Suzuki Reviews

Suzuki is having a bet each way with its new S-Cross, a replacement for the SX4. Is it a five door hatch or a small SUV?

Suzuki SX4 is a neat crossover between a hatchback and station wagon, with the added advantage that it can handle mild off-road running.

Suzuki Swift was a big seller in Australia in the 1980s and '90s, but was inexplicably discontinued in 2000. Realising they had made a mistake, the importers introduced an all-new Swift in February 2005. The older Swifts, which incidentally were also imported by Holden and badged as Barinas are also worth a

Light cars used to be the second car, the one that'd begrudgingly be taken to the supermarket when the real car was out. Not anymore. Light cars now make sense as the sole vehicle for city dwellers without kids - they're easy to park, will carry four adults in varying degrees of comfort and don't cost a fortune to fuel up.The rush to downsize means more than one in 10 cars sold today is from the light category. Carmakers have responded to that growing market with more standard gear at lower prices. They also understand a positive first experience could get you back to the dealership for your next vehicle, so you won't be ignored for looking at the “cheap” cars.They will try to upsell you into a higher model, though, so beware of alloy wheels and dual-zone aircon if steel rims and a power window is all you need. The average cost of the light cars in this field - entry level autos - is just north of $17,000. The Volkswagen is the dearest at $19,490 and is the only car here to demand premium unleaded petrol. It also feels to be the best built, but all of these cars are sturdy, reliable transport. Budget buyers should consider the Mitsubishi Mirage if outright performance isn't an issue. It costs $15,290, is the cheapest to refuel and annual servicing costs are just $250. The Mazda2 proves this segment isn't entirely price-driven. The little hatch leads the sales field this year, followed by the Toyota Yaris and Hyundai i20.They're not the cheapest cars to buy or run but they have a reputation for reliability and value that - at least in the case of the Mazda2 - has it campaigning strongly despite its age. Honda's Jazz has the best resale of this bunch, reflecting the brand's (slowly waning) reputation for producing better-built vehicles. The Barina is the thirstiest, needing 7.3 litres to travel 100km. That's half a litre more than the Mazda2.Carsguide has used the national average of $1.49.4 for unleaded petrol and added 8 for the 95RON fuel needed to keep the VW on the street. We have each car travelling 15,000km a year for three years. Price: from $17,290Residual value: 48 per cent $8299.20Servicing: $780 ($260 first year)Thirst: 6.3L/100km $4235.49   Price: from $17,490Residual value: 46 per cent $8045.40Servicing: $840 ($280 first year)Thirst: 6.1L/100km $4090.05   Price: from $17,990Residual value: 46 per cent $8275.40Servicing: $740 ($246.67 first year)Thirst: 7.3L/100km $4907.79      Price: from $15,240Residual value: 45 per cent $6858Servicing: $750 ($250 first year)Thirst: 4.6L/100km $3092.58   Price: from 17,690Residual value: 48 per cent $8491.20Servicing: $1284 ($398 first year)Thirst: 6.2L/100km $4168.26   Price: from $17,440 (Neo)Residual value: 48 per cent $8371.20Servicing: $1949 ($599 first year)Thirst: 6.8L/100km $4571.64   Price: from $17,990Residual value: 55 per cent $9894.50Servicing: $1711.58 ($537.42 first year)Thirst: 6.6L/100km $4437.18   Price: from $19,490Residual value: 50 per cent $9745Servicing: $1085 ($347 first year)Thirst: 6.0L/100km $4249.80   Price: from $18,590Residual value: 50 per cent $9475Servicing: $567 ($189 first year)Thirst: 5.9L/100km $3966.57   Price: from $18,290Residual value: 42 per cent $7681.80Servicing: $841 ($239 first year)Thirst: 6.3L/100km $4235.49  

