Suzuki Grand Vitara Estate 2005 - Present

Suzuki could arguably held responsible for the ‘Soft-roader’, as the Vitara was one of the pioneers.  They were not happy with the size of the original and so to go with many of the owners they’ve added a healthy dose of middle aged spread.  The result is a nicely proportioned off road looking family estate.  It comes in three or five door versions, which I personally find a bit odd.  Why make such a big car and then only have three doors?  I mean isn’t it enough to make a car that looks like it belongs in the woods, but suffers from an allergy to anything green.  But to make it the size of a small mini bus and make the passengers climb in the back, past the front seats seems pointless.  Unfortunately the fuel figures can’t even come in to support it.

The Grand Vitara is one of the more accepted 4X4s on the UK roads and this is largely because it’s been with us for a long time, during which it’s given good service on UK roads.  Competitively priced and boasting good levels of equipment the Big Suzuki is a steady performer.  The five door offers good accommodation throughout the cabin, while the three door it a bit cramped in the back (what!), and the room is really only suited to children.  The suspension copes well with the road, and keeps the Suzuki true when cornering.  Engine noise can hinder conversations especially with one of your mates cramped in the back seat. 

The engine feels like it’s been reclaimed from a tractor.  It’s loud, unrefined and adds an irritating gearbox whine to the mix just for you.  It also struggles to haul the heavy body around the UK roads.  The steering is a pleasant surprise being precise and quite nimble, not the agricultural beast the soundtrack intimates. 

The inside is nicely finished although the seats lack the padding to be really comfortable.  The Grande Vitara makes a lacklustre case for itself in the five door model but the three door model is frankly madness avoid at all costs. 

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