Month 3 with the Suzuki Grand Vitara GLX: Long Term Review
Three months in, and the Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.5 Hybrid GLX 6-speed Allgrip auto continues to reveal its character. At this point, we’ve really settled into what this SUV is all about, and there’s plenty to talk about as we tick off more kilometres on the odometer.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency:
With over 2,000 kilometers driven, the Grand Vitara has primarily been a city companion. That being said, We recently took it on a long highway stretch, and here’s where the hybrid system truly shines. While we started the journey with an average fuel consumption of 6.7L/100km (as reported in Month 2), we noticed this figure dropped slightly during the highway cruise to around 6.2L/100km. Sure, it’s no earth-shattering change, but it’s proof that this engine gets better with age and distance. For a vehicle of this size, these numbers are still impressive, especially when navigating the congested urban roads.
On the highway, the hybrid’s power delivery felt more balanced, and overtaking slower traffic didn’t require aggressive acceleration. The 6-speed automatic transmission continues to perform smoothly, making gear shifts unnoticeable.
Comfort and Cabin Space:
Let’s talk comfort—because this is where the Grand Vitara earns top marks. After three months, the faux leather seats feel just as supportive and plush as they did on day one. Whether in traffic or on a longer road trip, we never find ourselves fidgeting for a better seating position. Passengers in the back have echoed similar praises, with no complaints of cramped legroom.
A neat touch we've come to appreciate during evening drives is the soft ambient lighting. It’s subtle but adds a level of sophistication that I didn’t expect from a compact SUV in this price range. And the panoramic sunroof? It’s a winner. Open it up, and the cabin feels airy, bringing the outside world right into your driving experience.
Technology: The Good, The Bad, and The Fixable
Now, we need to address a lingering issue from last month: Android Auto. While wireless Apple CarPlay remains a dream, Android Auto was—until recently—my nemesis. However, I’m happy to report that after fiddling with a few settings and restarting the system (the age-old tech trick), the disconnect issues have significantly reduced. It’s still not perfect, and I keep a charging cable handy, just in case, but it’s no longer a deal-breaker.
Handling and Driving Dynamics:
One area that continues to impress is how well the Grand Vitara handles. For a hybrid SUV, you might expect a dull, uninspired driving experience, but Suzuki has done a good job of making this vehicle engaging. The steering feels responsive and well-weighted. Suzuki’s Allgrip all-wheel-drive system provides extra confidence, even when tackling rougher roads or rainy conditions.
While the suspension is tuned for comfort, it’s not afraid to absorb some bumps. On more uneven surfaces, the ride can feel a little firm at times, but never harsh enough to make you want to trade in the comfort for a softer setup.
Final Thoughts for Month 3:
Three months in, and the Suzuki Grand Vitara continues to be a reliable companion, whether I’m in the city or out on the open road. The hybrid system’s fuel efficiency is gradually improving, the cabin remains a comfortable space, and the overall driving experience continues to deliver.
With a few tech hiccups sorted, I’m eager to see how the next few months unfold. Will the fuel economy continue to improve? Will the Grand Vitara maintain its charm as the kilometres rack up? Stick around to find out in Month 4!
