What they said when the Suzuki Vitara was new… (May 31 2001)
IT'S been at least a couple of years since I last drove a Suzuki Vitara, which continues to be one of Europe's biggest sellers in the compact 4x4 sector.
There seems to be no downturn in the sales of this type of vehicle, despite the number on the market.
Vitara first made itself felt in the late 1970s and since then has become a major force,
establishing and expanding the lightweight 4x4 market. It has become a fashionable vehicle with excellent off and on-road performance with many admirers in the UK.
Since the launch of the first purpose-built Suzuki 4x4 in the UK - the LJ80 in 1979 - combined sales of all Suzuki 4x4 models - including the Jimny and SJ - in the UK have risen to over 130,000 units despite the import quotas on Japanese cars. Vitara sales in the UK this year are up by 15 per cent and around 3,000 were sold in the first three months.
The latest updated version of the mini mudplugger was launched earlier this year and it included the 2-litre turbo diesel I tested last week.
I didn't get the opportunity to take it off-road and use its low-ratio gears in the rough stuff. But there again, how many Vitara owners will ever do more than mount a kerb on the school run?
Build quality is up on the new model. I always found the Vitara a bit tinny and not so well screwed together. The latest offering has a stiffer body shell and its interior is more up market.
The five-door offers plenty of space for five passengers with the usual excellent high driving position. Luggage space is a bit restricted, so anyone thinking of taking off with a full complement of passengers and a stack of holiday gear should invest in a top box. Rails come as standard on the Vitara.
The best new feature on the Grand Vitara is its excellent, if noisy, direct injection common rail diesel engine. Suzuki claims the 2.0 TD automatic will return an average of 37 mpg, which considering the size of the vehicle isn't at all bad. It is a gutsy engine which gives lively acceleration. But as usual Suzuki does not reveal the Vitara's 0-60 mph time. I don't know why! It doesn't feel sluggish. Top speed is claimed at 86 mph.
Handling is good with a reasonably tight turning circle and smooth power steering making parking easy. Road and wind noise is well suppressed and the only annoying noise comes from the diesel engine. But the model I drove had done just a few hundred miles so, like all diesels, it would bed in and diesel knock would reduce.
Outside changes include a new front grille, a spare wheel hard cover and additional body colours. New features across the range include a height adjustable driver's seat and detachable head restraints while the estate models get restyled bumpers and adjustable lumber support.
Standard equipment includes remote central locking, power steering, electric windows and mirrors, 50/50 split folding rear seats, CD player, twin airbags, immobiliser, collapsible steering column and internal fuel flap release.
Words: Stewart Smith
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