Suzuki | Car Reviews | Honest John

Alto (2009 - )

Good: Cute little Citroen C1 clone offering low emissions, low tax, good fuel economy and a proper 4-speed automatic option. Decent to drive.

Bad: Thrummy 3-cylinder engine. Not as sophisticated as a Hyundai i10.

Grand Vitara 3dr (2005 - )

Good: Cute looking, like old model SWB RAV-4. Useful low, flat luggage area with side opening door.

Bad: A bit cruder to drive than RAV-4, yet still a vast improvement on old Vitara. No spare wheel from July 2010.

Grand Vitara 5dr (2005 - )

Good: Good looking, on road handling much better than previous version, comparatively cheap, impressive off road.

Bad: A bit crude compared to the more expensive opposition, no spare wheel from July 2010.

Jimny (1998 - )

Good: Useful ability off-road and cute looks, especially as a soft-top. Cheap to buy.

Bad: Noisy, unsophisticated and cramped. Poor ride and handling.

Kizashi (2012 - )

Good: Distinctive enough to stand out, decent handling in 4WD mode, 180PS 2.4-litre petrol engine, four-wheel-drive, paddleshifts, leather, very well equipped, only 500 coming to UK.

Bad: CVT irritating when left on its own, economy and emissions above average, at £23,000 dearer than Skoda Octavia and Superb 1.8 TSI 4x4s.

Splash (2008 - )

Good: Small, tall 5-door city car clone of Vauxhall Agila. Makes best sense in 1.0 petrol and 1.3 diesel low emission versions. High seats. Excellent rear seat folding mechanism.

Bad: Okay, but no better than a Hyundai i10, yet costs more and has a shorter warranty. Essential to replace brake fluid every 2 years.