We headed to the Garden Route to drive the brand-new Suzuki Grand Vitara. The model name has quite a legacy, so we were very keen to drive the newcomer...
The Suzuki Grand Vitara (GV) is one of the Japanese brand’s most-loved legacy vehicles and this author happens to have fond memories of adventuring through sand dunes in the old 2.4 Summit. It sure was a thirsty ol’ SUV, but if you’re shopping for a used vehicle, the GV’s still a desirable and capable family car.
The new Grand Vitara is built in India and represents an all-new chapter for the nameplate. Yet, some Suzuki fans (especially the older ones) may not be too excited; perhaps a name of such stature shouldn’t be bestowed on a model that is little more than a crossover (or “softroader”, as some people call it)?
What’s on Offer?
Beneath its sheet metal, the Grand Vitara is an all-new vehicle, with a fresh platform and powertrain.
Suzuki Auto SA offers the new Grand Vitara with a 5-derivative lineup, which starts with the 1.5 GL manual and is topped off by an all-wheel-drive 1.5 Hybrid GLX AllGrip flagship. The latter costs a heady R529 900, but the good news is that the range starts from just R339 900… The entry-level derivatives offer exceptional value for money – they effectively plug the gap left by the discontinued Vitara Brezza.
All derivatives are powered by versions of the naturally aspirated 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol motor that does duty in many of the Japanese brand’s products. The non-assisted motor produces 77 kW/138 Nm and drives the model’s front wheels via either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
The flagship version also has a 1.5, but it is paired with a mild-hybrid system (a first for Suzuki SA) and a 6-speed auto ‘box. It has peak outputs of 76 kW and 136 Nm, so the 12V system is there to optimise fuel efficiency (not boost performance); Suzuki claims the GLX AllGrip consumes an average of 5.6 L/100 km.
Don’t let your eyes fool you: the new Grand Vitara is neither as large, nor as imposing, as it may appear.
It is noticeably longer (by 350 mm) than the outgoing Vitara Brezza and it rides on a 2 600-mm, as opposed to a 2 500-mm wheelbase, which has resulted in improved rear legroom. During our evaluation of the new model, we found that it could accommodate 4 adults in reasonable comfort, even if the rear headroom was a little tight for taller occupants. Curiously, the claimed luggage capacity has shrunk a little (from 328 litres to 310 litres), but it can expand to 1 147 litres when the rear seatback is folded flat.
In terms of interior fit-and-finish, the Grand Vitara’s level is comparable with – or slightly better than – that of its predecessor, which is to say it’s solid and durable-looking, as opposed to luxurious. There are 2 trim levels – GL and GLX – and the entry-level derivatives seem impressively specced for the price.
See also: Suzuki Grand Vitara Price and Specs
What it’s like to drive?
We drove the 1.5 Hybrid GLX AllGrip and our test route included many gravel and off-road sections.
Let’s get the downsides out of the way. The flagship derivative’s outright performance is underwhelming. While its peak outputs feel sufficient at double-digit speeds, the Suzuki’s open-road/highway overtaking performance is middling at best. When 3 adults and their luggage were travelling in the car, overtaking manoeuvres required some pre-planning because the motor’s shortage of torque was quite apparent.
By contrast, the 6-speed automatic transmission was impressive. It didn’t hunt for gears and while there were shift paddles on the ‘wheel, we left the ‘box to its own devices for the on-tar portion of the route.
When traversing gravel roads, the Grand Vitara felt well at ease, with excellent steering response and -feel, as well as admirable body control. The off-road system, which we left in its default (automatic) mode, cleverly and seamlessly activated the rear-wheel drive when the front wheels scrabbled.
There’s the ability to lock the central diff in extreme circumstances, which we did when traversing a historic ox wagon path up the Outeniqua Mountains. Most Grand Vitara customers will never be that adventurous, but it’s reassuring to know the vehicle’s quite capable with its 210 mm of ground clearance.
We also had a chance to drive the automatic entry-level GL, which we mostly drove on asphalt roads. It may look much like the AllGrip version, but it is tailor-made for budget-conscious crossover buyers.
Also, the 4-speed automatic may seem like an antiquated transmission, but it works well in combination with the rev-happy 77 kW/138 Nm 1.5-litre engine. The spec difference between the GL and GLX isn’t considerable either; owners are unlikely to feel like they should have opted for the higher-trim level.
The model’s on-road demeanour is good around town. As befits a town/city runabout, the Suzuki requires minimal effort to steer, plus the high-profile tyres and pliant suspension deliver a fair ride quality.
While the engine can sound a bit strained when required to explore the upper reaches of its rev range, it did provide adequate shove (the launch was admittedly at sea level). We suspect that on the Reef, with the altitude-induced power deficit and four passengers on board, the Grand Vitara may labour. Sadly, the punchy 1.4-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine from the Vitara is unlikely to make its way into this model.
Summary
Should this model – a replacement for the Vitara Brezza – be called the Grand Vitara? It’s not “superior” to its older, but sufficiently urbane, Vitara sibling (as the name suggests) and has very little in common with the aforementioned iconic family off-roader of days gone by. Granted, the 1.5 Hybrid GLX AllGrip will take you further off-road than you’d expect, but it’s highly unlikely to appeal to 4×4 enthusiasts.
We spent the majority of our time driving the flagship Grand Vitara, which is hamstrung by a steep asking price and lack of punch, but Suzuki admits it won’t be the range’s top seller. Yes, its tech adds a modern flavour to the brand, but at over R500k, it doesn’t offer quite enough in-gear oomph compared with turbocharged rivals such as the Kia Seltos 1.4T-GDI GT Line and VW T-Cross 1.5TSI 110kW R-Line.
Look past the flagship, however, and you’ll find that the other Grand Vitara derivatives offer notable value, comfort, and practicality at a great price, which is Suzuki SA’s forte. Given the model’s 5-year/200 000 km warranty and 6-year/90 000 km service plan, it does represent a solid ownership proposition.
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