I am rarely surprised these days by any vehicle that I drive – but the Suzuki Grand Vitara recently caught me out completely.
We all know the strides made by Suzuki since its days limited to two wheels and I have recently been more than a little taken by the new Swift but was taken completely unprepared during my first encounter with the top of the range Grand Vitara SZ5.
This is an opportunity to enter the 4X4 market at a price you can afford because although the best model tops the range at £23,250 prices start at £15,725 for entry models.
I wasn’t expecting to be so impressed but my enthusiasm was deflated a little when I checked the prices which I think are too high, though still competitive in a very crowded 4X4 sector.
The latest five door model now features a cleaner and more sophisticated bodyline at the rear without the door mounted spare wheel. This gives Grand Vitara a more urban look together with a 200mm reduction in overall length.
In place of the spare wheel is a tyre repair sealant and inflationary device – one of my motoring pet hates. Show me anyone who is happy using one.
Grand Vitara retains it's full off road capability though and is one of the few compact 4x4's in it's class to include electronically switchable high and low gear ratios and differential lock as standard equipment.
Available on five door models only, the 1.9 DDiS engine has been revised to meet Euro 5 regulations which has resulted in fewer emissions than before at 179g/km (down from 185g/km).
Economy has been improved too with the five-door now achieving 41.5mpg on the combined cycle. 1.6 and 2.4-litre petrol engines are available for three door models and 2.4 petrol for the five door.
The ride might be a bit on the bumpy side but handling and road holding more than compensate and I really enjoyed a week behind the wheel of this model.
Road and wind noise were a bit annoying though – good excuse for giving the Chris Evans’ early morning music choice a bit more volume though.
Suzuki knew they had to improve interior quality as they came up against the likes of Honda and have done just that. The cabin is solid and stylish and proves that the company has invested well.
Front, side and curtain airbags are fitted in all models, and stability control is also standard. The diesel and 2.4-litre petrol models now have rear disc brakes.
Visibility is top notch and all the controls are easy to find which is so refreshing in this age of high-tech styling which can often mean it can take far too long to acquaint with the dashboard.
The steering wheel has no rake adjustment but I had little trouble finding a comfortable seating position and the heating of the comfortable leather seats was a bonus.
The boot well sized but not vast and only just passed the golf club test. And you either like or hate the side opening rear door and although the rear seats fold down they do not lie flat.
All models come with alloy wheels, front electric windows, climate control, remote central locking and a CD player with steering wheel-mounted controls.
SZ5 trim adds rear privacy glass, a CD changer and upgraded stereo, larger alloy wheels and front fog lamps.
I could see myself behind the wheel of the Grand Vitara on a more regular basis but it’s just too expensive for me.