June 30 is D-Day. The end of the financial year is the best time to buy a new car because there are always special deals in showrooms. As carmakers and dealers aim to clear their outdated stock, Toyota uses a June push to cement its showroom leadership. Some of the special deals are on cars that have done demonstrator duty, or were built in 2012, or are just not selling as well as expected. So they're not the tastiest fruit in the bowl.But there is great buying across the board as demand for new cars fuels one of the longest growth periods in motoring. The bottom line is that you can save money -- and lots of it. So here's a look at the June sales, with Carsguide's assessment of the best deals on wheels.CITROENThe new importer is pushing hard so the Aircross SUV starts at $31,990 drive-away front-wheel drive or $33,990 with AWD, a saving of $3800. There's $5000 off the C4 Seduction turbo diesel auto hatch at $25,990. Carsguide says: The Aircross isn't great, but the C4 discount is tasty.FORDThe death notice for the Falcon and Territory has not helped buyer confidence but a 2.9 per cent finance push on Fiesta and Focus still looks good. The superseded Kuga SUV from $31,990 drive-away is a $10,000 saving. You can save about $3000 on a 2012 Escape SUV from $27,990 drive-away.The Territory gets a $6500 tickle, the TX seven-seater at $38,490 drive-away (third-row seat usually costs $2500). The impressive Mondeo liftback starts at $29,990. Good buying on Falcons, thanks to the arrival of the VF Commodore, from $33,990 and better if you haggle.HOLDENAs the VF Commodore creates queues, the outgoing Z-Series starts at $34,990 with five years' warranty and roadside assist. That also applies to the SV6 at $35,990 and the Cruze SRi and SRi-V at $23,490 and $26,990. Last year's Barina CD hatches are $15,990 drive-away with a sunroof. The Colorado is $39,990. Hard to see past the excellent Cruze SRi.HONDAClipped prices and free on-roads. The City VTi sedan is $17,990 and the (slightly) more lavish VTi-L automatic version starts at $21,990. The bigger Civic sedan is being cleared from $21,990. Free auto on the Jazz VTi at $19,990. The Civic is worth a look at $2500 off.KIAFree on-roads, discounts and $1000 gift vouchers on many models. A five-door Rio S is about $3K off at $15,990 drive-away with a $500 gift card; the three-door Rio is $14,990 and the five-door Si is $18,990. Runout Cerato TD sedans start at $17,990 for the S, saving about $5000, the Si sedan is $23,990 and hatch at $17,990. All get a $1000 gift card. Cerato SLi and SLS have drive-away pricing but miss the gift card. All Optimas have free on-roads. A 2012-build Optima Platinum is $37,990, saving about $4000 with a $1000 gift card. Most Sportage SUVs include on-roads and a $1000 gift card. Carnival and superseded Rondo pricing is drive-away. The Sportage diesel and Optima are top-notch.MITSUBISHIThe manual Lancer gets an old-school value pack on the Special Action Model for $19,990 drive-away. The Mirage is $12,990 drive-away for the ES manual, with a $500 cash-back that also applies to the auto.Driveaway prices also for the compact ASX at $24,990 for the 2WD manual, the Outlander LS 2WD auto at $29,990, Pajero GLX-R auto at $54,990 or $59,990 for VRX. Both come plus $3000 cash-back, saving about $6000.The Triton ute is now tackling Great Wall from China at $19,990 drive-away for a GL single-cab 2WD with alloy tray, or add luxury for a GLX dual-cab 4WD diesel at $31,990 drive-away with $2000 cash-back, saving about $14,000. The utes look good at those prices.NISSANA 2.9 per cent finance package, with agreed value after three years, makes the Pulsar ST sedan look good at $49 a week or $19,990 drive-away. The X-Trail ST 2WD petrol manual cops a $4000 reduction to $25,990 drive-away, while the Navara RX 4WD dual-cab manual is cheaper than ever with a $9500 cut to $30,990 drive-away. The Pulsar sedan deal is attractive.OPELThere are drive-away deals across the range. The basic Corsa is down by about $2500 to $16,990 drive-away, the Astra is from $22,990 drive-away for the 1.4-litre turbo petrol hatch with three years of free servicing, saving about $5500. The top-line Insignia sedan is from $39,990 drive-away with heated leather seats. The Astra is easily best of this breed.PEUGEOTFree on-roads at Peugeot on most models but not the cool new 208. The 4008 SUV cops a $1500 saving from $29,990 drive-away and there are deals on the outgoing 4007. Nothing to see here.RENAULTA Koleos from $26,990 drive-away looks even better with interest-free finance. The Megane hatch is from $22,990 drive-away with finance pegged at 1.9 per cent. The slow-selling Fluence and Latitude sedans are available with 2.9 per cent finance. The Megane CC convertible goes from $43,990 including on-roads. The