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Suzuki Grand Vitara

Suzuki Grand Vitara DDiS 5dr

Good to drive, well built and ruggedly styled, Suzuki's Grand Vitara is a massive improvement over its predecessor

By Mat Watson

February 2006

  • Rating:
An oil-burner is now available with five-door Grand Vitara models, priced from £16,499. Suzuki expects this addition to bring in an extra 2,500UK buyers every year, so Auto Express headed out to a very wintry Austria to put the new model through its paces both on and off-road.

Under the bonnet, the Grand Vitara uses the same 1.9-litre diesel engine which features in the Renault Megane and Laguna. Start the ignition, though, and it's immediately obvious the unit is not the most refined on the market. Even at low revs, there's a significant degree of diesel clatter.

Other complaints include a stiff clutch and a notchy five-speed manual gearbox. Yet on the move, the 1.9-litre common-rail diesel really suits the car, producing a healthy 127bhp. More importantly, an impressive 221Nm of torque is available from only 2,000rpm.

As a result, the Suzuki pulls keenly in every gear, while on the road it's noticeably swifter than the 0-60mph time of 13.2 seconds would suggest. In fact, the diesel complements the Grand Vitara far more than the 2.0-litre petrol alternative. As well as being better to drive, the oil-burner offers improved fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions, while towing capacity is up by 200kg to two tonnes.

And for off-roading, the Grand Vitara makes even more sense. The unit is ideal for hauling the 4x4 over hills, while its strong engine-braking helps to control descents. On really tough terrain, drivers can electronically lock the 4WD transmission, while a low-ratio gearbox provides even more grip.

The DDiS costs £850 more than the petrol version, but it's money well spent. With lower fuel bills and better residuals, many drivers will find that the diesel variant is the cheaper model to own in the long run.

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

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1 Comment

Renault Diesel Vitara

What an error of judgement. I have the 2.4 litre, which has given me zero problems, and is far better quality than VW I left, after 20 years, for Suzuki.
Thanks for letting us know the diesel is a RUINEAULT engine.
I will never buy one, and stick to petrol. I am sure history will show Jap
petrol engines last longer than the soft French diesel.

By freakinrichie on 1 September, 2011, 12:20am

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FIRST OPINION

    On sale now, the five-door DDiS is the pick of the Suzuki Grand Vitara range. Its diesel engine isn't the most refined, but the spread of power and punchy delivery suit the 4x4. With increased hauling potential as well as decent on and off-road ability, the well specified and keenly priced Suzuki could be in the running for class honours.
 

AT A GLANCE

    The DDiS unit is the same one as in Renault's M�gane and Laguna, but here it's tuned to produce 127bhp and 221Nm.
    Engine: 1.9-litre 4cyl, 127bhp
    Econ./CO2: 36.7mpg/205g/km
    Price: £16,499
     
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