VS
At a Glance
Power
81 kW
127kW@6000
Torque
205 Nm
231Nm@3300
Fuel
6.3 l/100km
12
Towing
—
1361
0-100 km/h
—
—
Engine
1199 cc
2736
Choosing between the Citroen Basalt and the SUZUKI GRAND VITARA is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Citroen Basalt delivers 81 kW while the SUZUKI GRAND VITARA produces 127kW@6000. On fuel, the Basalt returns 6.3 l/100km while the GRAND VITARA uses 12 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R369 900 for the Basalt and R305 800 for the GRAND VITARA. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
81 kW
127kW@6000
Torque
205 Nm
231Nm@3300
0-100 kph
—
—
Top Speed
—
170
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1199 cc
2736
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE V 6
Cylinders
3
6
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
6
5
Drive Wheels
front
ALL
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.3 l/100km
12
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
20.64
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
8.64
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
66
CO2 Emissions
142 g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
4352 mm
4685
Width
1765 mm
1780
Height
1593 mm
1740
Wheelbase
2651 mm
2800
Ground Clearance
180 mm
190
Kerb Weight
1214 / 1240 Kg
1680
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
470 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1361
Load Capacity
—
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✗
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✗
Airbag Count
6
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✗
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
—
?
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
—
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
36
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
100000
Service Plan
✓ Standard
—
Service Plan Years
4
—
Service Plan Distance
60000
—
Service Intervals
15000
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Basalt
Fuel Economy
Basalt
Value
GRAND VITARA
Practicality
GRAND VITARA
Pros & Cons
Citroen Basalt
Better fuel economy (6.3 l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
SUZUKI GRAND VITARA
Lower starting price (R305 800)
Higher fuel consumption (12)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Basalt or GRAND VITARA?
The Basalt uses 6.3 l/100km and the GRAND VITARA uses 12 on the combined cycle. The Basalt is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Basalt or GRAND VITARA?
The Basalt produces 81 kW and 205 Nm of torque while the GRAND VITARA delivers 127kW@6000 and 231Nm@3300 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Basalt and GRAND VITARA?
The Basalt starts from R369 900 and the GRAND VITARA from R305 800. The GRAND VITARA is cheaper by R64 100 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Basalt or GRAND VITARA?
The Basalt has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the GRAND VITARA can tow 1361. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Basalt or the GRAND VITARA?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.