Suzuki Grand Vitara (05 on) - Review

Review by David Ross on 14 October 2005

Last Updated: 26 May 2011

Whether you love them or loath them, 'soft-roaders' are here to stay and it's Suzuki who's partly responsible for them. It launched one of the first - the Vitara - back in 1988 and set the soft-roader trend that other manufacturers followed. This third generation model is major step up from the model it replaces. It's stylish, better to drive, and is great value for money, comparing well on price and specification to models offered by Kia, Hyundai and Nissan. It's available as a shortened three-door or the more popular five-door, but both offer impressive off road ability, as well as safe and reassuring handling on road. Between 2008 and 2009 the model was revised with subtle changes to the exterior and a more upmarket cabin. ESP stability control was also made standard on all models.

4 out of 5

Other Suzuki reviews

4 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£15,995 - £23,225

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Used price range:

£4,789 - £17,967

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Stylish interior, modern looks, great value for money, genuinely capable off road, robust build quality

1.6 VVT engine lacks punch, high insurance groups, firm ride

Driving & Performance

Performance

3.5 out of 5
"Two petrols engines were available at launch - a 1.6 VVT with 105bhp and a 140bhp 2.0-litre petrol."
Handling

3.5 out of 5
"This is a vast improvement on the previous model. The steering is sharper and body roll is kept much..."

Comfort

Comfort

3.5 out of 5
"The Grand Vitara is longer and wider than before and as a result the interior is much roomier. Both..."
Practicality

4.5 out of 5
"The wide opening tailgate and high roof means that large and awkwardly-shaped objects are swallowed..."
Equipment

4 out of 5
"The three-door Grand Vitara has power steering, front electric windows, air conditioning, a CD..."
Behind the wheel

4 out of 5
"Although the driver still benefits from a commanding driving position, it's lower than before, which..."

Costs

Running costs

3 out of 5
"Insurance groups start at group 12 and rise to 14, which are rather high compared to similarly-sized..."
Green credentials

2.5 out of 5
"The Grand Vitara isn't particularly environmentally friendly in terms of carbon dioxide emissions,..."

Safety & Reliability

Safety

4 out of 5
"The Grand Vitara gained a four star rating from Euro NCAP for occupant safety - good for this type..."
Reliability

4 out of 5
"Like many Japanese manufacturers, Suzuki has a reputation for mechanical durability. Some past..."

Buying & Selling

Buying new

3.5 out of 5
"The Grand Vitara is priced midway between Korean value-for-money off roaders like the Hyundai Tucson..."
Buying used

3.5 out of 5
"The most popular Grand Vitaras are the petrol five-door models, although the diesels will still..."
Selling

3.5 out of 5
"A diesel will be easier to sell than a petrol model, although running costs of the petrol versions..."