Neither Used Car Expert, nor the author, has not conducted any significant market research for this assertion, but: Suzuki is a thought of as a fun, cheap brand. The commonly-held view is something like, “Err, Suzuki… Do they produce pianos? No, that’s Yamaha. Ah, they make exciting motorbikes, outboard boat motors and cheap cars.”
Yet, when two lawyers climbed into the Grand Vitara they were all-round impressed: Delighted by the rear space, the soft leather seats and tinted windows. Had I let them drive they would also have noted the bright and modern, easy-to read dials and controls.
An insurance salesman commented on the attractive, sophisticated dashboard. Which is true, whereas some of the Suzuki dashboards look tacky, this is as attractive and ergonomic as anything in the market.
Although, the marble-effect dash inserts were not to my taste. They are no worse than the wood-effect found in everything from Rovers to Mercedes. But rather than transporting me to Rome, they reminded me of kitchen work tops and subconsciously I couldn’t help but wonder if there was an oven tucked away somewhere.
If your view of Suzuki’s is based on their anodyne outer styling, or an experience with their early models, you will be amazed at the progress. The interior is every bit as good as Hyundai or Kia and could maybe even pass for a Toyota. But the great news is not enough people know that yet. So used prices are still as soft as jelly babies.
The Suzuki engines have always been fun, and the latest 2.4 litre engine is no different. It will cruise at very significant motorway speeds quietly and happily. High-speed wind and road noise is minimal. Which makes the rattles and clatters at the back of the car surprising. Over rough inner city road surfaces you could be forgiven for thinking a hurricane was passing through the boot.
If the Grand Vitara did nothing more than provide a spacious environment for the family and crunch miles successfully, I would say it’s worth the money.
But the handling is a revelation. Around town you can slew - in a sporty, controlled way- through gaps and in and out of lanes. It will turn at right angles, on a pin head, and at speed.
This is all achieved in a perfectly controlled and safe way; behind a surprisingly hesitant driver, I was grateful for the recent edition of ventilated rear disc brakes and ABS with EBD. I put all my weight on the brake pedal and the systems hauled the car up in the nick of time without locking a wheel or making things more dramatic than necessary.
Who is buying them?
Suzuki salesmen tell us that they have picked up new customers from those wanting to replace their 3 door Toyota Rav-4s, because Toyota only make a 5-door model now. The ‘sit upright’ driving position, and the need to step-up into the car, but not step up too high, appeals to the older driver. The plain styling suits them and the quality interior at a value price completes the deal.
Young families more interested in value and fun, than keeping up with the Jones’, should give them a second look. It also has ISOFIX seat fittings.
What’s the market like?
The 3-door 1.6 petrol cars are the best value at present. Around £2,000 less than the less refined diesel powered version in most years. Buy the right 2007-year car and, assuming average mileage, you can sell it a year later having lost hardly anything.
What else can this budget buy?
While you can buy a nearly new 2008 5-door 2.0 litre version for just £11,000 or, even better, a 3-door 2007 Grand Vitara for around £8,000, you can’t buy a similar vehicle with a ‘posher’ badge for the same money.
If you spend £8,000 on a Toyota RAV4 (2.0 3 door) will be buying a car registered in 2005. The quality of the RAV-4 build, if the example you buy has been loved, could be worth it. But it will have 30,000 miles more on the clock.
Alternatively, you can pick-up old-shape Land Rover Freelanders, a much more rugged choice. But you are going to be looking at 2006 cars on this budget and unlike the RAV, it’s really not a better car.
Summary
At last the original compact SUV is a capable, quality rival to the market leaders, such as Land Rover’s Freelander and Toyota’s RAV-4. Anodyne styling on the outside hides a fun drive and a refined cruise. The value price belies the quality trim and comfort levels.
By: Matthew Tumbridge