Suzuki Grand Vitara diesel 5-door completes UK line-up
Suzuki has introduced the 1.9 DDiS diesel engine to its Grand Vitara 5-door range, offering improved efficiency, lower emissions and two trim levels from £17,975.
Suzuki has expanded its Grand Vitara line-up in the UK with the introduction of a 1.9 DDiS diesel engine option for the five-door model. This launch means the revised Grand Vitara range is now complete, offering buyers a diesel alternative alongside the existing petrol models. The diesel 5-door is available in two trim levels, SZ4 and SZ5, and is aimed at drivers seeking a practical, economical SUV with the added benefit of four-wheel drive.
Suzuki Grand Vitara diesel 5-door: completing the range
Engine and efficiency improvements
The 1.9-litre DDiS diesel engine in the Grand Vitara produces lower CO2 emissions than its predecessor, with a reduction from 191g/km to 185g/km. Suzuki claims a combined cycle fuel economy of 40.4mpg, which should appeal to those looking to keep running costs down. The engine is paired with a five-speed manual gearbox and permanent four-wheel drive, providing a balance between on-road efficiency and off-road capability.
Suzuki’s Research and Development teams have worked to further reduce engine and drivetrain noise. Additional sound insulation measures have been introduced, aiming to make the diesel Grand Vitara quieter and more comfortable at all speeds. These changes are intended to bring the model more in line with competitors in terms of refinement, an important consideration for buyers in the compact SUV segment.
Trim levels and equipment
Both the SZ4 and SZ5 versions of the Grand Vitara diesel 5-door come with a generous list of standard equipment. Features include 18-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, a six-disc in-dash CD changer with MP3 compatibility and seven speakers, heated leather seats, and automatic climate control air conditioning. The SZ5 trim adds further equipment, offering a more premium specification for those seeking extra comfort and convenience.
| Trim | Price (OTR) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| SZ4 | £17,975 | 18-inch alloys, fog lamps, 6CD changer, heated leather seats, climate control |
| SZ5 | £19,475 | As SZ4 plus additional premium features |
Market context and incentives
With the arrival of the diesel 5-door, Suzuki now offers a complete Grand Vitara range for UK buyers. The model is eligible for the government’s scrappage scheme, which provides a £2,000 discount for those trading in a car or light commercial vehicle over ten years old. In addition, Suzuki is offering three years of zero per cent finance on the Grand Vitara, with a 40 per cent deposit required, until the end of September 2009. These incentives are designed to make the new diesel model more accessible to a wider range of customers.
The Grand Vitara has a long history in the UK market, having first gone on sale in 1988. Since then, more than 2.6 million Vitara and Grand Vitara models have been sold worldwide, with over 164,000 units sold in the UK alone. The addition of the diesel 5-door variant is expected to help Suzuki maintain its presence in the competitive compact SUV segment.
Position in the compact SUV segment
The Grand Vitara faces strong competition from models such as the Nissan Qashqai and Dacia Duster. Suzuki’s decision to complete its diesel line-up is aimed at buyers who prioritise running costs, practicality, and all-weather capability. The enhancements in refinement, equipment and efficiency are intended to keep the Grand Vitara relevant in a market where buyers have many choices.
For those interested in the Grand Vitara’s evolution in other regions, Suzuki has also launched a facelifted version in Malaysia, offering additional styling and equipment updates tailored to that market. This reflects Suzuki’s ongoing efforts to adapt the Grand Vitara to meet the needs of different customers worldwide.
Summary
The introduction of the 1.9 DDiS diesel engine to the Grand Vitara 5-door range completes Suzuki’s line-up in the UK, offering improved efficiency, refinement, and equipment. With competitive pricing, government incentives, and a strong heritage in the compact SUV segment, the Grand Vitara diesel 5-door is positioned as a practical choice for buyers seeking a capable and well-equipped SUV.
