Frankfurt Motor Show 2005 - Suzuki

Star of the stand?
The all-new Grand Vitara. Suzuki says this is the second model, following the Swift, since its 'Way of Life' rebrand.

Initially, only two petrol engines will be available: a 1.6-litre in the three-door, and a 2.0-litre in the five-door. A 1.9-litre diesel model will join the line-up later this year.

The Grand Vitara's two bodystyles are designed to appeal to different types of drivers. The three-door is intended more for town use, while the five-door has extra mechanical parts to provide greater off-roading ability when required. Both cars, however, come with permanent four-wheel drive as standard.

Every model includes climate control, front electric windows, a CD player, steering wheel-mounted stereo controls, remote central locking, front and side airbags, and front and rear curtain airbags as standard.

Prices for the three-door Grand Vitara start at £12,699, and the better-equipped Plus version costs £13,299. Five-door models start at £15,499.

They say
'An aggressive exterior, a sporty interior, class-leading safety and environmentally friendliness – it has everything.'

We say
Suzuki's green claims are to be taken with a pinch of salt. According to the company, an 'environmentally friendly' Grand Vitara is one that runs on its diesel engine that simply meets Euro IV standards. So don't expect high praise from Greenpeace just yet.

Inside, the interior is good. The show models have nice, soft plastics and the layout is good. It's pretty spacious in the rear – the five-door will seat five people, while the three-door seats four.