If you fancy the idea of a four-wheel-drive vehicle but are put off by the reputation many have for heavy fuel consumption, mechanical complexity and high insurance then the Suzuki Grand Vitara could be the solution.

Suzuki has a long history of building 4x4s and even the Vitara can be traced back to the late 1980s when it was among the first affordable off-roaders. During this time the car has grown from a three-door body into a five-door and even a stretched seven-seater. Today used examples are plentiful and prices for early cars start at as little as £2,000 for a tidy example.

It was nearly 10 years after the original Vitara was introduced that the car came of age with the introduction of the Grand Vitara. Available with both three and five doors it was competitively priced, attractively styled and easy to drive. Engines came in 2.5 V6 petrol or 2 litre diesel. With a reasonably light kerb weight of 1,450kg the 142bhp V6 gives the car a good turn of pace and fuel economy is a respectable 26mpg in the combined cycle. The diesel may look appealing with 10mpg more but with only 86bhp on tap performance is frustrating.

More engine variety was added with the 2 litre 126bhp petrol in May 1999. Today these cars are among the most desirable used buys, offering 30mpg economy and performance close to that of the thirstier V6.

Unlike many larger 4x4s the Grand Vitara is easy to drive. Its compact dimensions, nicely weighted steering and precise gearchange endow it with car-like driving qualities. Interior accommodation is pretty roomy, the five-door model being a foot longer than the three-door, but don’t expect an exciting driving environment. The dashboard is a mix of dull plastics and, if you don’t buy one with leather, the itchy tweed seat fabric is unlikely to impress.

Equipment levels are also functional. You’ll find central locking, electric windows, height adjustable steering column and dual front airbags as standard, but air-conditioning and ABS are optional on all but the very top models.

The Grand Vitara may look cute but underneath the skin it’s a proper off-roader, sitting on a strong ladder-frame chassis and with a switchable high/low-ratio four-wheel-drive transmission. A four-speed auto box is also available on many models. Its smooth changes and good economy make it a popular option; expect to pay £500 more for one.

The Grand Vitara has few consistent areas of mechanical concern but all the usual 4x4 checks should be made. Look under the bumpers and sills for signs of off-road damage, check inside of tyres for wear due to steering misalignment and make sure you drive the car in both two and four-wheel-drive modes.

Further enhancements to the range have seen the introduction of a 107bhp diesel and a seven-seater model. Called the 2.7 XL-7, its extra 20in make it an interesting alternative to the usual people carriers.

Used Grand Vitara values remain fairly stable but the spring weather usually sees values dip, making the next few months a good time to buy.

VITAL STATISTICS

Model: Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0 5dr
Engine: Four-cylinder, 1995cc
Power: 126bhp
Transmission: Five-speed manual part-time four-wheel drive
Fuel: 30.4mpg (combined)
Acceleration: 0-60mph: 11.4sec
Top speed: 99mph

Air-conditioning: Not standard on most models, but comes as part of an option pack that also includes antilock braking.

Safety: Twin airbags and side intrusion bars standard.

Steering: Rack and pinion steering is precise and well weighted.

Interior: Cloth seats are durable but fabric is itchy and rather unattractive; CD player standard on V6 2.5 models.

Extra large version: XL-7 seven-seater model introduced in September 2001 with new V6 2.7 litre petrol engine only.

Insurance: Group 12 on 2 litre petrol and diesel, V6 group 13.

Soft top: Three-door models available with soft-top roof, but removing and refitting it is fiddly.

Spare wheel: Mounted on the tailgate, on pre-1998 models to the detriment of rear visibility.

Rear seats: Recline and fold flat on five-door models giving great loading area.

Sills and bumpers: Check carefully for signs of off-roading damage.

Servicing: Due every 9,000 miles.

THE ONE TO BUY

Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0 petrol 5dr manual with optional air-conditioning and antilock braking pack, 2000 X-reg with 20,000 miles, pay £8,275 at a dealer with a 12-month warranty, or £7,400 privately.


OR FOR SIMILAR MONEY...

2001 X-reg Mitsubishi Shogun Pinin 1.8 GDI 3dr
2000 X-reg Jeep Cherokee 2.5 5dr
2000 V-reg Honda HRV 1.6 5dr
1998 S-reg Land Rover Freelander 1.8i 5dr

VALUES



5-dr £1,000 more than 3-dr; auto £500 more than manual; add £450 for air-conditioning/antilock pack. Source: CAP black book. 'Trade' is what a dealer pays to buy your car; 'Retail' is what you pay a dealer.