sporty Clio RS is from $34,990 drive-away and the hotrod Megane RS has 2.9 per cent finance.Commercial deals start with the short-wheelbase Kangoo petrol manual with dual sliding doors from $20,990 drive-away, moving up to the Trafic short-wheelbase manual for $29,990 and the long-wheelbase manual for $32,990, while the Master large van starts from $46,990 drive-away. There's a five-year/200,000km warranty on all light commercials ordered in June. Hard to argue against a $3000 bonus on the Koleos but stocks are tight.SUBARUDrive-away pricing -- for savings of $3000 to $4000 -- is the bait, with Impreza pricing from $23,990 (excluding the WRX, of course). The Tribeca from $54,990 now includes on-roads but you need to visit a dealer to get the full story. Nothing outstanding.SUZUKIThe front-drive SX4 gets a Navigator pack with voice-controlled 6.6-inch satnav with Bluetooth for $19,990 drive-away for the manual and $21,990 auto. That also applies to the 2WD auto Grand Vitara at $29,990 drive-away, including reversing camera and satnav with Bluetooth. The Alto GL manual also gets satnav for $11,990 drive-away for the manual, with the Swift GL manual at $17,490 drive-away including cruise control and Bluetooth. The Grand Vitara is a polished piece.TOYOTAThere's 2.9 per cent finance on Aurion and Camry with the Camry Altise looking best at $29,990 drive-away. Other drive-away deals include $15,990 for the Yaris YR five-door, $21,490 for the Corolla Ascent automatic, $39,990 for the Kluger KX-R 2WD five-seater, $60,990 for the Prado GXL turbo diesel auto and $39,990 for the HiLux SR 4WD dual-cab ute. The right time for the cabbies' new favourite, the frugal hybrid Camry.VOLKSWAGENDrive-away pricing on passenger cars and zero finance on commercials. The Polo is $16,990 on-road, the Jetta is down to $25,990 and the Passat $36,690. The Polo is Carsguide's 2010 COTY.VOLVOFuel and servicing for three years or 60,000km plus roadside assistance. There are conditions -- with a pre-paid BP card based on 15,000km a year and $1.50 a-litre pricing -- and the latest V40 hatch is excluded. Clever twist on bargaining but a pity it doesn't apply to the V40.Paul Gover's 10 COMMANDMENTSYou must still do your homework. You must still check the fine print. You must still be prepared to haggle and compromise.But do it right, crunching the numbers and running right to the dealer's deadline, and you can drive away in something special at a special price.The starting point is all the deals, from sticker specials to cheap finance and steak knife-style free extras, being offered by most of the 60-plus brands in showrooms today.If something you want is on special, go for it. But check that the car was built in 2013, and is not a geriatric old-timer from 2012, and ensure your target is exactly what you want - not a stripped-out stocker, perhaps missing an automatic gearbox - that will cost thousands to get the way you want it.Once you lock down a target, don't think the advertised special is the end of the deal. You also need to negotiate for a better price on delivery and on-road costs, and avoid the trap of buying over-priced extras such as paint and upholstery protection, window tinting and extra-long warranties.No-one can expect to go into the ring with a showroom professional and expect to win, because buyers only get a new car occasionally and sales staff are dealing every day. But, by concentrating on the real bottom line - the changeover price - and being prepared to compromise, you can come out ahead.The best tips are the simplest. Run as close as you can to June 30 to sign the deal and get the car, because dealers are all aiming for targets that can mean tens of thousands in bonus money from headquarters. Also be prepared to take a car they have in stock, even if it's not your favourite colour, because dealers are aiming to clear everything they have on the lot.And have your finance in place before you arrive, especially if you're taking up a special deal, because that makes things quicker and you'll also be spared any hassle and potential extra costs.Watch out for 2012 cars because the warranty clock has already been running, don't forget that a big discount today will also mean less at changeover time, and remember that a demonstrator car could have had a hard life already. 

The on-going quest to reduce fuel consumption was always going to throw up a car like the Suzuki Alto, a tiny hatch with a miniscule engine that could provide the answer for anyone looking to slash their fuel bills.NEWAs much as many tried to laugh it off, the India-made midget was no joke; it was a serious little car that really did ask the question of those serious about cutting their running costs.When launched it was presented as the first of a new generation of micro models that were expected to land here from places like China, Korea and India. That hasn't yet eventuated, leaving Suzuki alone to seed the market.The Alto measured a mere 3500 mm long and 1600 mm wide and weighed just 850 kg. But that didn't mean it was compromised when it came to safety. Through the use of high-strength steels Suzuki and a power of electronics has managed to achieve a creditable 4-star safety rating from ANCAP.When launched the base model GL didn't have electronic stability control, to get that you had to go upmarket to the GLX. That was rectified in 2010 when ESP was added to the entry model. Power came from a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine that generated 50 kW at 6000 rpm and 90 Nm at 3400 rpm.That meant it had to be revved to get the most out of it, which was something new to owners who were used to larger engines with enough torque to pull from lower revs. While the fuel economy - 4.8L/100km with the manual 'box - was admirable it lost a little of its gloss when it was realised that it required the more expensive premium unleaded.Two transmissions were offered, a five-speed manual that delivered the best fuel consumption, and a four-speed auto. Despite its small size the Alto offered reasonably comfortable accommodation, at least for some. Front seat passengers had good head and legroom, those in the back were a little cramped and the boot was small.The equipment level was quite good given its modest price tag. The GL had air-conditioning, CD sound, MP3 connectivity, remote central locking and power front windows, while the GLX had all of that plus alloys, fog lights, six speakers and tachometer.NOWFour years on from the launch and on the whole things appear to be going swimmingly for the little Suzuki. Suzuki is renowned for building quality small cars that punch well above their weight, and that seems to be true of the Alto.Owners are generally content with their decision to buy the budget hatch, which is delivering the promised fuel economy while at the same time giving little trouble. The thing most complained about is a lack of performance, but that appears to be more about the driver than the car. Most of those who complain have stepped down out of a larger car with a bigger engine that doesn't need to be revved the way the Alto's does to extract its zip.Most people also go for the auto transmission, which adds to the dull feel of the car off the line. There have been a couple of recalls of the GF Alto. The first was in 2009 and related to a wiring problem that could cause the stoplight to cease functioning.The second, in 2010, related to a potential fuel leak during refuelling. While the trade gives the Alto a big tick of approval, it comes with a warning about servicing. It's vital that the oil be changed as recommended; skipping oil changes is a recipe for an expensive engine meltdown. Cheaper cars tend to be the most neglected when it comes to maintenance, so check the service record to make sure everything is up to scratch.SMITHY SAYSNeed a run-about that's easy on the wallet? Give the Alto a go.Suzuki Alto 2009-2011Price new: $12,490 to $16,490Engine: 1.0-litre 3-cylinder, 50 kW/90 NmTransmission: 4-speed auto, 5-speed man, FWDEconomy: 4.8 L/100 km (man), 5.5 L/100km (auto)Body: 4-door hatchVariants: GL, GLXSafety: 4-star ANCAP.COMING UPDo you own a Jeep Compass? If so tell us what you think of it by sending your comments to Graham Smith at grah.smith@bigpond.com or Carsguide, PO Box 4245, Sydney, NSW, 2010. 

