VS
At a Glance
Power
81 kW
165kW@6200
Torque
205 Nm
284Nm@3500
Fuel
6.3 l/100km
10.5
Towing
—
—
0-100 km/h
—
9.3
Engine
1199 cc
3195
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 165kW@6200. On fuel, the Basalt returns 6.3 l/100km while the GRAND VITARA uses 10.5 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R354 900 for the Basalt and R387 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
165kW@6200
Torque
205 Nm
284Nm@3500
0-100 kph
—
9.3
Top Speed
—
200
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1199 cc
3195
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL 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
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.3 l/100km
10.5
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
8.3
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
66
CO2 Emissions
142 g/km
249
Dimensions
Length
4352 mm
4500
Width
1765 mm
1810
Height
1593 mm
1695
Wheelbase
2651 mm
2640
Ground Clearance
180 mm
200
Kerb Weight
1207 / 1233 Kg
1713
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
470 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
—
Load Capacity
—
398
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ 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
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
—
✗
Satellite Navigation
—
✗
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✗
Park Distance Front
—
✗
Sunroof
—
GLASS, SLIDING
Heated Seats
—
FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
36
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
90000
Service Plan
✓ Standard
S
Service Plan Years
4
—
Service Plan Distance
60000
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Citroen Basalt
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Basalt
Fuel Economy
Basalt
Value
Basalt
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Citroen Basalt
Better fuel economy (6.3 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R354 900)
Factory service plan included
Few notable weaknesses
SUZUKI GRAND VITARA
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (10.5)
Higher starting price
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 10.5 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 165kW@6200 and 284Nm@3500 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Basalt and GRAND VITARA?
The Basalt starts from R354 900 and the GRAND VITARA from R387 900. The Basalt is cheaper by R33 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 0. 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.