Suzuki Grand Vitara Road Test
Published: 22nd July 2003
Grand Vitara
In Car Entertainment and Satellite Navigation
The Grand Vitara comes with a security conscious integrated radio/single slot CD player, which was capable and very easy to use.
Rivals
Honda CR-V, Land Rover Freelander, Nissan X-Trail, Toyota RAV4
What We Liked
- Very capable off-road, above average at this end of market
- Good quality fabrics/plastics
- Ergonomic dashboard/superbly back lit with great heating controls
- Excellent head room and rear leg room
- Good value for money
What We Disliked
- Front passenger footwell limited leg room
- Headrests difficult to adjust, especially to get them at the correct height for our heads/necks
- Difficult to adjust driver’s seat with the door shut
What We’d Like To See
- Although the drivers window is one shot down we’d like to see one shot up/down electric windows all round
- An alarm as standard
- A windscreen integrated aerial or electric aerial
Build Quality
The build quality of the Suzuki Grand Vitara is very good and the materials are above average for a vehicle of this class. Suzuki's renowned reliability is also a plus point and puts vehicles such as the Freelander to shame.
Value For Money
The Grand Vitara is excellent value for money and very competitively priced. For just under £16,000 you are getting 'real’ 4x4 technology with good levels of standard equipment and the price includes the £950 automatic transmission option which in our opinion is money well spent..
Overall Opinion
I would seriously consider the Suzuki Grand Vitara if I was looking for a compact four wheel drive vehicle, it has true off road performance, car-like ease to drive and is excellent value for money. It would go where many a so called four wheel drive would falter without lacking comfort or refinement. The automatic gearbox was suited to the car and made it a joy to drive, even though it sapped some of the cars power. I was sad to see the Grand Vitara go as it was both fun to drive and a excellent alternative to the family car.
Grand Vitara Road Test Conclusion | |
| Performance |  |
| Ride and Handling | |
| Ease of Use |  |
| Safety and Security | |
| Comfort and Refinement | |
| Interior Styling | |
| Exterior Styling | |
| In Car Entertainment & Navigation | |
| Build Quality | |
| Value for Money | |
| Overall | 68% |
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