| Overall Rating |
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| Description |
| Grand Vitara has proven mechanical bits, high reliability and low prices on its side. But it's an old design and many rivals have overtaken it in terms of refinement, sophistication and safety. |
| Handling |
 |
| Comfort |
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| Quality & Reliability |
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| Performance |
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| Roominess |
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| Running Costs |
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| Value for Money |
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| Stereo/Sat Nav |
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| NCAP |
| 3 |
| Worst Models |
| 1.6 3-door |
| Replacement |
| 2006 |
|
 |
| Road Test |
| Grand Vitara is a range of two parts: the compact, cheap and cheerful GV three-door estates and soft tops, which are the successors to the old 'beach bum' Vitara and the SJ before it; and the long-wheelbase five-door estate versions, which are bland but inexpensive family wagons. GV is quite enjoyable if you don't insist on ride comfort or overall refinement. It's youthful and cheap to own, though not much fun to drive, and rear accommodation is limited. Grand Vitara is a more mature proposition, with a smooth top V6 engine or a more economical 2.0 16-valve unit. There's a 2.0 TD too, but this old engine is loud and slothful. On the small side at under 14 feet long, Grand Vitara's cabin is adequate rather than roomy - rear passengers don't have much legroom, and load space is compromised. But it works well enough, promising good reliability and reasonable running costs. |
| Positive Points |
- Cheap, competent and quite well equipped
- Five-door seven-seater suits the younger family
- GV Soft-tops are fashionable and fun
|
| Negative Points |
- Plenty of road noise and a bumpy ride
- 2.0 TD is slow, unrefined and more expensive to service
- Looking dated now
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