Grand Vitara-it’s a big claim, especially for an SUV which lives in a segment littered with models from almost every manufacturer on the Australian market.
Since its incarnation in 1999 as a larger version of its Vitara sibling, it promised more power and the ability to hop rocks at the drop of a hat.
Face-lifted in 2008, the Grand Vitara remains looking much the same as it did in 2006. The exterior boasts a rugged looking front end design and compact styling, which makes it appealing to the weekend adventurers who head off-road in the search for fun.
A rear mounted tyre helps increase luggage capacity, while functional vents attached to the side panels act as vents for hot air escaping the engine bay.
Flared wheel arches and a generous 200mm ground clearance act as aids for off-roading.
Inside the cabin, the Grand Vitara certainly lives up to its name with comfortable leather seats and lashings of dark wood grain.
A proximity sensing key allows for keyless entry and keyless start. A key fob is built into the steering wheel which simply needs to be turned with the key within the perimeter of the cabin. Locking or unlocking the car is just as easy. A simply press of the nipple attached to either of the doors will lock or unlock the car.
Interior room for the driver and front seat passenger is generous with ample head and leg room. Rear seat leg and head room on the other hand is somewhat disappointing. While it’s suitable for children, adults will find it a bit of a struggle to fit comfortably.
Taller adults will be left with limited hear room due to the low roof line and a lack of leg room.
Cargo capacity is good, catering for up to 398 litres with the rear seats up and 1386 litres with the rear seats down. Entry and egress is fantastic with a low entry point and flat floor.
Although our test vehicle was fitted with a pre-production head unit, the sound system remained unchanged. Featuring seven speakers with subwoofer, the sound system offers plenty of punch and quality of sound which could be found in vehicles double the price.
Under the bonnet of our test vehicle was Suzuki’s 3.2-litre, 165kW V6. Suzuki claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 10.5-L/100km, which I managed to achieve during the test. The free-revving V6 works in unison with the slick shifting five-speed automatic to provide a driving experience unlike that of an SUV.
The ride quality over all tyres of roads is generally soft. The soft suspension increases body roll slightly, but not to unmanageable levels.
Safety levels are great with Electronic Stability Control (ESP), ABS brakes with EBD and BA, front, side and curtain airbags and engine immobiliser.
Unlike most other vehicles in its class, the Grand Vitara features some impressive off-road kit. A low-range gearbox and centre differential lock make off-roading a realistic task.
The high-revving V6 isn’t the perfect companion for off-road driving due to its maximum torque production range. Attempting to traverse steep hills often amounts in masses of wheel spin, the diesel powered Grand Vitara would be a much better option for four-wheel-driving zealots.
Four wheel drive modes are interchangeable via a knob attached to the dashboard and can only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary.
Starting at $25,990 for the three-door petrol variant, the five-door V6 Grand Vitara Prestige retails for $40,490.
Suzuki’s competitive pricing outdoes the Outlander, Rav4, X-Trail and Forester which are its main rivals.
Although the design is getting on now, it’s hard to beat the Grand Vitara for value for money. The level of features, in addition to excellent four wheel drive equipment make it a high priority test drive for families after a compact SUV.
While the V6 won’t be to everyone’s tastes, Suzuki now offers a turbo diesel mode, retailing for $35,990.
Whichever way you look at it, this superb vehicle can’t be passed for value and function. Make sure it’s on the shortlist if you’re in the market; you’re bound to be impressed.
