Suzuki’s Grand Vitara stands out from its peers because it was rare in featuring a separate chassis in true 4x4 fashion. Even today, the latest models sit on a strengthened frame below their monocoque bodies.
The other contenders, Land Rover Freelander, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4 all have chassis-less construction, a format that is growing increasingly popular in the 4x4 sector. Even the latest Range Rover and Jeep Cherokee have it.
But the Suzuki doesn’t seem to suffer through being different. The car has good off-road ability, too, and can cope with some pretty serious conditions. So it’s not just a model for the image conscious and mums on school runs, although there are some versions that fulfil those roles very well.
I quite like the Grand Vitara, which launched here first as a five door with a 2.5 litre V6 engine in April 1998 so has now been around for a decade and on sale in its current form featuring permanent rather than selectable 4x4 for just over two years. I can’t say that I’m all that keen on the V6 petrol, though, as it has a bit of a thirst.
Since then, other engines have joined the range, so the choice now spans 1.6 and two litre petrol units and a two litre turbodiesel.
I’ve recently had a drive in the 1.9 diesel, which has a Renault engine, and have tried all the cars in the range during the Grand Vitara’s lifespan. Bodies offered are five door estate, and three door estate and soft top models. A later addition to the previous range was the XL7 derivative with seven seats and, later, with a five seat option, too. The five seater has a very roomy rear load area as it’s longer and wider than the standard Grand Vitara.
Most Grand Vitaras are much-loved road cars for their first owners, so you’ll be very unlucky to pick up one that has suffered damage from serious off-road use. But it’s still worth checking that’s everything’s OK underneath and, of course, that the 4x4 system still functions correctly as it’s a selectable system that may not have been used very much.
There’s not much really that goes wrong with these cars. They are pretty tough and, as many 4x4 enthusiasts will tell you, go on for years, often suffering more and more abuse as they age and become cheaper to buy. Their image also means they are used for pulling jet skis and small boats, so check for underbody rusting caused by contact with sea water.
Many Suzukis get highly customised, another sign that their owners really love them. However, if you buy one of these remember to tell your insurers of all the mods or you could find your cover invalidated, especially if the car is stolen. It’s worth checking on a car that has the balance of its maker’s three year / 60,000 mile warranty running that accessories are approved and dealer fitted to keep the warranty operative.
Service intervals are 6,000 miles on older Grand Vitaras, pretty frequent for a modern car and which will need to be kept up if the warranty is still in force. The latest cars, however, have 9,000 mile intervals which are more sensible. If you regularly off-road the car, particularly in mud, dust, or salt water, then it will need even more frequent attention. Insurance starts at Group 10 on earlier models but has risen to a minimum Group 12 on the current cars.
The latest cars are now around at reasonable process, and even the diesel on a 55 plate will be yours for well on the right side of £11,000. If you’ll settle for the 2.0 petrol will save you around £1,400 at the same age, which is serious money to keep in your back pocket. If the latest model is just too much, then an 03 plate diesel five door at £7,000 is more sensible. If you just want a car for off-roading, then take to the hills in an 01Y 1.6 petrol three door hardtop at £3,600 and have fun.
Maurice Hardy
SUZUKI IS A GRAND WAY TO TRY 4X4 MOTORING
