Suzuki finally joins the mainstream with a nicely turned-out sport utility vehicle that looks stylish, performs well and doesn’t cost too much.
In the past, Grand Vitara seemed narrow and boxy and sort of Third World, maybe something you’d see bouncing down the streets of Calcutta rather than cruising along a suburban highway. Compared with today’s rich collection of compact SUVs, the previous Suzuki didn’t quite cut it.
For 2006, Grand Vitara showed up in a whole new guise, bigger and with an attractively shaped body that looks as good as anything else out there.
This is a big development for Suzuki, the Japanese maker says, with Grand Vitara being the first of a whole new lineup of small cars and SUVs that will compete on an equal footing with products from Japan, South Korea and the United States.
The name Grand Vitara still sounds to me like the head wizard of a social club, but I found the new model to be refined and enjoyable to drive. Handling is stable, and overall, the truck feels solid and competent.
The four-wheel-drive version also has decent off-roading credentials. The unibody construction is based on a stout ladder frame, the full-time four-wheel drive includes a low-gear range and center-differential lock, and the front and rear overhangs are short for steep approach angles.
Of course, the best feature of Grand Vitara is its competitive price tag, starting at about $19,000 for a rear-wheel-drive with V-6 engine and five-speed stickshift. Even loaded, as was the test truck, the price remains under $25,000.
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The lowdown
PERFORMANCE: The small V-6, the only engine offered for the Grand Vitara, puts out decent power but works hard to propel the SUV to highway speeds or up hills. A displacement of 2.7 liters makes for a pretty diminutive V-6, though it’s certainly better than the overworked four-cylinder engines in the competitors’ base models.
Still, a bigger engine option would be favorable.
The automatic transmission worked well enough, though with some lazy upshifts that hold on too long and harsh downshifts that emit a noticeable clunk.
DRIVABILITY: Grand Vitara corners with unruffled stability. The steering feels responsive, and the braking is good if not stellar. The SUV comes standard with electronic stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes and electronic brake-force distribution.
The four-wheel-drive system offers better off-roading possibilities than most compact SUVs.
STYLING: I like the looks of this truck, nothing fancy but with nice proportions and sporty details such as the two little blacked-out grilles on the rear corners of the hood. With flared wheel arches and big 17-inch tires, the SUV looks sturdy and ready to go.
INTERIOR: Longer and wider, the cabin feels roomy and accommodating, with well-designed gauges and controls. Not all the materials feel top drawer but not cheap or shabby, either. The Luxury model tested here comes standard with all the goodies.
Standard safety features include side-curtain air bags, which greatly enhance passenger safety.
BOTTOM LINE: Suzuki, always a minor player in the U.S. market among Japanese brands, should move up in sales and profile with the new Grand Vitara. For those who want seven-passenger capability, the long-wheelbase version of the previous model will be sold alongside the new SUV.
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RELATED
Vehicle type: Five-passenger, four-door compact SUV, four-wheel drive.
Engine: 2.7-liter V-6, 185 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, 184 pound-feet at 4,500 rpm.
Transmission: Five-speed automatic.
Wheelbase: 103.9 inches.
Overall length: 176 inches.
Curb weight: 3,682 pounds.
EPA rating: 19 city, 23 highway.
Highs: Moderate price, standard features, attractive styling.
Lows: Modest engine power, transmission harshness, funny name.
PRICING
Base price: $24,399.
Price as tested: $24,399.
OPTIONS
* All features come standard with the Luxury version, including leather seating, full power accessories, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, front and rear side-curtain air bags and upgraded audio system with CD, MP3 and XM radio.
* Seventeen-inch alloy wheels, priced at $400, with promotional $400 credit, no cost.
* Shipping, free.
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For more on the Suzuki Grand Vitara, go to autos.azcentral.com.