One thing about Suzuki cars is that you always know what to expect, and this is exactly the case with our long-term Grand Vitara.

The Citizen reports that launched in its current guise in 2023, the Suzuki Grand Vitara has always been a nameplate associated with dependability and SUV practicality. Before this it was the Fronx, and now it’s the Grand Vitara that has recently spent a few weeks with me and my family.

At first glance, the Suzuki Grand Vitara looks somewhat more sophisticated compared with previous generations. The upright, boxy stance, bold chrome-accented grille and slimline LED headlamps give this car a modern face. Being the GLX derivative adds 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, roof rails, and subtle chrome touches.

Straightforward ergonomics

Unlike many others, the Suzuki Grand Vitara is not trying to be a wannabe off-roader with exaggerated cladding. Instead, it projects a clean, urban-friendly SUV image.

Stepping inside the Grand Vitara, soft-touch materials greet you on the dash, there is leatherette upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof to go with dated but straightforward, easy-to-use ergonomics.

Suzuki has so far avoided overloading the cabin with touch-sensitive gimmicks. You get a basic 9-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and physical climate control toggle switches for simplicity.

Paired with a traditional four-speed torque converter automatic transmission, and producing just 77kW of power and 138Nm of torque, the Grand Vitara is never going to dominate Wednesday night drags. But what it lacks in power it makes up for in throttle calibration and gearbox smoothness.

Not breaking the bank at the pumps

On the open road, doing 120km/h is manageable, but overtaking around this speed requires a bit of forward planning. Climbing a hill sees the gearbox kick down and hold third gear until successfully navigated.

The upside of this modest output is fuel efficiency. The claimed consumption is 6L per 100km, and our measured 7.5L per 100km is acceptable given most driving was urban.

My wife loved her time in the Grand Vitara. Considering she drives a Toyota Urban Cruiser, the car’s soft suspension soaks up potholes and speed bumps perfectly, while light steering makes manoeuvring and parking easy.

Honest driving experience

The Grand Vitara isn’t about headline-grabbing performance figures or flashy gimmicks. Instead, it delivers a well-rounded, honest driving experience prioritising comfort, efficiency and practicality. For buyers seeking a compact SUV that feels premium without breaking the bank, the GLX trim makes a strong bid for your money.

However, the market has changed since the GV debuted in 2023. The segment is now flooded with strong, value-for-money Chinese SUVs at this price point of R453 900, including the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro and Haval Jolion.

While Chinese SUVs generally offer more power, larger screens and higher trim levels at similar or lower prices, Suzuki’s strong dealer network and reputation for reliability keep the Grand Vitara near the top of a short list.