Bucket Seat: Suzuki Grand Vitara GLX

Anyone who has been keeping an eye on the NAAMSA monthly sales figures would have noticed that Suzuki sales has been surged over the last year and with good reason too. The Swift remains one of the most reliable and affordable budget friendly options when it comes to an entry level hatch back, its solid, it's comfortable and most importantly, its light on fuel. The rest of their line-up has also been picking up, with the likes of the Jimny being a firm favourite for many. With their JV with Toyota which see's a lot of their vehicles wear the Toyota badge, it has done them some harm with the consumer opting to go for the bigger Japanese name rather than the Suzuki, when the new shape Grand Vitara was first launch, Suzuki SA thought they'd hold the trump card by only offering Toyota SA to sell the 1.5L naturally aspirated engine while they had exclusivity over the 1.5L Hybrid, unfortunately for Suzuki, the price of this Hybrid model saw them sitting with stock as many opted for the Toyota version or if they wanted a Hybrid, they went and bought the Corolla Cross XS which was not a lot more than the Grand Vitara. After burning their fingers, Suzuki decided to can the Hybrid and bring their 1.5L N/A model to compete directly with the Toyota Urban Cruise but offering a bit more. I spent some time with this model and here are my thoughts.

DESIGN

The Suzuki Grand Vitara doesn’t scream for attention but it doesn’t need to. It’s one of those SUVs that grows on you the more you look at it. Up front, you’ve got a bold, upright stance with a layered grille and sharp LED lighting that gives it a modern edge, while the clamshell bonnet and squared-off proportions subtly nod to its heritage. Around the back, the clean surfacing and light bar keep things contemporary without overcomplicating the design. It’s not flashy like some of the Korean alternatives, but there’s an honesty to it that works. Whether you’re pulling up in Sandton or heading out onto a gravel road, it looks perfectly at home in the South African landscape. The little details they add to the exterior of the car make the Grand Vitara stand out more than the Urban Cruiser, the chrome accents, LED lighting and panoramic sunroof give the Suzuki so much more character. 

PERFORMANCE

Under the bonnet, the Grand Vitara is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, and you feel exactly what that suggests. Around town, it’s smooth and easy-going, making it perfectly suited to daily commuting and stop-start traffic. It doesn’t feel strained in normal driving, and it delivers power in a predictable, linear way. However, the moment you push it whether it’s overtaking on the highway or tackling a steep incline with passengers it starts to feel a bit out of its depth. The 4-speed automatic gearbox adds to that feeling, as it’s more about reliability than responsiveness, and can come across as slightly dated compared to newer transmissions. That said, the bigger picture tells a different story. Fuel consumption is impressively low, which is a major advantage given South Africa’s fuel prices, and the mild-hybrid system helps smooth out low-speed driving while improving efficiency even further. It’s not built to excite, but it is built to make financial sense.

COMFORT

This is where the Grand Vitara really comes into its own. The ride quality is genuinely impressive, soaking up bumps, potholes, and uneven road surfaces with a level of composure that feels tailor-made for South African conditions. It’s the kind of car that makes long-distance driving feel effortless rather than tiring. The cabin is well insulated, keeping road and wind noise to a minimum, which adds to that relaxed driving experience. Inside, there’s enough space for five adults to sit comfortably without feeling cramped, and while the boot isn’t the biggest in the segment, it’s practical enough for everyday use. The seats are supportive and comfortable, making it a great companion for both daily commutes and longer road trips. It’s not trying to be luxurious, but it gets the fundamentals of comfort absolutely right.

TECHNOLOGY

Suzuki has equipped the Grand Vitara with all the essentials you’d expect from a modern SUV, without going overboard. The infotainment system is easy to use and integrates seamlessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while features like wireless charging, keyless entry, and a reverse camera add everyday convenience. Everything works as it should, and that’s really the point there’s no unnecessary complexity or gimmicks. On the safety side, it’s well covered with multiple airbags, stability control, and driver assistance features that give you peace of mind on the road. It may not have the cutting-edge tech you’d find in more premium offerings, but it delivers where it counts for the average South African driver.

