We tested the five-door turbo-diesel version of the Grand Vitara back in the August issue, so would lopping off two doors, 200mm of wheelbase, 465mm of total length and 110kg make a big difference to the vehicle?
Well the answer is yes and no, it certainly looks a bit cuter and the weight loss program must help performance and fuel economy but there are downsides as well. Firstly it isnt as much cheaper as you might hope or expect coming in at a solid $34,000 vs the five door diesel at $37,500 and $33,000 for the five door 2.0-litre petrol (the 1.6-litre three door petrol is only $25,500 by comparison). We understand the pricing is due to the UK sourcing of this vehicle (which also explains the indicators being on the left column stalk and wiper on the right Euro style). As with the five door it is also only available as a manual which is a shame as the engine is screaming out for a good auto box which really suit the modern high torque diesels, however the manual is the best option for any serious off-road work.
You also get the usual short wheel base draw backs of limited load space and rear legroom along with a choppy pitchy ride inherent in a SWB. It does however definitely make a statement with its perky lines and looks better balanced in our view than the five door it certainly looks ready for off-road action. The load space problem disappears if you dont need the rear seats which then tumble fold forward to leave a substantial load space more than adequate for two peoples luggage for a longer holiday.
The driving compartment and feature level match its longer cousin item for item, meaning it is well outfitted including; climate air-conditioning, steering wheel audio controls, fuel consumption and exterior temperature displays, ABS brakes with EDB and brake assist and a good level of safety equipment including driver and passenger airbags and pre-tensioned front seat belts.
It also sports the four mode full time 4WD system which offers an auto setting, 4WD high, 4WD locked high and 4WD locked low ratio, all selected by a dashboard dial.
Mechanically it has the same Renault sourced F9Q engine as fitted to the five door, which produces 95kW of power at 3,750rpm and 300Nm of torque at 2,000rpm.
This is a modern electronic injection, common rail engine with a water cooled variable nozzle Garret turbo-charger that meets the stringent Euro 4 emissions standards. It is coupled to a manual five speed gearbox.
The interior is modern and well laid out, a couple of things immediately impressed, two power outlets one either side of the gear lever are very handy in a 4WD where you tend to be powering multiple items regularly (GPS, cell phone, inverter etc) and the large and well placed drink holders which are under a pivoting cover in the centre console, these are big enough for a decent sized water bottle and are backed up by bottle holder recesses in the front door pockets. The seats are comfortable and give a good driving position with plenty of leg room in the front if the seats are right back rear leg room is somewhat compromised though. Access to the rear seats is good via the passenger side as the front seat has a single lever to fold the back forward and allow the seat to be slid forward in a single operation, alas the drivers seat is not similarly equipped, requiring a double set of actions, first fold the back using the recline lever (meaning it has to be reset to the correct position) then slide the seat forward using the lever under the front of the seat. Open the large side hinged rear door (held open by a gas strut) and the load area is pretty tiny (184 litres) with the rear seats up, however these tumble fold forward easily (there is a 50/50 split) leaving a cavernous area of 516 litres which is larger than the five door with seats up (398-litres).
Start the Grand Vitara up and this is definitely a diesel, as we commented in the five-door review the sound proofing of the diesel installation seems to be less than desirable with a level of noise and vibration transmission that is more than would be expected from a modern diesel engine. The engine itself performs very well, there is huge torque even from quite low engine speeds making the vehicle a pleasure to drive and minimising the need to change gears too often, the engine noise is only noticeable at higher revs which in reality are seldom required as the engine performs best in the mid and lower ranges with no obvious turbo lag. The gear ratios seem to suit the engine whilst the gear change is light if a little vague. As we mentioned above the ride is a bit pitchy on rougher roads but generally the ride and handling is good.
We suspect the three-door will be chosen more for its looks than practicality although for a single person or child free couple it would be a viable option, likewise it would make a good fleet vehicle ideal for a sign writing treatment to promote your product or service..:
