That price isn’t a misprint. The Grand Vitara really does cost just £16,500. You don’t just get a lot of metal for your money; the list of toys is impressively long, too. Climate control, cruise control and alloy wheels are standard.
For a petrol-powered 4×4, the official combined fuel consumption of 31.3mpg isn’t too bad. However, the relative lack of mid-range muscle is immediately obvious. The Grand Vitara will pull an 85% match at 60mph and beyond, but the engine needs to work hard to get there.
The Suzuki put in a mixed performance in the lane-change test. By 4×4 standards, the hill start was unimpressive, and the handbrake had to be pulled hard before it would hold.
The large boot with 12V socket and easily accessible spare wheel helped the Grand Vitara to a strong score in the practicality section.