VERDICT

The Suzuki Grand Vitara isn’t trying to be the fastest, the flashiest, or the most high-tech SUV in its class, and that’s actually its biggest strength. It focuses on what really matters in South Africa, like fuel efficiency, comfort on less-than-perfect roads, reliability, and overall affordability. If you’re looking for something thrilling, this isn’t it. But if you want a dependable, comfortable, and cost-effective SUV that fits seamlessly into everyday life, it makes a very compelling case for itself. It’s not the car you show off about at a braai, but it’s the one that quietly proves its worth every single day.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.5-liter Naturally Aspirated
Gear Box	4-Speed Automatic
Power	77kW
Torque	138Nm
Fuel Economy	5.6L per 100km
Price	R453,900.00

Bucket Seat: Toyota Starlet Cross XR

Toyota and Suzuki share a strange product sharing agreement, while the two companies remain separate entities, the shared model platforms are becoming a bit weird to the keen observer. Suzuki produce a number of models that have been re-badged and sold locally as a Toyota product, this makes sense if the Suzuki variant wasn't sold here but as in all cases the Suzuki model is launched first, followed by the Toyota "version", the more surprising fact is that even with Suzuki launching their model first, the Toyota model still outsells the original Suzuki model. That is the power of brand loyalty I guess, it all started when the Suzuki Baleno was brought, sales of this 1.5L medium sized hatchback wasn't great, a year or so later, it lands on our shores badges as the "Toyota Starlet" and it sells in its thousands. Even though the car is basically still a Suzuki, but because of the name on the car, it drew in the sales. Fast forward to 2023 and Suzuki launches their compact SUV the Fronx. It looked like Toyota backed off with this model after sales of their Urban Cruiser wiped the floor of its half-sibling the Grand Vitara but low and behold, the Toyota Starlet Cross landed on our shores this year and yes, you guessed it, sales are skyrocketing for it. I spent some time with this model and here are my thoughts on the car. 

DESIGN

The Toyota Starlet Cross has a bold yet compact design, with sharp lines and an aggressive front fascia that set it apart from the more understated traditional Starlet. The front end is highlighted by a prominent grille with Toyota’s signature trapezoidal shape, flanked by sleek LED headlamps and angular DRLs, giving it a stylish, almost upscale look for its category.  In profile, it features roof rails, black body cladding along the wheel arches, and 16-inch alloy wheels (depending on trim), giving it a rugged, go-anywhere appearance. The rear design maintains a compact aesthetic with sculpted taillights that wrap around the body, adding to the car's sporty profile. It is a looker of note with it attracting keen interests from passes by during my time with it, this was also helped by the outstanding colour called "Fine Orange" with Bi-tone Black. There's no faulting it from any angle and with the additional aluminium scuff plates on the front and the back, gives it that off-roading menace look that would be nice to see on the rally track, subtle hint for Toyota there. 

PERFORMANCE

Under the hood, the Starlet Cross typically offers a choice of small-displacement, fuel-efficient engines, often a 1.5-liter inline-4 or a 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder, depending on the region. 1.5-Liter Inline-4 Engine: This naturally aspirated engine generates around 77kW and138 Nm of torque. This particular model featured the 5-speed manual transmission and worked well with this engine that is tuned for efficiency and city drivability, offering adequate acceleration and smooth power delivery. Fuel economy is one of the Starlet Cross's strong points with it being able to deliver up to 5.6L per 100km under optimal conditions The Starlet Cross rides comfortably on city streets, absorbing bumps and rough patches with ease. The suspension is tuned for a balance of comfort and control, making it agile enough for urban driving while still stable at highway speeds. The electric power steering is light, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, but it can feel a bit numb at higher speeds. While it’s not a sports car, the Starlet Cross handles corners confidently thanks to its low curb weight and well-tuned suspension. Body roll is minimal, and it’s a stable choice for light off-roading, though it’s best suited for city roads and light countryside trails.

COMFORT

Inside, the Starlet Cross offers a refined, practical cabin with an intuitive layout and ample space for passengers and cargo. The materials are durable, with a blend of soft-touch plastics, textured surfaces, and subtle chrome accents on higher trims. Toyota has focused on ergonomics, making sure frequently used controls are within easy reach.  The seats are well-cushioned and supportive, offering good lateral support for longer drives. This XR model featured bi-colour cloth seats but the material felt really premium. The driver’s seat is adjustable, and in some variants, the steering wheel is also telescopically adjustable, ensuring a comfortable driving position. Despite its subcompact classification, the Starlet Cross has decent interior space. There’s ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room for front and rear passengers, making it suitable for family use. With the rear seats up, it offers around 320 liters of cargo space, expandable to 710 liters with the seats folded flat. The Starlet Cross is equipped with Toyota's latest infotainment system, which varies depending on the market but typically includes a 7- or 9-inch touchscreen display. This system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easy to connect smartphones for navigation, calls, and music streaming. Standard safety features on the Startlet Cross include: Dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and stability control come standard across all trims.

