Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.6 VVT-I
Japanese car bucks the SUV trend as it’s such a bargain to run
An off-roader isn’t an obvious choice for low running costs. But the Suzuki Grand Vitara is an exception, as its 1.6-litre petrol engine offers 32.8mpg, and 205g/km emissions keep it out of the top tax band. The price also helps – the range starts at £12,715.
Even the entry-level car is packed with standard kit, including air-con, alloys and curtain airbags. The Suzuki is a proper off-roader, too, with permanent four-wheel drive, a locking centre differential and low-range gearbox.
However, the three-door layout limits access to the rear, and the Vitara can struggle on the road, where its 104bhp engine has to be worked hard. The high-sided Suzuki suffers from body roll round corners, too. In town, the lofty driving position and excellent visibility are welcome and, with the rear seats flat, boot capacity grows to a handy 516 litres.
As an added bonus, Suzuki’s network finished 10th in our Driver Power dealer survey earlier this year. All of that could be yours for only 38.8 pence per mile. Not bad when a Range Rover 4.4-litre V8 will set you back nearly £1 more per mile.
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WHY: A genuine mud-plugger, yet as easy on your wallet as a standard family saloon car.
