Suzuki Grand Vitara 3D (2005 - 2015) - 4x4

Suzuki Grand Vitara 3 doors (2005 - 2015)
With the Suzuki Vitara these days more a road-biased Crossover than a true 4x4, maybe it's time to reflect on the much more rugged Grand Vitara that preceded it. Launched in 2005, it was extensively facelifted in 2009 before being tweaked for the final time in 2013. It's the post-2009 models we're going to look at here, cars that gained an 'SZ' tag and continued the Grand Vitara's approach of delivering a cheaper price than many key rivals while offering much more capability off the beaten track. A range of petrol and diesel engines, along with the option of three or five doors, mean plenty of choice for the prospective buyer. Often overlooked, it's a reliable and talented used buy.

Models
(3/5dr compact 4x4 1.6, 2.0, 2.4 petrol, 1.9 diesel [SZ3, SZ4, SZ5])

Engine choices from the 2009 facelift onwards are 1.6-litre (SWB only) and 2.4-litre petrols, and a Renault-sourced 1.9 DDiS diesel (LWB only in later cars). The diesel, which develops 221 lb ft of torque, is obviously the one for towing and heavy-duty use; the 2.4 petrol (available with optional slow-witted four-speed auto gearbox, adding to the blast-from-the-past ambience) is quick enough for everyday driving and a good degree quieter. This engine, which replaced a weedy 2-litre, uses only 2mpg more than the underpowered 1.6, though neither is exactly economical: 32.5mpg from the manual 2.4 SWB and 32.1mpg from its LWB equivalent. The five-speed manual gearbox is clunky and stiff, but manageable.

Suspension is firm, and the Grand Vitara handles neatly enough with minimal body roll, but the ride is unforgiving and jerky, especially in the SWB. There’s considerable intrusion from wind and road noise, too. The cabin is reasonably spacious in the five-door (the SWB seats only two in the back) with a practical boot, but although the bulky seats fold flat and tumble, they don’t leave a lot of space for through-loading. And in keeping with the trad image, there’s a side-opening rear door — it looks the part but may be awkward in confined areas. From 2009, stability control came as standard, along with front, side and full-length curtain airbags; the Grand Vitara’s four-star Euro NCAP crash test score is acceptable. Equipment levels are some way behind those of the newer crossovers and SUVs in this class, and next to a Tiguan, Yeti, Kuga, RAV4 or even Sportage or Santa Fe, the Grand Vitara feels pretty archaic. Still, for many buyers that’s exactly its appeal, and if you want a compact three-door 4×4 that is actually capable in the mud, the Grand Vitara SWB is the last of its kind.

The Grand Vitara is generally mechanically tough, though owners have reported suspension knocking, electrical faults such as glitches with the digital displays and reversing sensors, ventilation system problems, cabin rattles and poor braking performance — as well as disappointing fuel economy and poor reliability from the Renault diesel engine. Petrol models appear to be much more dependable. The diesel particulate filter clogs and fails in cars used mostly for short and low-speed journeys, as well as gathering muck when off road, and owners have also reported glow plug, fuel injection and turbo failure.

Early models (2005-6) were recalled for intercooler failure and chafing wiring harnesses, and the diesels were recalled again in 2007 and 2008 for intercooler faults that could lead to a fire in the particulate filter. Other recalls have been for fuel leaks, a further issue with the wiring (2009), loss of power steering assistance (2010) and breaking drive belt tensioners in the 2.4 petrol engine (2011).

The Grand Vitara won't be for everyone. If you just like the idea of a high driving position but don't want to sacrifice road manners, it's not for you. If however, you need or want to go off-road, the Suzuki can really hold its own - unlike some of the competition. Throw in reliability and you have a good looking, potentially well-equipped and versatile vehicle that shouldn't pack nasty surprises. Small but significant upgrades throughout this second generation model's life substantially improved it, making the later post-2009 'SZ' variants well worth stretching to, especially for petrol buyers who'll get themselves a much better 2.4-litre engine beneath the bonnet. The diesel is also a sensible choice and either way, families will prioritise the extra practicality of the five-door bodystyle. Pick a high-spec SX4 or SX5 model and you'll have a cracking little 4x4.

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