Suzuki Grand Vitara
Have latest updates boosted off-roader’s considerable appeal?
The Grand Vitara is a familiar sight across the globe – for good reason. In its various forms, 2.6 million of them have been sold worldwide!
The latest visual changes are tricky to spot, but there’s a revised grille and bumper at the front. The door mirrors now include smart side indicator repeaters, and there are new alloys – including our car’s 18-inch rims.
Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Grand Vitara
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Inside, Suzuki has also updated the dash, with clearer switches and higher-quality buttons. Smart climate control and trip computer displays, an attractive three-spoke steering wheel and tasteful wood trim ensure the Vitara’s well built cabin is more appealing than the Jeep’s. The SZ5 also gets standard leather seats.
From behind the wheel, visibility is far better than in the Jeep, with a lower window line and large door mirrors. In the city, it’s easier to position on the road, while low sills make access to the cabin much less of a challenge.
Although the boot is practical, getting to it can be difficult in tight parking spaces because the tailgate is side-hinged. The back seats fold flat, but now the bases also flip up (aided by clever gas struts) to provide a taller load space.
As with the Jeep, Suzuki has turned to someone else to supply its diesel engine. But the 1.9-litre Renault powerplant is feeling its age. Although it’s more refined than the Patriot’s, it can still rattle, plus it’s less powerful and responsive. Yet the biggest issue is its five-speed box. It shifts smoothly and has a light clutch, but needs a sixth gear. The engine spins busily at motorway speeds, raising fuel consumption and noise levels. It can feel lethargic – and the transmission shunt at low speed can be intrusive. It’s doubly disappointing as the Suzuki has sporty suspension.
The steering’s racy feel is backed up by eager responses and good body control. But the pay-off is a firm ride, with the stiff springs and large wheels failing to cope with big bumps.
Against the clock the Suzuki is slower than the Jeep, and it isn’t as quick to come to a halt, either. Yet the Vitara is better suited to off-road use, as it has permanent four-wheel-drive, which gets a torque-sensing centre differential and a low-range control on the dash. So, when the going gets tough, it will be the Suzuki that keeps going.
On-road traction is also more assured, which is great in icy conditions. But will that be enough for it to win here?
Details
Chart position: 1
WHY: The Suzuki takes victory because it is the better all-rounder. While its ride is on the firm side, and it’s crying out for a sixth gear, the Grand Vitara is solidly put together, plus far more entertaining to drive than its rival.
