Suzuki Grand Vitara (2005 - To Date)

Models Covered: (3/5dr compact 4x4 1.6, 2.0 petrol, 1.9 diesel [VVT, VVT+, X-EC])

BY ANDY ENRIGHT

Although it has taken some time for the Suzuki Grand Vitara to divest itself of the wide-wheel and bodykit image Vitaras were saddled with in the early nineties, its now a far more mature proposition. In fact, most would hardly believe it was spawned from the same bloodline. Whereas most budget compact 4x4s do nothing particularly well, the Grand Vitara is a true dual purpose tool, mixing a modicum of off-road ability with reasonable blacktop manners. Used examples are still very underrated.

Dont let the more sophisticated angular styling fool you. Beneath the sheet metal theres a proper ladder framed chassis that will eclipse rivals such as the Hyundai Tucson or Toyota RAV4 when the going gets tough. In that regard, youre getting the best of both worlds - a vehicle that doesnt look like something thats just picked up a stray ewe but which can still cut the mustard during the occasional off piste foray. The neat, minimal front end styling is very appealing, while the sculpted wheelarches and clever use of curves and angles in the cars glasshouse gives it a very contemporary look.

Build
Comfort
Depreciation
Economy
Equipment
Handling
Insurance
Performance
Styling
Value

Longer, taller and wider than its predecessor, it improves on its packaging still further, offering decent space for taller rear seat passengers. Suzuki claimed at this cars launch that there were no plans to replace the seven-seat variants of the post 98 generation Vitara but both three and five-door five-seater models were offered from the beginning. A side-hinged tailgate features a separately opening rear window section so youll be able to sling a couple of bags in if space is tight in the multi-storey. The interior was given a radical rethink in this generation model.

Gone were the acres of black or grey plastics as seen in the post 98 Grand Vitara and in their place came a far more stylish duotone finish to the dashboard. The three-spoke steering wheel is an attractive design and could be configured with wheel-mounted controls for the stereo. The centre console features clean design and effective ergonomics while the instrument binnacle contains the speedometer in the middle ringed by a metallic finish. The rev counter sits on one side and the minor dials on the other, creating an interesting three-dimensional effect.



Grand Vitara prices start at just over £8,000 for a 2005 55-plated 1.6-litre three-door VVT. Go for the VVT+ five-door with this engine and youll need around £8,500. This engine will struggle to pull a fully laden Grand Vitara with any great verve and Id advise either a bigger petrol or a diesel unless funds are really tight.

The 2.0-litre is a decent compromise with a manual five-door opening at around £9,600. The 1.9 DDiS diesel is the pick of the bunch and a five-door reflects this demand with prices hovering around £11,250 for the first of the 55 platers.



The Grand Vitara is largely reliable, but as with most proper 4x4s, youll need to check for damage caused by off road work. Have a good look at the underbody, and check the suspension, sills, ramp and departure points and also wheelarch liners for signs of damage. If you do plan on serious off roading your Grand Vitara, aftermarket lift kits and more aggressive tyres are a must. Also inspect the paintwork and body for damage from branches etc.

It would also pay to reject cars with whining differentials, noisy gearboxes, a chattering set of valves or a loud camshaft, unless you plan to undertake the repairs. Other than this, just insist on a fully stamped up service history.

(approx based on a 2006 Grand Vitara 2.0) A new clutch assembly will be around £175, and a replacement headlamp is about £160. Front brake pads and rear brake shoes are both around £55 a pair, whilst a new radiator retails at £250. A new alternator is only slightly cheaper, whilst a new starter motor weighs in at a pricey £300.



A trio of engines were lined up for UK buyers kicking off with a rather weedy 93bhp 1.6-litre offered in three-door guise. Id be tempted to save a little extra and spring for one of the larger powerplants on offer. The petrol-engined five-door version gets a healthy 140bhp which uses a variable induction system to make the most of its 182Nm of torque.

Some may find its 31mpg fuel consumption a little much for them, especially if a lot of urban journeys are on the cards. The pick of the range will doubtless be the 129bhp diesel, offered in both bodystyles, which uses a Renault-sourced 1.9-litre turbodiesel. Mated to a five speed manual gearbox as standard, those who tire of changing gear themselves can pay a little extra and land themselves a four-speed automatic box.

The Grand Vitara is said to be far more capable in the rough than a Toyota RAV4 or a Honda CR-V and its not difficult to see why. The four-wheel drive system is geared towards off-road rather than wet road traction and ground clearance is far better. The flipside of this is that the steering and chassis wont feel so responsive on road, but for many, this will be a more than acceptable trade off.

If you cant run to something like a Nissan X-Trail or a Land Rover Freelander, choose the Grand Vitara and you wont be disappointed. Its solidly built, well engineered and is a very capable yet understated vehicle. The diesel-engined version is the pick of the bunch and has the ability to leave far more esteemed 4x4s for dead off road. Recommended.