WEEKEND ROADTEST: Revised Suzuki Grand Vitara



Suzuki is big at making small cars, not just 4x4s but that is an area where they have had most success. In the 1980’s they became the world’s leading manufacturer of compact, utility, workhorse 4x4s. Remember they produced their small LJ (Light Jeep) Jimny series from 1970, then the SJ Samarai from 1982 followed by the current SZ Vitara range and of course the even smaller modern Jimny 4x4 jeep and the SX4 4x4 small car are also available. Suzuki’s Vitara, or Grand Vitara as it is now known for both three and five door models, starts its third decade of sales in 2010. Suzuki launched its first three-door Vitara 20 years ago creating the world’s first compact car-like specification SUV and so establishing a new market sector for vehicles. Their aim was to still deliver true off-road performance but with responsive fun-to-drive on-road performance, in a comfortable and well equipped car like body. Over 164,000 Vitaras/Grand Vitaras have been sold in the UK out of 2.6 million worldwide. Since then the stylish and versatile SUV has steadily evolved and kept pace with growing demand for good-looking, versatile 4x4s and all Vitara models still have permanent four wheel drive with a high and low ratio transfer box and most models also have a diff-lock setting. Today Suzuki GB continues to sell around 3,200 Vitaras annually with about 50% of customers opting for the compact three door versions. In general younger women or young and older couples with no children opt for the three door models whilst families logically choose the five door versions. The latest updated and more refined Grand Vitara three and five door models are priced from £14,295 to £20,410. Prices have unfortunately just been increased due to the rise in VAT from 1 January 2010. The Grand Vitara range has SZ3, SZ4 and SZ5 levels of equipment and specification with 1.6/2.4-litre petrol and a new 1.9 DDiS turbodiesel engine options. Petrol models account for around 60% of sales. With the Government’s £2,000 Scrappage Scheme still two months to run and with Suzuki continuing to offer three-years 0% finance until the end of March, now is the time to opt for driving independence in all weather conditions and go the 4x4 route. The latest three and five door Vitaras offer quieter, more refined and improved fuel efficient engines whilst maintaining their hallmark all wheel drive, high and low ratio transmission. They remain compact in size and lightweight so they are easy to park. Undisputed off-road ability comes, in part, from the four wheel drive facility, the long travel suspension with high ground clearance and being lightweight they just skip over the banks of snow or mud and do not easily get bogged down or ‘beached’ and left sitting on the vehicle’s underbelly. Earlier Suzuki compact off-roaders had the scaled down, upright and slab sided, workhorse looks of a WWII Jeep. Today the SZ Grand Vitara is a much more refined product in looks, interior design quality, higher equipment levels and ride comfort. The latest tweaks include a new design of front grille and bumper which gives a more sculpted and muscular appearance. New door mirrors are fitted with integrated turn indicators and the restyled light clusters smarten up the rear end. New wheel designs are utilised, with a more robust treatment for the standard five-spoke 17-inch alloys on the SZ4 model plus seven-spoke 18-inch rims for the five-door SZ5 model. Cabin ambience is more refined and sophisticated, with a cleaner, easier to monitor dashboard layout and new control buttons and switches that are weighted to convey a sense of quality and precision. All models have air conditioning, electrically operated windows and door mirrors. Inside, detail improvements include a new multi-information display in the main instrument cluster, giving the driver clear information on vehicle status, including fuel consumption, mileage, driving range and gear position for automatic transmission equipped models (option on 2.4-litre model only). The steering wheel-mounted switches are illuminated for greater ease of use and there is a new control panel for the climate control unit. SZ5 five-door models feature wood trim inlays to the centre console and integrated door armrests which further enhance the all-round cabin quality; a new centre speaker on the dashboard is also included which allows sound to be echoed off the roof to create a surround-sound effect. In addition all models have Electronic Stability Control (ESP) with traction control fitted as standard