Suzuki Grand Vitara (2005 – 2014) Review
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Suzuki Grand Vitara (2005 – 2014) At A Glance
Good looking, on road handling much better than previous version, comparatively cheap, impressive off road.
A bit crude compared to the more expensive opposition. No spare wheel on back from July 2010 to December 2012. Production ended June 2014.
Launched in 2005, the Grand Vitara had a mild facelift in 2008 (it wasn't showing any wrinkles). The front end is slightly different, door mirrors now incorporate side indicators, and there are some extra touches of ‘quality' inside, such as grey wood inlays to the dash.
The size (and price) of it makes it directly competitive to the Hyundai Tucson and KIA Sportage, something the old Grand Vitara wasn't because of its old-tech live-axle running gear. And, unlike its shorter sister, there is a petrol automatic version available.
Reviews for Suzuki Grand Vitara (2005 – 2014)'s top 3 rivals
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Suzuki Grand Vitara (2005 – 2014) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.6 to 2.4
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 20–40 mpg
Start it and it sounds like a truck-load of gravel being emptied onto a wasp's nest. Smooth it isn't. It's quite low geared too, for a diesel. Just 25mph per 1,000rpm. But unlike the 3-door it comes with lockable centre diff and low range gears as standard. So you can go off-roading, if you can find an off-road. It also has a high-set air inlet, bolted to the bonnet shut plate, which means it's not likely to hydraulic fording a stream or a flood.
That extra length over the SWB gives it much better ride quality and sportier handling. You still don't want to cruise at much more than 75-80mph, but it's stable and positive at speed rather than a bit vague like the old solid-back-axle Vitaras.
I got on fine with it. enrolling it in a variety of duties including carrying heavy boxes of books to store. However, one day it rained between loadings and the disadvantage of the side opening rear door became apparent. Unprotected by the usual hatch suspended over the load area, a couple of boxes got wet.
I really appreciated the big, chunky 225/65 R17 Bridgestone Dueller tyres over speed cushions, and school run mums should note you can bounce them over kerbs with impunity. But, towards the end of the week, engine and road noise on the motorway became a bit wearing.
However, with that proviso, it's a useful vehicle, not too big, not too small and easy to get on with in day-to-day life. It's cheap enough, costing no more than a high spec family Ford (before discount). Though I didn't check accurately, it probably will do around 37mpg. And it is capable of the serious off-roading no more than 20% of customers will actually use it for.
The main thing is, it's hugely better than the old Grand Vitara, and for that reason puts itself on shopping lists along with the other sensibly priced SUVs like the Hyundai Tucson and KIA Sportage.
UPDATE: 2008 FACELIFT AND INTRODUCTION OF NEW 1.9-LITRE DIESEL
You can actually get this new engine in both sizes of Vitara. And with a 4-speed automatic transmission that still keeps the CO2 under punitive tax bands. Emissions are actually slightly lower than the old 2.0 litre petrol engine.Gearing of the 5-speed manual worked out at about 23.5mph per 1,000rpm giving a 3,000 70mph cruise. It will tow 1,850kg.
From memory, ride quality and handling both seemed to be improved and the car is as comfortable on the motorway as it is going to the shops. Reclining rear seats in the LWB help here. So does cruise control that is very easy and intuitive to operate from buttons on the steering wheel.
Over around 300 miles I averaged 29.1mpg. With so much competition in a niche market that has grown into a canyon, the Grand Vitara won't sell in large numbers so has exclusivity on its side. And the fact it remains a proper off-roader for situations where a centre diff lock and low range are needed. Buy one and you could find yourself hauled into towing the neighbour's Tiguan out of a snowdrift this winter.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 | 35 mpg | 14.4 s | 189 g/km |
| 1.9 DDiS | 38–43 mpg | 13.2 s | 174–191 g/km |
| 2.4 | 31–33 mpg | 11.2–11.7 s | 201–208 g/km |
| 2.4 Automatic | 29–31 mpg | 11.5–12.0 s | 213–221 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Suzuki Grand Vitara (2005 – 2014)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
83%
Real MPG
20–40 mpg
MPGs submitted
143
Suzuki Grand Vitara (2005 – 2014) interior
- Boot space is 184–758 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4035–4500 mm |
| Width | 1810–1880 mm |
| Height | 1695 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2440–2640 mm |
Biggest advantage over the SWB is that you can get an extra person in the back seat. Plus a lot more luggage. The rear seats are split 60:40 and as well as reclining slightly also tumble leaving a flat luggage floor, though tumbled they take up so much space you can't easily access it through the rear side doors.
