On test: The Suzuki Grand Vitara

Before the Across, The Grand Vitara was the flagship model from the Suzuki stable. It has a very subtle yet appealing look and is ready for action for many purposes. First, it’s a family SUV, then a very good alternative for e-hailing companies — and I do see many on the road specifically for this purpose — and, lastly, it can be used as a people mover for companies looking to transport staff around.

I drove the GLX Auto and found it to offer a very good ride and on the economical side with, with fuel consumption of around 6,2 litres per 100km, both on urban and open roads. Sculpted designViewed from the outside, the new Grand Vitara has a modern interpretation of its forebear’s clamshell bonnet which, in this case, is more sculpted, with the large and imposing wheel arches housing its large alloy wheels. Iconic roof rails round off this sculpted design.

While these design cues remind the viewer of the previous model, they have been reinterpreted and used to link the other design elements that are unique to this model and to the compact SUV segment as a whole. Among the many unique features that make this a stand-out design is the multi-level grille, which has an imposing centre section with metallic surrounds, a thin top section to neatly frame the S-badge, and an inverted lower section that links with the bottom strike plate. The multi-level grille is flanked by three-point LED daytime running lights on either side, which are uniquely positioned higher than the headlamps.

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The headlamps, which function automatically on all versions, are recessed in their own dark polycarbonate surrounds. At the rear, a thin and imposing LED light bar stretches the width of the car. This is also fitted with three-dimensional LED lights.

Reverse and turn signal lights are fitted in a deep, sculpted section at the very edges of the lower bumper. Plush insideOccupants in the Grand Vitara are greeted first by plush seats that have been designed especially for this model range.

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