Suzuki Grand Vitara

Auto Express Car Reviews

Rating:
On the road price: £11,999 - £17,025
For : Pleasant looks, decent fascia
Against : Limited boot space, firm ride

Now the Vitara is no more, the Grand Vitara takes over its role as Suzuki's competitor in the medium SUV segment. Facing new improved competition from the Toyota Rav4, the Grand Vitara still has some of the most pleasing styling of all the junior off-road set. Four engines and a choice of three and five-door models is available; additionally for those wanting full seven-seat capacity there's the XL-7 long-wheelbase version. Those three-door models are only available with the 1.6-litre or 2.0-litre petrol engines, while the five-door estate can be specified with the same 2.0-litre or a 2.5-litre V6. A 2.0-litre turbo-diesel is also offered.

The driving position and front seats give good support, the Grand Vitara proving quite a driver's car for a 4x4. Inside, the fascia is pleasantly designed, the seat coverings changing for the better in the 2001 model. The boot space is so-so with very little space in the rear of the three-door for passengers, the five-door model gaining some much-needed legroom as a result of model changes. A compromised package then, though no worse than the majority of the competition.