Suzuki Grand Vitara X-EC Special Edition
Theres no question that a few bells and whistles can make all the difference to the way we feel about a car. Visit any new car showroom and it isnt the poverty spec models that sit glistening under the lights, its the range toppers with the whole options list bundled up and chucked in. Its all about the wow factor that these fully loaded versions generate but its usually the case that the price tag is just as much of an eye opener at the leather swathed interior. The special edition Suzuki Grand Vitara X-EC is a model that picks up the high specification ball and runs with it.
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The Suzuki Grand Vitara isnt a particularly showy vehicle in its basic guises. Its compact and chunky design gives it a pugnacious appearance and unlike many of its compact 4x4 contemporaries, the Suzuki is tough enough to tackle off-road driving without important bits falling off. In that respect, its a bit of a throwback to an age where all off-roaders were designed for off-road driving but the Grand Vitara still manages to show a good level of competence on the tarmac. Its a strong all round package that tends to keep things simple but buyers whod passed on it grounds that it isnt plush enough may be persuaded otherwise by the X-EC.
The X-EC is a special edition Grand Vitara thats positioned above the standard specification models in the range. Suzuki doesnt even deem it necessary to offer the standard Grand Vitara in anything other than standard trim so the X-EC comes as a bit of a departure for this no nonsense model. Both of the Grand Vitaras engine options are available and prices start at £16,999 for the 2.0-litre petrol unit with the 1.
9-litre DDiS diesel commanding an £18,499 price tag. This means that the X-EC is some £2,000 more expensive than the standard Grand. Thats quite a leap on a sub-£20,000 car but you do get quite a haul of extras.
"The X-EC special edition brings a touch of glamour to the Grand Vitara range"
Standard trim on the Grand Vitara runs to the usual suspects like power steering, electric windows, air conditioning and an MP3 compatible CD stereo. Theres also a good collection safety features including front, side and curtain airbags and ABS with EBD. The X-EC model, however, goes considerable further. Externally, it can spotted in a car park full of conventional Vitaras by its Azure Grey Pearl metallic paintwork.
It also has silver roof rails, black side mouldings and 17" 10-spoke alloy wheels which are exclusive to this model. The interior features Alcantara upholstery and a leather steering wheel but theres also a good quota of gadgets. An electric sunroof features as does Suzukis keyless entry and start feature while buyers also get SmartNav satellite navigation as standard. The Vitaras 2.
0-litre petrol-engine gives up a healthy 140bhp and uses a variable induction system to make the most of its 182Nm of torque. Some may find its 32mpg combined fuel consumption a little much for them, especially if a lot of urban journeys are on the cards. Theres also an automatic option with this engine but it comes at a £1,000 premium and knock combined fuel economy back to 31mpg. The pick of the range is the 129bhp diesel, hence the £1,500 premium were charged to get it.
Its a Renault-sourced unit with a 1.9-litre capacity and 300Nm of torque. Youll get a far more manageable 37mpg with this unit installed. Its slightly rough around the edges in terms of refinement but strong through the middle of the rev-range and good fun to drive.
The neat, minimalist front end styling is very appealing, while the sculpted wheel arches and clever use of curves and angles in the cars glasshouse gives it a very contemporary look. Longer, taller and wider than its predecessor, it improves on its packaging still further, offering decent space for taller rear seat passengers. Suzuki claim there are no plans to replace the seven-seat variants of the old Vitara but both three and five-door five-seater models are offered. 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 has been given a radical rethink. Gone are the acres of black or grey plastics as seen in the old Grand Vitara and in its place comes a far more stylish duotone finish to the dashboard. The three-spoke steering wheel is an attractive design and can 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. The X-EC special edition brings a touch of glamour to the Grand Vitara range that had previously been lacking. Theres a lot to like about the overall package, not least its sturdy construction and chunky styling but the X-EC makes it all look and feel more special. Buyers seeking a compact off-roader thats at home on the tarmac but wont embarrass itself when the going gets sticky couldnt really ask for more.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Suzuki Grand Vitara X-EC
PRICES: £16,999-£18,499 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 12-14
CO2 EMISSIONS: 195-217g/km
PERFORMANCE: [2.0] 0-60mph 12.5s / Max Speed 106mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [2.0] (combined) 31 mpg
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: [5dr] Length/Width/Height, 4470/1810/1695mm