Sales of little soft-roaders have grown faster than any new vehicle segment in our overcrowded new-car market.Last year there were just over 60,000 small SUVs sold, up 53 per cent on 2011. The category parameters have changed and now some models previously considered compact are classified as medium. But sales of the smallest SUVs have increased for the past three consecutive years.The appeal lies in several attributes, not the least of which is in looking more adventurous than domesticated. There's the draw of fuel economy, though the reality is that certain of these models do not perform much better than the big cars they've supplanted.Then there is the versatility of the interior, the elevated driving position and the visibility it affords, and the perception of being unassailable by other road users.The three brands on this page argue about who started the soft-roader craze. Each has a worthy case.Toyota is synonymous with off-road passenger machinery that has a reputation for reliability and capability. The RAV4 introduced a suburban level of versatility to the Japanese brand when it lobbed here in 1996 (there was the Tercel and AWD Tarago before it, but let's not go there).The RAV had the look and lineage to carry off the compact SUV concept. With a new model not far from the showrooms there are bargains to be had in the outgoing vintage.Subaru's all-terrain wagon heritage harks back to the 1970s, when 1600cc (and, later, 1800cc) wagons with transfer cases and raised bellies showed you didn't need a big burly 4WD to get seriously off the beaten track. The Forester might not have retained the forebears' dual-range lever within the transmission console but the spirit remains.Another company with four decades of history in the realm of small, lightweight off-roaders is Suzuki. The original Jimny and Sierra lightweight 4WD wagons were tiny, nimble and bulletproof machines and the modern descendant the Grand Vitara has retained much of the off-road ability without succumbing to the soft-roader sookery.(Search for hundreds more choices) 2011 Toyota RAV4Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cyl petrolTransmission: 4-speed automaticThirst: 9.6L/100 CARSGUIDE SAYSThe dependable Toyota reputation offsets any styling shortfall. While not a rock-hopper like its LandCruiser big brother, it doesn't mind getting its wheels dirty. Dual airbags, descent and stability control, Bluetooth and USB connection are among the features.2009 Subaru Forester XS PremiumEngine: 2.5-litre 4-cyl boxer petrolTransmission: 4-speed automaticThirst: 9.6L/100km CARSGUIDE SAYSThe Forester has been a segment leader on sales volume and is one of the more versatile of the all-terrain brigade -- some models still have low range. The XS Premium has leather trim, sunroof, stability control, climate control, six airbags and rally-bred heritage.2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara WagonEngine: 2.4-litre 4-cyl petrolTransmission: 5-speed manualThirst: 8.9L/100km  CARSGUIDE SAYSThe brand builds bikes as well as being responsible for the original small off-roader. The Suzuki Grand Vitara has old-school 4WD and genuine off-road ability. Anything but a soft-roader, it's light and nimble off the beaten track and useful around town too.

