SECOND-HAND SENSELong before the current craze for four-wheel drive vehicles Suzuki was beavering away with four-wheel drive technology in smaller cars as a marketing device for the future.
The tenacious little SJ 413 was a product of this experiment and, even if it did create some stability wobbles in more extreme conditions, it became a favourite from Ballsbridge to the Masi Mara. Compact, light, fun to drive and with genuine off-road ability the SJ was marked quite a departure point for Japanese engineering and marketing.
Today Suzuki, a company with a relatively low profile here, is still producing an understated 4X4, the Grand Vitara - one of the best of its type on offer. It may not have the presence of cars like the Toyota Rav 4 and its overall design may be bland, but it is a workhorse - and its 2 litre diesel engine makes it a realistic choice for those who use their vehicles for work.
The Vitara has had many improvements but its essential characteristics are still the same. It is not as cumbersome as other 4X4s to drive, has a tighter turning circle and is infinitely easier to park. Its performance is not sparkling, but it does the job. Ride and handling are fine and the steering a little on the light side.
Suzuki does not go in for much flair in its interior design. It is unfussy and practical, and quite a spacious car, with a good boot area. When looking at second-hand cars, check for excessive wear and tear because some of them have had plenty.
Older Vitaras have not done well in the EuroNCAP crash tests. Recently it was described as having performed only "reasonably" in occupant tests for such a large vehicle. The car had a "disappointing performance" in the frontal impact test, putting the driver and front seat passenger in danger of chest and leg injuries. The dummy representing the younger child in the back showed a risk of the child being at risk of neck injury. The car's worst performance was in the pedestrian injury test where it scored "no points and no stars". Suzuki has apparently promised to pay greater attention to safety.
The car has had a number of recalls. Some were for problems with seatbelt stalks in danger of breaking, some for airbag problems and there was a relatively big recall for problems with front suspension strut mountings.
A 2003 model with 22,000 on the clock and with a 2.0 litre diesel engine will cost you about €25,950. Standard equipment should include electric windows, twin airbags, CD player and remote locking. A 2001 model with 97,000 on the clock can be had for an asking price of €15,500, which seems more than a tad excessive.