VERDICT

The Toyota Starlet Cross is a smart choice for drivers seeking a reliable, economical, and practical subcompact SUV with just enough style and flair to stand out. While at the heart of the car it remains a Suzuki, you can tell Toyota had some influence in the car, with a dependability with a modern, user-friendly design, making it well-suited for urban families, young professionals, or anyone looking for an efficient crossover that performs well in a variety of driving conditions. The Toyota Starlet Cross offers good value, especially for buyers looking for a reliable, fuel-efficient SUV that can handle both city and light off-road driving. The starting price is competitive within its class, and Toyota’s reputation for long-term durability is a strong selling point over it's product sharing partner Suzuki. Additionally, the availability of various trims and options means there’s likely a Starlet Cross model to fit most budgets and needs and its looks are just an added bonus. 

 SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.5L, 4-cylinder NA
Gear Box	5-Speed Manual
Torque	138Nm
Power	77kW
Fuel Consumption	5.6L per 100km
Price	R299,900

Bucket Seat: Suzuki Jimny 5-Door

The Suzuki Jimny 5-Door is an exciting expansion of the popular Jimny series, which has gained a cult following for its compact size, off-road capabilities, and distinctive retro styling and that attractive price tag. The 5-Door version retains the rugged charm of the 3-Door model but adds practicality with increased interior space, making it a more versatile option for families and those who need extra room. I had the chance to spend a week with the Jimny 5-door to see if its more than just extra doors and space.

 DESIGN

The Suzuki Jimny 5-Door carries forward the iconic boxy design, with its flat surfaces, upright windshield, and round headlights, reminiscent of classic off-roaders. The extended body maintains the Jimny’s tough, go-anywhere appearance while offering easier access to the rear seats and more cargo space. Despite the added length, the Jimny 5-Door remains compact and maneuverable, which is a significant advantage in urban environments and narrow trails. The design is quite an attractive one with many akining it to the popular Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon but on a smaller scale. Tuners globally have come up with some creative kits for the Jimny which transform its design too look like miniature versions of other popular bigger off roaders but for me, the standard look is good enough and there are so many aftermarket accessories to pimp it up, the options are endless!

PERFORMANCE

The Suzuki Jimny 5-Door retains the same off-road prowess as its smaller sibling. It’s equipped with a ladder-frame chassis, solid axles at both ends, and a part-time four-wheel-drive system with a low-range transfer gear, making it capable of tackling challenging terrains. The compact dimensions and short overhangs allow it to navigate tight trails and steep inclines with ease.Under the hood, the Jimny 5-Door is typically powered by a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine, producing around 100 horsepower. This engine is mated to either a 5-speed manual with an option of an automatic as well. While not particularly fast on highways, the engine is adequate for both city driving and off-road adventures. The Jimny's light weight contributes to its agility off-road, but on-road, it can feel a bit bouncy and less refined than more road-focused SUVs.Given its small size and engine, the Jimny 5-Door offers decent fuel efficiency, particularly in city driving where its compact dimensions and light weight are beneficial. However, fuel consumption can increase during off-road use or at higher speeds on highways as I found out when doing long distance travel with it. 

COMFORT

Inside, the 5-Door Jimny offers a utilitarian yet functional interior. The materials are durable and easy to clean, reflecting the vehicle’s off-road nature. The additional rear doors make accessing the back seats more convenient, and the increased cabin space offers better comfort for passengers. However, while it is roomier than the 3-Door version, it’s still relatively compact, and taller passengers might find the rear seating somewhat tight on long journeys. The cargo space benefits from the extended body, making it more practical for carrying luggage or gear. The rear seats can be folded down to further expand the cargo area, although the space is still modest compared to larger SUVs. While the materials used are pretty durable, it's not the most comfortable car for long distance travels, the boxy design makes for lots of wind noise, the road noise in the cabin is pretty loud and the cheap stereo doesn't help drown all of this out, so its pretty prevalent when driving. The Jimny 5-Door is not packed with high-tech features, but it includes a larger touchscreen infotainment unit than the 3-door and has wireless mobile phone connectivity. 