Suzuki Grand Vitara (2005 – 2014) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4035–4500 mm |
| Width | 1810–1880 mm |
| Height | 1695 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2440–2640 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1472–1665 kg |
| Boot Space | 184–758 L |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Servicing | 9000 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Full-size spare wheel | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £16,004–£23,879 |
| Insurance Groups | 17–24 |
| Road Tax Bands | H–K |
| Official MPG | 28.7–42.8 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | 4 |
| Child | 3 |
| Pedestrian | 3 |
| Overall | - |
On sale until April 2017
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.6 SZ3 3dr | £16,004 | 34.5 mpg | 14.4 s |
| 1.6 SZ4 3dr | £16,694 | 34.5 mpg | 14.4 s |
| 1.9 DDiS SZ5 5dr | £23,879 | 42.8 mpg | 13.2 s |
| 2.4 SZ4 3dr | £17,339 | 32.5 mpg | 11.2 s |
| 2.4 SZ4 5dr | £18,904 | 32.1 mpg | 11.7 s |
| 2.4 SZ4 Auto 3dr | £18,414 | 30.7 mpg | 11.5 s |
| 2.4 SZ5 5dr | £21,579 | 32.1 mpg | 11.7 s |
| 2.4 SZ5 Auto 5dr | £22,654 | 29.4 mpg | 12.0 s |
On sale until January 2015
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.9 DDiS 129 SZ5 5dr | £23,875 | 42.8 mpg | 13.2 s |
| 2.4 SZ4 166 Auto 3dr | £18,405 | 30.7 mpg | 11.5 s |
| 2.4 SZ4 169 5dr | £18,895 | 32.1 mpg | 11.7 s |
| 2.4 SZ5 169 5dr | £21,570 | 32.1 mpg | 11.7 s |
| 2.4 SZ5 169 Auto 5dr | £22,645 | 29.4 mpg | 12.0 s |
On sale until July 2010
| 4 X 4 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.9 DDiS SZ4 5dr | £19,375 | 41.5 mpg | 13.2 s |
On sale until June 2009
| 4 X 4 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.9 DDiS 5dr | £17,975 | 38.2 mpg | 13.2 s |
| 2.0 16v Automatic 5dr | £16,975 | - | - |
On sale until September 2008
| 4 X 4 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.4 5dr | £17,499 | 31.3 mpg | 11.7 s |
| 2.4 5dr Auto | £17,499 | - | - |
Model History
- February 2006: All new Vitara launched
- November 2007: Grand Vitara X-EC high spec model launched
- September 2009: Suzuki introduces 1.9 DDiS engine
- July 2010
- January 2012: Special Edition Grand Vitara model, SZ-T goes on sale
- December 2012: Grand Vitara receives a mild facelift for 2013
- December 2014
February 2006
All new Vitara launched
Monocoque rather than ladderframe build. SWB or LWB. All on 17-inch wheels and with have climate control a/c. LWB 5-door 4,470 long x 1,810mm wide x 1,695mm high.
Has centre diff lock and low range gears. 1,995cc 16v engine with 140PS and 135lb ft torque. Manual does 108mph, 0-60 in 12.2, 31mpg combined, 220g/km CO2. Kerb weight 1,580kg. Max braked towing weight 1,850kg. Auto does 106mph, 0-60 13.3, 30.1mpg combined, 228g/km CO2. Kerb weight 1,595kg. Max braked towing weight 1,700kg. All have alloy wheels.
Diesel LWB 5-door from December 2005. Has centre diff lock and low range gears. 1,870cc Renault engine with 129PS at 3,750rpm and 221lb ft torque at 2,000rpm. Manual only. Does 106mph, 0-60 in 12.9, 36.7mpg combined, 205g/km CO2. Kerb weight 1,660kg. Max braked towing weight 2,000kg. All have alloy wheels. Prices from £16,999. All Group 14 insurance.
5-door 2.0-litre 16v 5-speed manual £15,499.00
5-door 2.0-litre 16v 4-speed automatic £16,449.00
5-door 1.9 litre diesel 5-speed manual £16,999.00
NCAP 4 stars passenger safety, 3 stars child safety, 3 stars pedestrian safety.
