adjusts instantly to give you the perfect balance of grip and performance.
• ALLGRIP PRO
  This is the most rugged version, engineered for serious off-road use and fitted to models like the Jimny (available at times as a used vehicle from Dicksons of Inverness). With its part-time 4WD system and low-range gearing, it’s built for those who need ultimate control on rough terrain.

Why ALLGRIP is Made for the Highlands

Drivers in the Highlands face a unique mix of conditions including winding glens, steep climbs and unpredictable weather. ALLGRIP provides year-round reassurance, ensuring that every journey feels stable, safe, and enjoyable, whatever the conditions.

Whether you’re navigating through a snowy morning on the Black Isle, a wet evening commute into Inverness, or an adventurous weekend in the Cairngorms, ALLGRIP is designed to keep you in control.

Looking Ahead: The New e Vitara with ALLGRIP-e

The next chapter in Suzuki’s 4x4 story arrives with the new all-electric e Vitara, now available at Dicksons. It introduces ALLGRIP-e, a cutting-edge electric four-wheel-drive system that uses twin motors - one at the front and one at the rear - for instant torque and exceptional stability.

This marks an exciting evolution of Suzuki’s 55-year 4x4 heritage: the same go-anywhere confidence, now with zero emissions.

Find Your 4WD Suzuki at Dicksons of Inverness

At Dicksons of Inverness, we’re proud to offer the latest Suzuki models equipped with ALLGRIP technology — the Swift, S-Cross, Vitara, and now, the fully electric e Vitara.

If you’re looking for a pre-owned Suzuki with ALLGRIP - such as an Ignis or Jimny - our approved used car range also features a variety of great-value options, all prepared to the highest standards.

Whether you’re tackling the backroads of Beauly, heading up to the hills, or commuting through all four seasons, Suzuki ALLGRIP gives you the confidence to drive anywhere and enjoy every mile along the way.

Visit Dicksons of Inverness today to explore the ALLGRIP range, book a test drive, and discover why Suzuki has been the trusted name in four-wheel-drive for 55 years and counting.