Search Car Reviews



See all makes

Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0 Estate

Holding back the years

There's a lot to be said for growing old but still having fun - and Suzuki's Grand Vitara is a case in point. Nearly 15 years since the first car rolled off the production line, it's still a characterful 4x4 that's a barrel of laughs in the muddy stuff.

By Craig Cheetham

May 2003

There's a lot to be said for growing old but still having fun - and Suzuki's Grand Vitara is a case in point. Nearly 15 years since the first car rolled off the production line, it's still a characterful 4x4 that's a barrel of laughs in the muddy stuff.

It looks reasonably fresh, too. Most recently facelifted in 1999, the Grand Vitara now has a host of further improvements to keep up with rivals. Most are centred around the interior, which has been heavily revised. Older Vitaras were rightly criticised for their bland, plasticky cabins - and it appears Suzuki has taken on board the comments.

The latest line-up gets higher quality, more supportive seats, while the dash has a darker, less glossy facia, plus integrated stereo. Further changes include a new binnacle, featuring daft 'Hello' and 'See you' messages as well as a multi-function steering wheel incorporating radio controls.

Overall, it feels much better quality than before, although it's still not up to the standard of rivals such as the Toyota RAV4. The rest of the Grand Vitara has been left well alone - but that's not an especially good thing, as it's really showing its age.

The chassis conveys smaller bumps through to the cabin, while deeper potholes threaten to throw the car off course. With a coarse engine, indecisive auto box option and less-than-stable motorway manners, the Vitara's shortcomings are even more apparent. That said, it does offer substantial value for money, and is well equipped at roughly the same price as entry-level rivals. To some buyers, that will be more than enough.

For an alternative review of the latest Suzuki Grand Vitara visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

What Next

For more breaking car news and reviews, subscribe to Auto Express magazine. We'll give you 6 issues for £1 and a free gift!

< Previous   Next >

Sponsored Results

0 Comment

Be the first to comment on this article

You need to register to post comments. Existing members can log in below to comment, otherwise click here to join.



Sponsored Results

- Advertisement -

Pictures

Sponsored Results

Find New Cars

Find your new Suzuki Grand Vitara with our new car search:

Find New Cars
Find Used Cars

Find your Suzuki Grand Vitara with our used car search.

Find Used Cars

FIRST OPINION

    The Grand Vitara's interior improvements hint at a promising future for Suzuki, giving a far more comfortable and welcoming cabin than its predecessor. But the modifications are simply not enough to make the revised car a viable contender for the 'best in class' accolade. Under the skin, it's still an aged package.
 

AT A GLANCE

    Revised Grand Vitara on sale now in three or five-door form
    Petrol power here now, new diesel engines are due in August
    Substantial cabin modifications
     
    - Advertisement -