Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.6 VVT 3 door

Costs

The running costs for the 1.6-litre VVT three-door model should be very acceptable, thanks in part to a respectable economy figure. The initial purchase price is competitive, with only the relatively high CO2 emissions rating likely to worry someone running the Grand Vitara as a company car.

Space and practicality

The interior of the Grand Vitara has numerous storage areas, generous door pockets and cup holders, with a useful centre armrest between the rear seats also with storage compartments. Boot space and rear legroom on the three-door version is relatively small however, and it is unlikely that the luggage area could accommodate the needs of four passengers. Headroom for both front and rear passengers is good however, with good legroom and elbowroom in the front also.

Controls and display

The Grand Vitara's layout is clear and easy to use, as well as attractive. The instruments have smart back lighting, while the air conditioning controls work well and feel high quality. The controls on the steering wheel are easy to use also, and most of the controls on the centre console are of a good size, well spaced and satisfying to use.

Comfort

Passengers in the Grand Vitara can relax in decent comfort, particularly those in the front. Rear seat passengers have the ability to recline their seats. The ride quality is mostly good, although the height of the car does magnify larger bumps, but most of the time the Vitara is a comfortable car to travel in.

Car security

Fitted as standard to the Grand Vitara are deadlocks, freewheeling lock cylinders and an immobiliser. The rear luggage cover helps to hide and valuable items, while the boot also has an extra hidden storage compartment under the floor.

Car safety

The Grand Vitara uses a monocoque chassis design instead of the ladder-frame type used on the previous vehicle, and this should make a substantial improvement to crash performance. Isofix child seat mountings are fitted to the rear seats; six airbags are standard on all models, as is ABS and seat belt pretensioners for front seat passengers. The front bumper has also been designed to reduce injuries in the event of a pedestrian impact.

Driver appeal

The Vitara's main appeal comes from its easy driving style. The high-set driving position gives excellent visibility, while the gearbox, brake and clutch are smooth, progressive and easy to operate. The steering is similar, providing enough feedback but always remaining light and accurate. Despite the Grand Vitara's height, it remains reassuringly stable when driven at speed, while also providing respectable ride quality. The 1.6-litre VVT engine delivers respectable performance on paper, but on the road it feels a little short of power. The engine needs to be revved quite hard to deliver decent progress, and although it remains smooth it becomes noisy at high revs.

Family car appeal

Small children can be accommodated in the rear seats with ease, although the relatively small boot may still be an issue. Otherwise family buyers would be better off with the five-door version, with much improved rear accommodation and boot space.

First car appeal

The only factor that detracts from the Grand Vitara's appeal as a first car is the inevitable loss of roll resistance from driving a tall vehicle. In other respects its good looks, economical engine and light controls would make it a very good car for a first time driver.

Quality and image

First impressions of the Grand Vitara are very good. The exterior looks sharp, modern and attractive, and stepping into the cabin it feels like a good quality vehicle thanks to the design and standard of the materials. Some of the plastics used in the centre console feel a little thin and insubstantial, but the overall impression is a good one. The appealing design inside and out is a big boost to the Vitara's image, which should make it a more desirable car and attract a wider range of buyers.

Accessibility

The high ride height of the Grand Vitara will make it more straightforward for many people to gain entry, although shorter passengers will need to slide across the seats in order to get comfortable. Access to the rear seats is also decent, although some buyers might benefit from selecting the five-door version. Access to the load area is through the side-hinged door with a load floor at a good height.

Stereo and ICE (In car entertainment)

All Grand Vitara models are fitted with a radio/CD player as standard, with remote controls mounted on the steering wheel spokes. It provides respectable sound quality with a clear display for the radio station or CD track. It also has clearly marked, well-sized buttons, all mounted high in the dashboard for easier operation.

Colours and trim

A simple grey woven pattern on the seats blends well with the dark colours in the rest of the cabin, giving a classy feel. Elsewhere the Vitara uses dark plastics and fabrics, although the large glass area prevents it becoming gloomy. The vast majority of plastics used inside are of high quality, with sections finished in a metal colour increasing appeal.

Parking

The lofty driving position is a big benefit when parking the Grand Vitara, with excellent visibility to the front and to the side. At the rear, the chunky pillars do create blind spots, but the near-vertical rear window does make it easy to judge distances. Large door mirrors and light controls also contribute to the Vitara's ease of use.

Spare wheel

Full size spare wheel mounted on outside of rear tailgate.