CarBuyersNoteBook

Suzuki Grand Vitara

The first thing you notice when you climb into the Grand Vitara is the simplicity of the interior. All the controls are within easy reach and easy to use, and there aren’t too many of them — enough buttons and dials to get the job done and no more. The black dash, carpet, doors and seats are set off by tasteful silver accents. Unfortunately, they’re also offset by cheap-looking faux-marble trim around the gear selector and on the interior door handles. Marble works in kitchens, not cars, and cheap, plastic, fake marble really doesn’t work. Still the trim is dark enough to overlook most of the time.

In all, the Grand Vitara’s interior proved adequate. The fit and finish are good and there were no squeaks or rattles to report, even with the stereo cranked up. Suzuki apparently also listened to our gripes about the 2008 model’s seats and came back with a set of nicely bolstered leather-wrapped captain’s chairs that are comfortable if a bit firm. The seat heater only had one setting, though, which started out almost too hot, then ended up hardly noticeable.

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