VERDICT

The Suzuki Jimny 5-Door is a niche vehicle that excels in what it is designed for: rugged off-road capability in a compact, affordable package. It’s perfect for adventurers, off-road enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates a vehicle with character and charm. The added practicality of the 5-Door model makes it a more versatile option for daily use, though it still maintains the quirks and limitations of the Jimny lineage. The Suzuki Jimny 5-Door is priced competitively, offering great value for those seeking an affordable, capable off-road vehicle. Its charm lies in its simplicity, off-road capability, and unique style, which is hard to find at this price point. However, those looking for more comfort, space, and advanced features might need to consider other options or larger SUVs.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	4 cylinder, 1.5 Petrol
Gear Box	5-speed manual
Torque	130Nm
Power	75kW
Fuel Economy	6.4L per 100km
Price	R429,900

Bucket Seat: Suzuki Grand Vitara Hybrid

The 2023 Suzuki Grand Vitara Hybrid AllGrip is a notable addition to Suzuki's lineup, blending the company's rich SUV heritage with modern hybrid technology. This model promises a balanced mix of performance, efficiency, and off-road capability, aiming to cater to a wide range of drivers. Now while we are well aware of the splitting image model from the other brand available on the market, Suzuki held the trump card on keeping the hybrid engine for itself, this would make the appeal for the Suzuki slightly more beneficial to the prospective buyer over the other brand which only had the petrol offering. 

DESIGN

The Grand Vitara remains one of the most attractive SUV's in its segment with modern sports  contemporary yet rugged design, featuring bold lines and a robust stance that emphasizes its off-road capabilities. The front fascia is dominated by a prominent grille flanked by sleek LED headlights, giving it a distinctive and assertive look. The AllGrip variant comes with stylish alloy wheels and underbody protection, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality for off-road enthusiasts. I'm particularly fond of the light designs both in the front and the rear with LED designs to enhance the housing they're in. The right amount of chrome to elevate the sharp lines of the front accentuate the cars presence from the front and the bi-colour paint tone with black roof gives that car an elegant look. 

PERFORMANCE

The hybrid powertrain combines a 1.5L petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering a smooth and efficient performance with performance outputs of 76kW and 137Nm of torque. The transition between petrol and electric power is seamless, providing a refined driving experience thanks to the 6-speed automatic gearbox. The AllGrip all-wheel-drive system enhances traction and stability, making it capable on a variety of terrains. Whether navigating city streets or tackling off-road trails, the Grand Vitara Hybrid AllGrip handles with confidence and poise. One of the standout features of the 2023 Grand Vitara Hybrid AllGrip is its fuel efficiency. The hybrid system significantly reduces fuel consumption, making it an economical choice for daily commutes and long-distance travel. Drivers can expect impressive mileage, contributing to lower running costs and reduced environmental impact.

COMFORT

Inside, the Grand Vitara Hybrid AllGrip offers a well-crafted and spacious cabin. High-quality materials and a modern design ensure a comfortable and pleasant driving experience. The seats are supportive, and the driver’s seat offers a good range of adjustments to accommodate various body types. Rear passengers benefit from ample legroom and headroom, making long journeys comfortable. The cargo space is generous, with the option to fold the rear seats for additional storage.

TECHNOLOGY

Suzuki has equipped the 2023 Grand Vitara Hybrid AllGrip with a suite of modern technology. The infotainment system features a large touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, providing seamless connectivity. The vehicle also includes a premium sound system, Bluetooth, and USB ports. Safety features are comprehensive, with adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera system, ensuring peace of mind on the road. Not forgetting the pop up heads up display that can be deployed when wanted and tucks away neatly above the instrument cluster on the dash. 

VERDICT

The  Grand Vitara Hybrid AllGrip is a well-rounded SUV that successfully blends modern hybrid technology with Suzuki’s renowned off-road capability. Its stylish design, comfortable interior, advanced features, and efficient performance make it an appealing choice for a wide range of drivers. Whether you’re looking for a family vehicle, an off-road adventurer, or an eco-friendly commuter, the Grand Vitara Hybrid AllGrip stands out as a versatile and reliable option in the competitive SUV market. Coming back to its evil twin, you can see why Toyota didn't mind opting for the Hybrid option in their line-up as it would be in direct competition with one of their best selling, locally manufactured offering, the Corolla Cross Hyrbid. While the two are very different cars, seeing the price point may make many opt for the slightly bigger model. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.5L Petrol Engine with Electric Motor
Gear Box	6-speed automatic
Torque	137Nm
Power	76kW
Fuel Economy	5.6L per 100km
Price	R542,900

Bucket Seat: Suzuki Jimny

This review has been a long time coming, as I had to sit and think carefully on how I can write this review, giving the vehicle the due credit it deserves. Suzuki Jimny has drawn a lot of attention online since it first broke cover early last year, and with good reason too, it also drew a cult following from many. For long the Jimny has been one of the most admired off road vehicles, and while it wasn't greatly  appreciated it in the past by the vast majority, those who owned one only had fond stories to tell about it. So you may ask why is this new one all of a sudden the bee's knee's, even getting so much hype before anyone had even driven it? Well, the styling had a massive role to play in that, but I'll go into more detail on that in a bit, because the Jimny offer's the driver so much more in such a small package and it's great it is getting the attention it rightfully deserves. 