November 2007
Grand Vitara X-EC high spec model launched
Either 2.0-litre petrol or 1.9-litre diesel power. Unique Azure Grey Pearl metallic paintwork, silver roof rails, exclusive 17 inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, silver front bonnet trim, black side mouldings and X-EC badging. Inside, leather-trimmed steering wheel, Alcantara upholstery, cruise control and Trafficmaster’s Smartnav navigation system. Also an electric sunroof.
140 PS 2.0-litre petrol engined Grand Vitara XE-C is £16,999 on-the-road with manual transmission. Automatic extra £1,000. 129 PS intercooled and turbocharged 1.9 DDiS 5-speed manual model is £18,499 OTR.
Combined cycle fuel consumption is 32.1 mpg for the 2.0-litre model (automatic 31.0 mpg), while the 1.9 DDiS is capable of 37.2 mpg. CO2 emissions are 208, 217 and 195 g/km respectively. Luggage area - 758 litres.
September 2009
Suzuki introduces 1.9 DDiS engine
Improvements to NVH and refinement levels. Priced from £17,975 OTR. Two specification levels are available: SZ4 and SZ5 grades, both including; 18-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, in-dash 6CD changer with radio, MP3 audio-compatibility and seven speakers, heated leather seats and automatic climate control air conditioning.
July 2010
Latest models now feature "a cleaner and more sophisticated bodyline at the rear without the door mounted spare wheel. This change 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."
Grand Vitara retains its 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.
January 2012
Special Edition Grand Vitara model, SZ-T goes on sale
SZ-T is based on the popular five door 1.9DDiS model and offers a unique enhanced specification with just 500 cars available.
The SZ-T model is available for £22,315 including metallic paint and has a comprehensive list of standard equipment including new design front grille, new design 18-inch alloy wheels, unique contrasting seat fabric, Silver coloured roof rails and bonnet side vents, built in turn signal lamps for the door mirrors and, for this Special Edition, a tailgate mounted spare wheel. Cruise Control and keyless entry and start are also included.
The Euro 5 emissions 1.9-litre DDiS engine has a power output of 129PS with torque of 300Nm from just 2,000rpm offering strong flexibility when overtaking or driving off road. In combined cycle driving, the DDiS model returns 41.5mpg with emissions of 179g/km. SZ-T is available in five metallic colours: Quasar Grey, Silky Silver, Blueish Black Pearl, Phoenix Red Pearl and Nocturne Blue Pearl.
December 2012
Grand Vitara receives a mild facelift for 2013
New front and rear bumpers, lightly revised interior and a cleaner 1.9-litre diesel engine for £15,995. The new bumpers are more angular, with new front foglamps, and the 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels have a new design. Haters of puncture repair systems will love the move to a proper spare wheel - in this case a temporary use 16-inch spare wheel with 225/70 mounted on the rear door.
New seat trims and a 6.1 inch touchscreen Colour Navigation System also reinvigorate the interior of the SZ5 range-topper. The infotainment system now has CD, radio, SD card, media player compatablity, and USB/Bluetooth music streaming/phone connectivity.
The 1.9 DDiS models have had the emissions control system revised, resulting in a CO2 decrease from 179 g/km to 174 g/km – which means the VED band for the 1.9 DDiS engine has been reduced by one band to H. Fuel consumption improves from 41.5 to 42.8mpg.
December 2014
Suzuki Grand Vitara 2005-2014 shown to be the 3rd most reliable SUV in Warranty Direct's claims records.
What to watch out for
Cracked cylinder head reported on 24k mile 2008 1.6L VVT (same problem as older Vitaras).
13-02-2014:Problems with 91k mile 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.9DDIS. Engine cutting out at 60mph in cruise. DPF needed replacing (quoted £3,280 by Suzuki, £1,200 by Renault and £360 by an independent who apparently fitted a Chinese made DPF). Problem possibly caused by injector seals.
04-09-2014:Waterpump seized, shredding timing belt of 2010 Grand Vitara 1.9 diesel (Renault F9Q engine). Resultant damage to engine to cost £4,500 to fix. TMING BELT, TENSIONER AND WATERPUMP NEED CHANGING EVERY 4 YEARS OR 40K MILES.
09-07-2016:2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara (no mention petrol or diesel) used 5 litres of oil between 79,000 miles and 84,000 miles. Reason could be failure of rear crankshaft main seal.
