REVIEW | Grand Vitara is Suzuki’s answer to rising prices
Suzuki is competing in almost every segment of the sub-R500 000 market, and its products are compellingly good. One of these compellingly good products is the Grand Vitara, launched locally in 2023.
While the range was introduced in April of last year, the model in question, the Grand Vitara 1.5 GL manual, was among a slew of models to arrive several months later. The SUV is a big departure from its predecessor and the looks are enough to give any rival sleepless nights.
READ | REVIEW: Is Suzuki’s new Fronx the sub-R300k hero we need?
From the driver’s seat, one of the standout features is the SUV’s bulging bonnet. The clamshell design shows the vehicle’s intent, creating the impression of a bigger vehicle that commands presence.
At the rear, a thin LED light bar stretches the width of the SUV, connecting with taillights. Roof rails are standard across the range, but the black paintwork indicates that this is not the headlining GLX versions.
In GL trim, the Grand Vitara rides on 17-inch wheels.
Mistaken identity
As has become customary for Suzuki, the product line-up is filled to the brim with as many defining features as possible, for as little money as possible. It is no different with this Grand Vitara GL, where the specification level might mistake it for the headlining GLX.
Bar a full-leather interior, rear USB-charging sockets, wireless charging, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof, among others, the GL can hold its own.
READ | Suzuki Jimny drops its roof to become a game-viewer
Inside, a seven-inch colour screen with a touch-function is the middleman between the user and various in-car functions and features, including the reverse camera. Access into the vehicle and starting it is done keyless-ly.
Perhaps the big highlight is the easy, uncomplicated way users can connect their smart devices for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto usage.
Familiar engine with a ‘but’
Suzuki chose to endow the Grand Vitara with its familiar 1.5-litre petrol engine. The naturally aspirated unit produces 77kW and 138Nm, mated to a five-speed manual transmission in GL trim. Of course, with a laden weight of 1 620kg, the Grand Vitara won’t set any speed records.
Still, the SUV will effortlessly increase speed, cogging through its gears without trouble. What was notable, however, is the excessive engine noise entering the cabin. When the engine revolutions reach around 4 000rpm, it drones into the cabin.
While it will probably go unnoticed by a first-time owner/driver, it is especially notable when driving it back-to-back with its smaller sibling, the Suzuki Fronx. There, sound insulation is impressively good in a package that starts life at almost R60 000 less.
Regardless, the Grand Vitara 1.5 GL returned a respectable 6.8-litres/100km.
In summary
While the Grand Vitara is not the most expensive SUV in Suzuki South Africa’s line-up (that honour belongs to the Jimny), it is an impressive vehicle that should have been far more expensive than the price it’s coming in at.
In GL trim, the Grand Vitara makes a compelling case for itself, one that can’t be ignored at the R350 000-mark. Sure, the insufficient sound insulation can’t keep the engine’s droning out of the cabin, but it is one of the few – if not the only – issue in an otherwise solid package.
All Grand Vitara models are sold with a four-year / 60 000km service plan and a five-year / 200 000km warranty.
- Grand Vitara 1.5 GL manual: R347 900
- Grand Vitara 1.5 GL auto: R368 900
- Grand Vitara 1.5 GLX manual: R407 900
- Grand Vitara 1.5 GLX auto: R427 900
- Grand Vitara 1.5 Hybrid GLX AllGrip: R542 900