DESIGN

As mentioned in the into, the Jimny got the worlds attention after the first pictures of it broke through, the design was refreshing, but bared similarities to other more high end off-roaders on the market. While many would say the Jimny looks like a mini G Wagon or a hint of Land Rover Defender, one just has to consult Google to realise that the design is based on Jimny's of the past with a lot of elements coming from the model of the early 90's. There's no denying that with the edition of some after market kits like Wald and Brabus you could be rolling around in your own mini G Wagon or Defender but the stock standard off the shelf Jimny looks brilliant as well. The retro design coupled with modern twists make it a timeless design, with a a great mixture of toughened plastics and metal, flared wheel arches and and that raised ride height make it a great looking vehicle. There are add on graphics available to make your Jimny more stylish and different, as well as the great colours to choose from. On the interior, it's surprisingly spacious for such a small vehicle, lots of head room for a tall guy like me, but the width of the seats are slightly compromised, though still comfortable. While the interior is mostly made up of plastic, its the good stuff, the hard robust kind that I don't mind, especially in a car that's meant to be going over mountains than just on tar roads. 

PERFORMANCE

The all new 1.5L naturally aspirated engine powers the Jimny, with strong torque and wide rpm range for powerful off-road performance while still keeping on road driving pleasurable for the driver. With the manual gearbox, I felt more in control on how I wanted to drive the car on the tar versus off road, where you'll need to be in low range for most of the time, while negotiating trick obstacles. The 4 cylinder engine really surprises you, even with the low power output of 75kW and a decent torque of 130Nm, it's a feisty little bugger and will have you chasing up cars on the tar.   The one way I would like to describe it is like a Jack Russell, small but full of energy. I didn't get a chance to take the Jimny properly on the off-road course as the mother of all storms hit Durban the day I ventured out and most of the obstacles were closed but with way the Jimny is built, with its rigid ladder frame chassis and the 3-link axle suspension with coil springs, it is bound to be tonnes of fun. The four wheel drive system with the low range transfer gear works like a charm and switches over to two-wheel drive for better economy and enhanced cornering on paved roads. 

COMFORT

With the Jimny being built for off-roading more than on road driving, you'd expect the ride quality to be compromised but surprisingly it's not. With the comfy seats, and great suspension, the cars ride quality is quite smooth, the cabin does tend to get a bit cool with the rigid design but other than that, I found the overall comfort fact decent in a vehicle like this. There are seats for the rear passengers but with this being a coupe type design, it isnt the most spacious place to be and getting in and out the back is quite tricky if you're above average size, also luggage space gets minimised a lot if the seats are not folded down. You may be able to squeeze in a laptop bag or two. The Jimny does come with a cool tool kit box in the trunk space that has a nice lift up lid. The Jimny 's infotainment system is one that is found on most of their higher spec'd range with a touch screen display whic is easy to navigate and sync your device to, it also has a USB port for charging or USB input. It has standard aircon with automatic climate control, the whole layout for the AC and switches for the windows below are designed really retro and are very cool, adding that extra charm to the interior. 

VERDICT

My week with the Jimny was quite an interesting one, interesting because the amount of attention I got from it was great and weird at the same time. People were coming up to me asking me about the car, as if I was driving a supercar or something. I guess with the demand of the car at the moment, there isn't many on the roads and with the noise it's been generating online, there are many keen observers who want to see if the car really lives up to the hype. Let me tell you that it does, but what people need to understand where this car slots in and what it has to offer. It's probably the most capable proper off-roading vehicle available on the market for that price. If you'd want similar types of 4x4's, you'll be paying almost double. It's an attractive looking car that handles great, both on the road and off it. The price is the really attention grabber that will give the aspiring adventure junkie a reason to opt for something like the Jimny. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.5L Petrol
Gear Box	5 Speed manual
Torque	130Nm
Power	75kW
Economy	6.3 L/100km
Price	R305,900