VS
At a Glance
Power
81 kW
77 kW
Torque
205 Nm
138 Nm
Fuel
6.3 l/100km
6.0 l/100km
Towing
—
1000 Kg
Engine
1199 cc
1462 cc
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 77 kW. On fuel, the Basalt returns 6.3 l/100km while the Grand Vitara uses 6.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R354 900 for the Basalt and R359 900 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
77 kW
Torque
205 Nm
138 Nm
Top Speed
—
165 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1199 cc
1462 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
6
5
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.3 l/100km
6.0 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
45 l
CO2 Emissions
142 g/km
142 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4352 mm
4345 mm
Width
1765 mm
1795 mm
Height
1593 mm
1645 mm
Wheelbase
2651 mm
2600 mm
Ground Clearance
180 mm
210 mm
Kerb Weight
1207 / 1233 Kg
1160 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
470 l
310-1147 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1000 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
—
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
200000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
4
4
Service Plan Distance
60000
60000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Basalt
Fuel Economy
Grand Vitara
Value
Basalt
Practicality
Grand Vitara
Pros & Cons
Citroen Basalt
More powerful engine (81 kW)
Lower starting price (R354 900)
Higher fuel consumption (6.3 l/100km)
Suzuki Grand Vitara
Better fuel economy (6.0 l/100km)
Less power than rival (77 kW vs 81 kW)
Higher starting price
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 6.0 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Grand Vitara 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 77 kW and 138 Nm of torque. The Basalt is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Basalt and Grand Vitara?
The Basalt starts from R354 900 and the Grand Vitara from R359 900. The Basalt is cheaper by R5 000 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 1000 Kg. 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.