NEW - Suzuki has always been a highly regarded small car brand by those in the know, its small sedans and four-wheel drives having a well deserved reputation for quality and innovation.More recently the company has pumped up its range with new and even better models like the new Swift and the even newer Kizashi, the company's first crack at a mid-sized car.The Kizashi was widely acclaimed for its refinement and on-road character when it was launched. For many it was a revelation. It was only available as a sedan, but there were three models to choose from, beginning with the front-wheel drive XL, the mid-range FWD XLS and the all-singing, all-dancing all-wheel drive Sport.The styling was unremarkable, but inoffensive, with neat lines and balanced proportions and the odd touch of chrome for a highlight. Inside it was reasonably roomy for four, the cabin was awash in rather sombre tonings, but there was everything you could want and a flash of silver brightened it a little.The power was provided by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine that generates 131 kW and 230 Nm and provided plenty of punch. The standard gearbox across all models was a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that was generally smooth and responsive, but there was also the option of a six-speed manual gearbox in the XL and XLS. Sport buyers could only have a CVT, the six-speeder wasn't available, which is a pity given the sporting pretentions of the model.But Sport buyers did have the grip advantage of all-wheel drive whereas XL and XLS punters only had front-wheel drive in their cars. On the road the Kizashi was impressively quiet and refined with excellent road manners, balanced handling and good grip.NOWWith the Kizashi just ticking over into its third year on the market there's little to report in terms of reliability concerns, and with Suzuki's past history for robustness there's little reason to be anything but confident going forward.Some owners have reported heavy stone-chipping on their cars, much heavier than other cars, particularly those coloured red or grey. It's unclear if it's a paint problem or just the shape of the car that promotes chipping, but whatever the reason it chips very easily. It not only looks ugly, but it affects resale.Others have reported issues with the CVT transmissions doing odd things, so it's worth checking thoroughly by subjecting the CVT to all sorts of driving situations and observing for any shuddering, slipping, over-revving, and odd noises.Suzuki engines are finely crafted pieces of jewellery and need looking after, so make sure the oil has been changed regularly and doesn't look black or full of gunk when you pull the dipstick. Check the tyres, the Kizashi has a reputation for wearing out tyres quickly, which is perhaps a reflection of its handling.SMITHY SAYSQuiet, refined with great on-road manners the mid-sized Suzuki is definitely one to think about.Suzuki Kizashi 2010-2011Price new: from $30,490 to $39,990Engine: 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder, 131 kW/230 NmTransmission: CVT auto, 6-speed manual, FWD, AWDEconomy: 8.4 L/100 kmBody: 4-door sedanVariants: XL, XLS, SportSafety: 5-star ANCAP  

Suzuki's Grand Vitara has always been something of a quiet achiever. Renowned for its off road ability, it has often put some of its larger more fancied rivals to shame in the rough stuff.Curious then that Suzuki should bow to contemporary tastes and deliver a two-wheel drive version of the five-seat wagon, albeit rear wheel drive. But then you've got to make a living somehow or other and this could be just what the doctor ordered? Suzuki's Tony Devers says the Grand Vitara has always been popular with drivers aged over 50 and research has shown the fast growing 35-49 year old market has a strong preference for 2WD.VALUEAt a driveaway price of $26,990 it makes for interesting reading. By removing the four wheel drive system Suzuki has effectively slashed the price of the wagon by $4500. And, if you don't care a jot about going off road or not that's going to make it super attractive. Standard features include cruise control, rear park assist, Bluetooth, electric windows, remote locking and three 12 volt outlets (two in the front and one in the cargo area).TECHNOLOGYThe Urban, like all petrol models, is offered exclusively with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, paired with a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic. The latter adds $2000 to the price. The 2.4-litre engine is good for 122kW of power and 225Nm of torque from 4000 revs. The big point of difference between this and other two-wheel drive SUVs is that drive goes to the rear wheels in this one.DESIGNThe Grand Vitara has been around in its present form for a few years and it shows. There's a lot of old school stuff like a four speed auto, no reach adjust for the wheel and the trim and cabin plastics could not be described as lavish. A makeoever has seen the addition of a bold new face with a new grille and bumper and new wheels and seat fabrics plus two new colours - Gaia Bronze and Bison Brown.SAFETYOnly gets four out of five stars from ANCAP. But gets a full complement of safety systems including six airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake distribution (EBD), brake assist system (BAS) as well as traction and electronic stability control.DRIVINGWhoa! A small car and relatively large engine makes for spirited performance. Put your foot down and the Urban takes off like a cut snake. But the tradeoff appears to be in fuel consumption because it's a thristy little bugger. Although rated at 9.9 litres/100km we were more than a little surprised to see it returning 11.2 litres/100km according to the trip computer. That was in just under 500km of mainly freeway driving.The funny thing is though it seemed to drop around town when you'd normally expect consumption to rise. Fitted with 16 inch steel wheels and 225/70 rubber, the ride from 16 in wheels and is firmish bordering on harsh at times but it sits flat in corners and there is very little body roll unlike most of the soft roaders. With only four cogs to play with it also hunts between third and fourth a bit, but not enough to be annoying.VERDICTLike it. Like it a lot. Nothing fancy, but it does what it does very well. Suzuki knows its stuff and at the price you can't go wrong.

