The last version From Suzuki -Grand Vitara 2.4

Introduction

Suzuki's Grand Vitara is regularly overlooked in the busy compact SUV market. That's surprising, as Suzuki's 4x4 was largely responsible for creating the segment in the first place. A new engine and a mid-life refresh give the competent Grand Vitara a better chance among its numerous competitors.

What are its rivals?

Obvious rivals for the Suzuki Grand Vitara include Japanese competition such as Toyota's RAV4, the Nissan X-Trail and Honda's CR-V, though the Suzuki is a good deal cheaper than its home-market rivals. So that really places it against some of the Korean contenders such as Kia's Sportage and the Hyundai Tucson - though the Grand Vitara has a little more brand cachet than the Korean budget machines. New crossover models from the mainstream manufacturers make life trickier for the Grand Vitara too, while the 'green' push against SUVs means many buyers might also look at an estate car as a potential alternative to the Grand Vitara.

How does it drive?

The key revision on this new Grand Vitara model is the addition of a 2.4-litre petrol engine, joining a 2.0-litre unit in the line-up. The new, larger engine addresses some of the criticism levelled at the 2.0-litre powerplant, bringing more power and refinement. Still taking almost 12 seconds to reach 62mph the 2.4-litre equipped Grand Vitara isn't exactly lightning fast, but what power it does offer is delivered with new levels of refinement. The new engine features a balancer shaft for greater smoothness, Suzuki also adding soundproofing, deeper carpets and even thicker glass to reduce sound intrusion.

The result is good: the Grand Vitara 2.4 is very refined indeed - even when you rev the engine right around to the red line. Few will push their Grand Vitaras hard, but it's surprisingly capable should you choose to. The steering is precise and light and the handling nicely judged. The ride suffers as a result and there's a good bit of body roll when cornering, but the Suzuki grips hard and can even raise a grin on the right road.

What's impressive?

At just under £18,000 the Grand Vitara 2.4 comes nicely equipped with leather seats and a MP3 enabled in-dash six-CD stereo featuring in the mildly refreshed interior. The Grand Vitara drives well too and those measures Suzuki has taken to improve refinement have been very effective. It's also a handsome car, having a cool chiselled look to its lines. Permanent four-wheel drive and a built-in ladder frame within its monocoque construction make it surprisingly capable off road, as well. Already a decent performer regarding pedestrian impact safety, the revised Grand Vitara has had even more work done to its bonnet and bumpers to increase its pedestrian friendliness.

What's not?

The Grand Vitara might offer decent space in the back, but up front it's difficult to get comfortable. The driver's seat doesn't move very far back leaving you perched up near the steering wheel. The gearshift is pretty long in throw and needs working a lot to get anywhere quickly. The 2.4-litre engine is undeniably an improvement over the 2.0-litre engine but we prefer the better mid-range punch of the turbodiesel - even if it is at the expense of refinement. Similarly, the diesel's 36.7mpg capability is preferable to the 2.4-litre petrol's 31.3mpg.

Suzuki may have revised the interior, but you'd need to be a dealer working for the brand to notice. Though the car feels well built, the plastics aren't the most attractive to look at or touch and the leather isn't going to worry the people at Connolly for its finish.

Should I buy one?

You won't ache with desire to own a new Grand Vitara, but it is a sensible, well-priced proposition. Korean rivals might have better warranties, but they lack badge cachet when compared to the Suzuki. It drives decently enough, looks good and offers respectable interior space too. It'll also take you off-road should you need to. We'd certainly consider it, but it's likely we'd have the diesel despite the new petrol engine being the smoother, quieter choice.