Suzuki's brawny SUV

Jul 6 2009 Alistair Coull & Val Jessop

IT'S more than 20 years since Suzuki claimed fame with the 'world's first compact SUV' - which launched a whole new market sector for downsized versions of heavy 4x4s, but with car-like driving attributes.

During those two decades, the Vitara has enjoyed highs and lows in the highly lucrative SUV segment, with rivals often outpacing the Japanese 'SUV original' with glamour and glitz rather than 4x4 brains and brawn.

The larger and heftier Grand Vitara helped strengthen the model's position on the leader board, as have subsequent generations in 2001 and 2005 and a facelift for 2009 versions will no doubt add to that momentum.

The revisions apply to interior and exterior and, although not major, give the SUV a more modern, cleaner look.

The subtle tweakings include a revised front end, new door mirrors with integrated indicators and upgraded dashboard with improved switchgear operation. The new version of the flagship Grand Vitara is now powered by a 2.4-litre petrol engine developed from the previous two-litre unit and gives the new five-door model 169ps, instead of the previous 140ps.

It was the top-of-the-range SZ5 version on test which, priced at £16,975, is one of the cheapest SUVs in its class and first glances confirmed the latest metal tinkering did nothing to detract from the contemporary, edgy lines of the third generation Grand Vitara.

The SZ5, lavished with sexy, 18-inch alloys, fitted with an electric sunroof and boasting a leather interior, seemed too posh to grapple with a serious off-road romp, so instead it made do with a hike across Pennine farm tracks with a diversion down to soggy river banks, temporarily submerged by a monsoon-like downpour. It emerged, dripping and gleaming, its jewellery, bodywork and reputation intact thanks to excellent ground clearance and short overhangs.

Its all-terrain performance has been well-tested in the past and the 4x4 mechanics have changed little, so the all-wheel-drive Suzuki is unlikely to disappoint faced with more rigorous cross-country challenges.

The engine feels strong but it isn't an athlete. Its 0-62 dash is achieved in 11.7 seconds, while the 1.5 tonne SUV has an official combined fuel return of 31.3mpg. It was nearer 28mpg on test.

The Suzuki handles reasonably and steering is light but vague and it is prone to body roll.

Just a flick of a rotary switch makes transfer between various on-road, off-road modes simple.

It falters in its ability to match the car-like comfort of rivals but none match its 4x4 ability.

The ride is very jerky, even on slightly dented roads, but 4x4 fans wouldn't give that a second thought.

- Val Jessop

IT'S hard to believe that the Suzuki Vitara and Grand Vitara have been around since 1988. Worldwide sales have topped 2.5 million and numbers keep on rising, gaining strength in the last few months with the addition of a 2.4-litre petrol model.

The Suzuki Grand Vitara comes in two body styles, a three-door and a five-door - as in the test car.

But while rivals like the Ford Kuga, Honda CR-V and Nissan X-Trail concentrate more on road dynamics, the Suzuki remains loyal to its tough, off-road temperament, offering a high and low ratio gearbox.

While the opposition would likely struggle in really muddy terrain, the Vitara has still got plenty of mud-plugging ability.

With good ground clearance, short overhangs and permanent four-wheel-drive, it's well-equipped to cope with fairly demanding landscape.

A rotary switch allows you to select low-range 4WD so if you have to drive it up a squelchy hillock it would be more than capable.

On the road, however, where most SUVs tend to spend their time, the Suzuki's not nearly as impressive.

Although it's been upgraded for 2009, the Vitara still lags behind rivals in terms of refinement, ride, handling and driving pleasure.

The test car was powered by the top-of-the-range 2.4-litre engine which develops 167bhp at 6,000rpm.

Performance isn't bad, with 0-62mph in 11.7 seconds and a top speed of 115mph. But it lacks low-down grunt - maximum torque 227lb/ft but it comes in at a fairly high 3,800rpm so you need to work the engine hard to get the best results. The four-cylinder engine also becomes quite vocal above 3,000rpm.

I also thought there was little steering feel and a fair amount of body roll, so it's not a car to be hustled along winding country roads.

A jarring ride means you feel every rut and ripple in the road.

The gears are notchy and the five-speed manual box needs a firm hand at times.

It feels as though the SUV would benefit from a sixth gear on open roads and on motorways.

Four-wheel-drive is a big advantage but the Grand Vitara also has electronic stability control with traction control fitted as standard.

Other safety features include ABS with brake assist and Isofix child car seat fixing points in the rear.

The cabin is spacious and feels well put together but it still looks a bit plasticky and I don't care for the wood effect inlays, which look cheap.

You sit high in the SUV, so you get a good view of the road and generous glazing provides good all-round views.

- Alistair Coull

FAST FACTS

Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.4 SZ5

Price: £16,975

Mechanical: 169ps, 2,393cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving all four wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox.

Max speed: 115mph

0-62mph: 11.7 seconds

Combined mpg: 31.3

Insurance group: 14

CO2 emissions: 208g/km

BIK rating: 27%

Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles