2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara Review
Price
RM116,710
Installment
RM1,113/mth
2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara at a glance
Attractive on the outside and inside, the 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara complements its good looks with sharp handling and a quality, roomy cabin. Refinement is poor but the tempting price tag brings plenty of value.
2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara quick specs
| Body Style | SUV |
| Class | Mid-size Utility |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara ratings (overall rating : 3.5/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
The current Suzuki Grand Vitara's much improved exterior and interior styling has given SUV shoppers something to think about. Maintaining the ruggedness, but adding bold yet modern design elements, Suzuki has breath new life into the Grand Vitara, bringing it on-par with modern rivals such as the Honda CR-V and Nissan X-Trail.
Handling
Suzuki built the Grand Vitara on a monocoque-cum-ladder frame chassis, providing added rigidity for capable off-roading. The lack of four-wheel-drive rules that out, however. Significant improvements in the on-road handling boost the 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara's soft-roader credentials. In fact, strong grip levels and good body control, plus the accurate, well-weighted steering, mean the 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara handles very well for an SUV.
Comfort
The ride is firmer than rivals', but is not harsh. Cabin refinement is one of the 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara's weakest point; the rough engine note coupled with irritating road and wind noise batter away at occupants. The steering column is only tilt-adjustable, but the driver's seat offers seat-height adjustment. Seats are decently comfortable, while all-round visibility is excellent, aided by the elevated seating position. Controls are logically placed and clearly indicated for easy usage.
Quality + Reliability
In addition to the more attractive interior styling, the build and material quality has been paid much needed attention. The 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara is closing the gap on its key rivals, apparent from the solid cabin assembly and well-chosen robust materials. Given Suzuki's reputation for building hardy cars, major mechanicals such as the engine and transmission should stand the test of time.
Performance
Lighter than the 4WD variant by over 60 kg, the 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara 2WD variant is faster and more frugal. But the 2.0-litre, with 138 bhp and 183 Nm, simply does not have enough grunt or refinement. The engine is loud and mechanically unrefined, and struggles to get up to speed. The four-speed automatic shifts through the ratios smoothly though.
Roominess
With ample room for both front and rear rows, the 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara can seat five in comfort. The boot is also large in size, but the side-hinged back door and rear seats that do not fold completely flat limit the 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara's practicality.
Running Costs
The 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara is more frugal in 2WD form, but still can not match class-leader Honda CR-V in fuel economy. Servicing and repairs should be affordable, but the Suzuki Grand Vitara is not likely to fetch resale prices as well compared with the Honda CR-V or Nissan X-Trail, no thanks to the brand factor.
Value for Money
Handsome on the outside and attractive on the inside, the 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara is actually more than just good looks, it also offers sharp handling, ample room and good equipment count. All these before accounting for the massive price undercutting of key rivals Honda CR-V and Nissan X-Trail. Despite the 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara's firm ride and lack of refinement, the price difference relative to rivals' means there is plenty of value for those who can live with its shortcomings.
Equipment
There is plenty of standard equipment including power windows, central door locking, keyless entry, electric side mirrors, automatic air-conditioning, roof rails, alarm system with immobiliser, front fog lamps, reverse sensor, 17" alloy wheels, steering wheel audio switches, and in-dash 6-CD tuner (MP3/WMA). Safety kit includes dual front SRS airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).
Environment
The 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara's carbon dioxide emission level is similar to the Nissan X-Trail's, with the Honda CR-V leading the way. Fully imported from Japan, the 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara is easily more polluting compared with the locally assembled CR-V, which is not required to be transported over vast distances.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Attractive styling
Sharp handling
Quality, roomy cabin
Firm ride
Lack of refinement
Engine feels under-powered
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