and rear disc brakes have been introduced for 1.9 DDiS and 2.4 petrol models. The rear suspension has been strengthened and the front end styling offers better pedestrian protection. Whilst the 1.6-litre, 105bhp petrol engine will suit low mileage users and the 2.4-litre, 166bhp petrol, balancer shaft unit will suit owners wanting an automatic transmission, it is the new 1.9-litre diesel unit that I would opt for. Diesel power does cost more to buy and the fuel is more expensive, but good fuel economy and strong torque across a wide power band are the key characteristics of these units and the common rail 1.9-litre intercooled and turbocharged diesel engine used by Suzuki follows this pattern. Officially this four cylinder unit achieves 40.4mpg on the combined cycle with CO2 levels of 183/km for the three door and 185g/km for the five door model. During my end of year road test the 1.9-litre DDiS unit with the three-door body configuration returned a very commendable 36.1mpg average and this included lots of driving in deep snow, slowly over black ice, in town stop-start driving, few motorway miles, but lots of time leaving the Vitara ticking over to warm it up and de-icing the windows. It doesn’t get any tougher than that. Road tax is currently £175 but it is proposed to increase that figure to £300 from next April with the new First Year VED rate after which it goes down to £200 a year. Company car drivers will pay 27% Benefit-in-Kind tax but Gordon Brown is planning his next tax gathering mission to increase all rates. The 1.9-litre, 127bhp engine – sourced from Renault – incorporates a dual mass flywheel for enhanced drivability and smoother running. Minor changes have also been made to mountings and bushings to minimise vibration and harshness. The engine has a flat torque curve and achieves peak torque of 300Nm (221lbft) at just 2,000rpm, ensuring the flexibility typically demanded by SUV drivers. This unit is all about efficiency, the right power, the right amount of responsiveness and the best fuel economy given it is driving all four wheels all the time. It is no ‘high performance’ unit nor does it really need to be – it is more of a workhorse. The top speed of 106mph and 0 to 62mph takes 12.8 seconds. Given today’s road conditions of congestion and speed restrictions it is good enough. At cold start-up the unit sounds noisy and harsh but it warms to its task as it gets warmer. The permanent four wheel drive system gives balanced and good grip front and rear in it standard 4High mode. A well positioned turn switch easily selects the 4High locked centre differential mode for snow, mud or icy conditions and also 4Low with locked diff when the going gets really tough. Generally the Vitara handles pretty well; there is of course some bodyroll due to its height of 1,695mm. The steering is light and responsive for a 4x4, the ride comfort is on the firm side due to the ladder frame chassis and rugged multi-link rear suspension but it is a solid and relatively spacious vehicle. With an overall length of 4,115mm and the high up seating positions the compact three door Vitara is easy to park and that is a real bonus for most users. However the wide B-pillars reduce rear side visibility at road junctions. A large side hinged tailgate gives easy access to a relatively small 184-litre boot for the three door model but this can be increased to 516-litres by folding down and tipping forward the rear seats. Many Vitaras are used for towing, boats, caravans, horseboxes, trailers and so on and the maximum braked towing weight is a very useful 1,600kg. A reliable, cost efficient and capable SUV for all seasons and because it is so versatile it could be the right choice for motorists saving money by having just one car instead of two. © David Miles

MILESTONES

Suzuki Grand Vitara SZ4 1.9 DDiS 3-Doo £16,955 (Vat 17.5%).
Engine/transmission: 1.9-litre, four-cylinder, common rail injection with turbocharger and intercooler, 127bhp, 300Nm (221lb ft) from 2,000rpm, 5-speed manual gearbox, high/low ratio transfer box with locking centre differential, permanent all wheel drive.
Performance: 106mph, 0-62mph 12.8 seconds, 40.4mpg (36.1mpg actual), CO2 183g/km, VED £175, BIK tax 27%. Insurance group: 14. Boot space 184-516-litres. Maximum braked towing weight: 1,600kg.
For: Very capable and rugged vehicle handles well, permanent all wheel drive so genuine off-road ability, good looks, well equipped, good value to buy.
Against: Hard ride, heavy gearchange, engine very noisy when cold, high-ish servicing and insurance costs.