Suzuki Grand Vitara FT,GT 2.0 TD (5 dr) (87 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.3 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 5
Comfort 3.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Suzuki Grand Vitara:

The Suzuki Vitara is a series of SUVs produced by Suzuki in five generations since 1988. The second and third generation were known as the Suzuki Grand Vitara, while the fourth generation eschewed the "Grand" prefix. In Japan and a number of other markets, all generations have used the name Suzuki Escudo until 2024.
The choice of the name "Vitara" was inspired by the Latin word vita, as in the English word vitality. "Escudo", the name primarily used in the Japanese market, refers to the "escudo", the monetary unit of Portugal before adoption of the Euro. The original series was designed to fill the slot above the Suzuki Jimny. The first generation was known as Suzuki Sidekick in the United States. The North American version was produced as a joint venture between Suzuki and General Motors known as CAMI. It was also sold as the Santana 300 and 350 in Spain and in the Japanese market, and in select markets was rebadged as the Mazda Proceed Levante as well....(Read more on Wikipedia)

FT,GT Overview:

Suzuki Grand Vitara (FT,GT). With 216 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.4 l/100km). With a weight of 1395 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 19.8 s). The top speed reaches 142 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

2.0 TD (5 dr) (87 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 2 stars

Performance Verdict

Extremely sluggish, especially in the heavier 5-door body. Acceleration is very poor, making it unsuitable for anything but the most relaxed driving.

Fuel Economy

While a diesel, its low power and the need to constantly push it hard might negate some of its inherent fuel efficiency advantages.

Best Use Case: Strictly utility, very slow-paced driving, where initial cost and basic function are paramount.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Excellent off-road capability for its class
  • • Robust and reliable body-on-frame construction
  • • Good value for money on the used market
  • • Compact size (3-door) for urban maneuverability
  • • Smooth V6 engine options for highway cruising
  • • HDI diesel offers good torque and economy

Cons:

  • • Fuel economy can be poor, especially with V6 engines
  • • On-road comfort and handling are not car-like
  • • Dated interior design and materials
  • • Weak base engines (1.6L petrol, 87hp diesels) struggle with performance
  • • Limited advanced safety features (no Euro NCAP rating)
  • • Can be noisy at highway speeds

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(FT,GT: 1997 - 2005).

General:
Brand:Suzuki
Model:Grand Vitara
Generation:FT,GT
Modification (Engine):2.0 TD (5 dr) (87 Hp)
Start of production:1998
End of production:2003
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:SUV
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:87 Hp @ 4000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:43.5 Hp/l [385mm more]
Torque:216 Nm @ 2000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:RFM More details about the engine RFM
Engine displacement:1998
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Precombustion chamber injection
Engine aspiration:Turbocharger
Engine oil capacity:5.5 l
Coolant:6.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:86 mm
Piston Stroke:86 mm
Compression ratio:20.9:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Diesel
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:9.4 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.9 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:19.8 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:19.8 sec
Maximum speed:142 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:16 kg/Hp, 62.4 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.5 kg/Nm, 154.8 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:18.8 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1395
Max. weight:1950
Max load:555
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1080 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:258 l
Fuel tank capacity:66 l
Size:
Length:4195 mm [385mm more]
Width:1780 mm [80mm more]
Height:1685 mm [5mm less]
Wheelbase:2480 mm [280mm more]
Front track:1500 mm
Rear (Back) track:1500 mm
Powertrain:
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size195/80 R15
Wheel rims size15
Front suspensionSpring Strut
Rear suspensionCoil spring

Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the Suzuki Grand Vitara?