The Grand Vitara gained a four star rating from Euro NCAP for occupant safety – good for this type of car. Standard Suzuki Grand Vitara safety equipment is good with ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, dual front, side, and front and rear curtain airbags. All cars have remote central locking and an immobiliser. For 2009, the Grand Vitara also comes with indicator side repeaters mounted in the door mirrors and ESP stability control as standard.

The wide opening tailgate and high roof means that large and awkwardly-shaped objects are swallowed easily, although loading can be quite tricky as it’s quite high off the floor. The load area on the five-door is good, while the boot space offered by the three-door is acceptable for a couple, rather than a family. The seats tumble and fold, which gives even the three-door near van-like practicality if needed.

Both have a hidden storage bin under the boot floor (see boot/load space in the gallery), which is useful for hiding valuables. Inside there’s a large glovebox, centre storage bin and bottle holders in the door pockets.