Where adventures await with the new Suzuki Grand Vitara
Murali Naidu
The Suzuki Grand Vitara has had a makeover; some may fancy it, and some may not.
Developed through a partnership with Toyota and manufactured at the Kirloskar factory in India, this crossover SUV features new aesthetics and technology. It sways more toward the crossover segment than being more of an off-roading machine; the die-hard Suzuki fans may have little fanfare for it due to those new aspects.
Now, visually, The Grand Vitara delivers and looks excellent with a prominent-looking front end boasting a clamshell hood similar to its predecessor; it's pretty modern, and I suspect the front fascia will age well in time. It has three-point LED daytime running lights. As your eyes follow, one will notice the sides feature plastic-clad wheel arches, and slotting between them are funky 17-inch alloy wheels. At the top, it has silver roof rails, meaning more storage space for those long journeys ahead. Furthermore, the Grand Vitara boasts a commendable 210mm of ground clearance.
The rear end showcases LED taillights connected by a futuristic LED light bar, increasing the overall dimensions of the back end and giving it more presence. Also, boot space offers 373l, and with all seats folded down, it expands to 1 147l.
There are five model grades, starting with the entry-level 1.5 GL manual and the top-spec all-wheel-drive 1.5 Hybrid GLX AllGrip. Interior fit-and-finish is the distinguisher and offers two trim levels, the GL and GLX. You can get it in a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual, depending on which variant you choose.
The GL has a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system (with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility), a rear-view camera, automatic climate control, cruise control, and a leather multifunction steering wheel. It also sports a full-colour TFT display for vehicle settings and information in the instrument cluster.
If you go for the top-tier 1.5 GLX manual, which we sampled, it boasts a few niceties: a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 360º view camera, a head-up display, and inductive smartphone charging. The GLX also has leatherette seat upholstery, interior ambient lighting, additional USB charging ports for rear passengers, a panoramic sunroof, privacy glass, and enhanced audio with extra speakers.
All model variants have a few safety features, including six airbags, ABS brakes with emergency brakes, electronic stability control, hill hold assist, ISOFIX mounting points and rear parking sensors.
Besides the 1.5 GLX Hybrid AllGrip automatic, all derivatives are powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol motor that pushes out 77KW and 138NM of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
The daily driving was adequate; it felt comfortable, the gearbox was smooth, and the clutch was soft. It's a straightforward car to drive, although, on highways, the motor does tend to battle due and needs another gear that results in the high revs, which creates a nosier cabin altogether; I think adding sixth gear would have made a mighty difference. Regarding fuel economy, Suzuki's claimed consumption is 5.6l /100 km; I achieved 7.1l/100km.
Additionally, the GLX trim offers the Grand Vitara Hybrid AllGrip, equipped with the same 1.5-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine tuned to produce 76kW and 137Nm. This version benefits from a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and is connected to Suzuki's sixth-generation AllGrip variable all-wheel drive system through a six-speed automatic gearbox.
The AllGrip system provides real-time torque distribution with four modes: Auto, Sport, Snow, and Lock, offering adaptability for various driving conditions. The "Lock" mode ensures even power distribution among all four wheels, enhancing off-road capabilities.
In conclusion, the Grand Vitara brings value, comfort, and practicality to the party at a fairly decent price.
The Suzuki Grand Vitara is now available at Suzuki dealerships nationwide, with the following pricing:
- 1.5 GL manual: R339,900
- 1.5 GL automatic: R359,900
- 1.5 GLX manual: R397,900
- 1.5 GLX automatic: R417,900
- 1.5 GLX Hybrid AllGrip automatic: R529,900
Each Grand Vitara model offers a six-year/90,000km service plan and a five-year/200,000km warranty.
Also worth a look: the Suzuki Swift and the Suzuki Starts 2025 with Record-Breaking Sales in South Afric.
FAQ
Q: What does the Suzuki Grand Vitara cost in South Africa?
The new Suzuki Grand Vitara starts from around R389,900 for the entry-level 1.5 GL manual, while the top-spec 1.5 Hybrid GLX AllGrip will set you back approximately R549,900, making it a competitive option in the crossover SUV segment.
Q: Is the Suzuki Grand Vitara worth buying?
The Grand Vitara is worth buying if you want a modern crossover SUV with solid build quality, decent tech features, and reasonable pricing, but traditional Suzuki fans looking for serious off-road capability might find it too tame for their adventures.
Q: What engine does the new Suzuki Grand Vitara have?
The Grand Vitara comes with a 1.5-litre petrol engine in both naturally aspirated and hybrid variants, offering either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission depending on the model grade you choose.
Q: How much boot space does the Suzuki Grand Vitara offer?
The Grand Vitara provides 373 litres of boot space with all seats up, which expands to a generous 1,147 litres when you fold the rear seats down, making it practical for weekend getaways and family adventures.
Q: Does the Suzuki Grand Vitara have all-wheel drive?
Yes, the top-spec 1.5 Hybrid GLX AllGrip variant comes with Suzuki's AllGrip all-wheel-drive system, while the lower trim levels are front-wheel drive only with 210mm of ground clearance for light off-road duties.
Should You Buy It?
The best crossover SUV under R400,000 in South Africa is the entry-level Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.5 GL manual at R389,900. It offers excellent value with modern styling, decent tech features like wireless Apple CarPlay, and solid build quality from the Toyota partnership. However, if you're after serious off-road capability or that traditional rugged Suzuki character, you might want to look elsewhere. For families wanting a practical, well-equipped crossover that won't break the bank, the Grand Vitara hits the sweet spot, especially in the mid-range GLX variants around R450,000. Yes, you should buy it if you prioritise comfort and efficiency over hardcore adventure credentials.
