Suzuki Grand Vitara (2005 - 2014) 2.4 SZ4 3d (2014/14) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

It says I can get to work when RAV 4 owners can't and I don't suffer from badge envy. It also says that £17K for this level of capability is a bargain.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Most of them wonder why they haven't got one in the winter. Also the 3 door looks cute, and came second in the Trans-Siberian rally a few years ago, beating four Land-Rovers and a Porsche Cayenne, so the car speaks for itself.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I'm on my third: 2001, 2005, and 2014. I've had other cars in between. But the GV has character and will go anywhere. It's perfect if you live outside a city and have to contend with the series of interlinked pot-holes that the Brits are pleased to call roads. There are rumours that the GV will be replaced soon, so I snagged the 'old-school' model before consumer focus groups turn it into a sanitised school-run bus. This 2014 version is the best GV yet, I think. SZ4 model gets many extras, plus 17" alloys and seat height adjustment.

What are you likely to buy next?

I've seen these engines and vehicles go to 150,000 miles, so the thoughts of buying anything else are a long way off. Also the GV is in a niche of its own, so there's nothing else as good at the same price.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£17,000

When did you buy the car?

May 2014

Did you get a good deal and why?

Haggled a little on the P/X'd car and got another £700 off the price. Happy with the deal .

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Huge value for money, indestructable engine, full 4x4, all weather performance, new 2.4 engine.

What was the dealer like?

Helpful and polite.

What's it like to drive?

This is a 3 door, so the shorter wheel base and firm suspension shows up the appalling state of British roads. However, there's very little body body roll compared to a RAV 4, so the thing is a hoot to drive. 4x4 drive means a lot of grip, especially on flooded roads. Snow performance is little short of astonishing. 2.4 litre engine with 166 HP gives 90mph+ on the auto-bahn, and the SZ4 has cruise control and seat height adjustment. There's very little to complain about. Large cabin is a nice place to be, and there's climate control. The car is quieter than my 2005 2.0 version, thanks to thicker glass and better sound-proofing. Gear change also seems to be improved over the 2005 models, and the 2.4 petrol engine is very smooth with plenty of power.

What's it like to park?

Not bad at all. Rear viz is good, B pillars are wide, but the car has large mirrors. Also, the 3 door seems to fir anywhere.

Have you had any problems with the car?

It's a new car, but I've had three of these and none of them have ever needed repairs. This has the new 2.4 litre J24B petrol engine, and pulls like a train.

What's most practical about your car?

The permanent all wheel drive. It's switchable to locked differential, or low ratio-locked differential. It copes with the English winter better than most. Rear seats fold and tumble so it's got about 1000 litres of rear space, too.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

It's a simple car to use. There's no Bluetooth radio, ot iPod connection which suits me fine. The electronic 4x4 switch is a big improvement over the old version with an extra stick to shift.