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Suzuki Haywards Heath

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Suzuki Grand Vitara 4x4 1.6 VVT

For:
The Grand Vitara looks the part and possesses genuine off-road ability. All versions steer and handle well, and the cabin is solid and spacious.

Against:
The ride is too firm and there's too much engine noise. The petrol engines are weak, the gearshift is heavy and the Grand Vitara is comparatively expensive to run.



Performance

The 2.4 is fairly gutsy, but the 2.0, and the 1.6 available in the three-door, are sluggish and disappointing. The 1.9 diesel is the best bet for sheer pulling power - it's still not brilliant but has useful extra mid-range grunt. In all three, a heavy gearshift blunts smooth progress at times.

Ride & handling

The firm suspension limits body movement, so the Vitara remains composed through corners. Good grip and well weighted steering also help. The downside is an unforgiving ride, which never settles. It's even choppier in the three-door car.

Refinement

This is one of the Grand Vitara's weak points. All but the 2.4 engine are noisy, particularly at speed, although the 1.6 is the worst offender and the diesel isn't too bad. Road noise is also a problem, and there's an irritating amount of wind noise on the motorway

Buying & owning

The Grand Vitara is cheaper to buy than Nissan and Honda rivals, but it doesn't hold its value as well. Running costs are on the high side, too - it's expensive to service and attracts comparatively high insurance ratings, while even the diesel isn't particularly frugal.

Quality & reliability

Suzuki has raised its game when it comes to interior quality. The cabin is solidly built, stylish and the materials all look like they'll stand up to hard use. The previous model's reliability was no better than average, so Suzuki will be looking for improvements in this area.

Safety & security

Unlike some rivals, the Grand Vitara comes with front, side and curtain airbags as standard. Anti-lock brakes with electronic distribution of stopping power are also fitted, but while permanent four-wheel drive is standard, electronic stability control is standard only in the 2.4. Deadlocks and a visible VIN are fitted to deter thieves.

Behind the wheel

The five-door provides a more flexible driving position than the three-door, since it has driver's seat-height adjustment as standard. The dash is sensibly arranged and has big, bold switches, while visibility is excellent.

Space & practicality

The Grand Vitara provides plenty of leg- and headroom in both the front and back seats, and five adults will fit comfortably thanks to the low central tunnel. The boot is a useful size, too, but it has a side-hinged door, which can make it tricky to load up if someone parks behind you or if you're towing. The rear seats tumble forward should you need extra load space, but they stack behind the front seats instead of laying flat, so the space isn't especially long.

Equipment

The 1.6 VVT three-door misses out on alloy wheels, but climate control, a CD player, remote central locking and electric front windows are standard. VVT+ adds alloys, fog lamps and electric, heated door mirrors. Five-door 2.0 petrol and diesel cars come in one trim, which includes electric rear windows, a spare wheel cover and extra cabin storage. 2.4 cars get a six-CD changer; the three-door model also gets rear privacy glass, while the five-door adds leather, heated front seats and a sunroof.

Running Costs

Town mpg

26.7

Out of Town mpg

37.2

Average mpg

32.5

Tank Capacity (gallons)

12.1

CO2 Rating (g/km)

210

Insurance Group

12

Typical Insurance Quote

£518

% Value Retained (3yrs/36,000mls)

47

Typical Contract Hire Rate (pcm)

£0

Pence Per Mile

41.54

Servicing Cost over 3yrs

£1347

Servicing Intervals

9000

Manufacturers Warranty

3yr/60k

Performance & Measurements

Body type

4X4

Number of Doors

3

Number of Seats

5

Engine (cc/type)

1586/4

Fuel Type

Unleaded

Max Power (bhp/rpm)

105/5900

Engine Position

F

Driven Wheels

Four

Length (mm)

4005

Width (mm)

1810

Height (mm)

1695

Boot Space (min ltr)

398

Boot Space (max ltr)

1386

Turning Circle (m)

10.2

Towing Weight(kg)

1600

Kerb Weight (kg)

1445