Suzuki Australia has had ongoing demands to import two-wheel drive Grand Vitaras for many years. In recent times a proliferation of 2WD models has maintained SUVs as the fastest growing market segment around the world according to Suzuki. Now the company has done something about it and the Suzuki Grand Vitara 2WD, known as the Urban, is here.VALUEPriced from $28,990 driveaway, the Suzuki Urban 2WD automatic slots in to the mid range of Vitaras and offers plenty of bang for the bucks. The four-speaker audio system has a dash-mounted single-disc CD player, remote steering wheel-mounted controls, auxiliary input and Bluetooth connectivity.A high-resolution touch screen features an extensive infotainment platform, including AM/FM/CD radio, multi-media playback, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and Garmin satellite navigation. The touch screen functions can be hard to operate under bumpy road conditions but there is voice control on offer to assist in switching between functions.The navigation system uses spoken-word guidance with street names, lane guidance, speed limits and current speed displays. Be wary of the displayed speed-limit figures as more than once on the test drive they did not tally with the actual limit. Also, be aware of temporary speed limits at roadworks; the car’s computer is unlikely to have information on them. Some very expensive cars have cameras that can read speed limit signs to avoid these problems, but this technology has yet to trickle down to affordable vehicles.TECHNOLOGYThe Urban comes with the same 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine we have admired in the Grand Vitara 4WD for many years. It is matched to a five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic, the latter being fitted in our test vehicle. Power is put to ground via the rear wheels, not the fronts as in most ‘4WDs’ that are only driven by two wheels.The Suzuki digitally operated climate-control with particle filter aids comfort, even beyond the bitumen. That’s right, ‘beyond the bitumen’, because you don’t always need drive to all four wheels if you plan to run on dirt roads.DESIGNCompared with the long running 4WD Vitara the reworked front end features a new grille and bumper, two new colours – Gaia Bronze and Bison Brown – stylish new 17-inch alloy wheels and new seat fabrics. On the outside are halogen headlights, power door mirrors, rear window washer/wiper, rear parking sensors and roof rails. Absent are front foglamps, indicator lights on the door mirrors and a sunroof.Inside the passenger cabin the look is cheap but not nasty, with hard plastic surfaces and the extra comfort provided by cloth seats. The steering wheel has leather wrapping. Cruise control is handy on long country trips and the Urban has the convenience of power windows and remote door locks.SAFETYThe Grand Vitara Urban carries a full complement of active and passive safety features which include front, side and curtain airbags, anti-skid braking with emergency stopping systems, vehicle stability and traction control, plus hill descent and hill hold. Recently added to the set-up was a reversing camera that projects an image onto a 6.1-inch high-resolution touch screen.DRIVINGFuel consumption was disappointing for a four-cylinder SUV, particularly one without the weight and power sapping of an all-wheel-drive system. The best figure we obtained was 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres after some relatively easy running, while the worst was 11 litres per hundred kilometres.The reversing camera picture left a lot to be desired in poor outside light, thus putting the responsibility back onto the driver when it comes to making sure there’s nothing behind the vehicle. On the plus side, dust sealing of the passenger cabin was good, if not class leading, with some fine dust intrusion in harsh conditions. Passenger comfort generally was beyond that expected in an SUV of the Grand Vitara Urban’s price.VERDICTWith ever increasing use of SUVs as passenger station wagons we feel the new Suzuki Grand Vitara Urban will have no trouble filling sales lists in its class.