For 2006, Suzuki's mid-level Grand Vitara is all new and much improved, sporting a larger V-6 powertrain and seating for five.
Suzuki, once known primarily for small, fuel efficient sedans and coupes has expanded its portfolio during the past several years to include sport utilities. Grand Vitara is one of two SUVs in the 2006 lineup, joining the seven-passenger-available XL-7. Both are designed for mid-range, off-road and on-road adventures. Suzuki, headquartered in Japan, began selling automobiles in the United States in 1985. General Motors, the world's largest automaker, owns a 20 percent stake in Suzuki.
All Suzuki vehicles are covered by a seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty which is transferable from one owner to another throughout the life of the warranty, a perk not found in all extended warranties. This covers the engine along with the transmission and transfer case. Most other items fall under Suzuki's three year/36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty.
Both the compact Vitara and slightly larger Grand Vitara entered the Suzuki lineup in the late 1990s. In 2004, Suzuki dropped the smaller Vitara when two new sedans, the Forenza and Verona jointed the lineup. The redesigned, 2006 four-door Grand Vitara began arriving to dealers last month.
In September, Suzuki reported sales of 7,131 units in the United States; up 41 percent over the previous September. Last month represented Suzuki's best September in its history. Calendar year 2005 to-date sales are up 11 percent compared to last year. Grand Vitara sales are up 170 percent over last September thanks no doubt to the new model introduction.
At 176 inches of overall length, the 2006 Japan-built Grand Vitara is now more than 11 inches longer than its 2005 counterpart. Sizewise, this measures about five inches shorter than the latest versions of the four-door Honda CR-V and four-door Toyota RAV-4, which both check in at 181 inches in length. The trend of late has been for automakers with compact SUVS to create slightly larger versions the second or third generation around. Keep in mind RAV4 and CR-V are designed primarily for on-road adventures. When properly fitted, Grand Vitara can tackle more treacherous terrain thanks inpart to four-wheel independent suspension mated to a unibody structure with built-in ladder frame construction.
The 2006 Grand Vitara offers three progressive option packages (Premium, Xsport, Luxury) and one basic trim level available in two wheel rear drive or four-wheel-drive. Both come with the choice of a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. This represents a marketing change from 2005 models when two trim levels (LX and EX) were available.
Standard equipment includes air conditioning, cruise control, rear-window defroster, powering windows, and power mirrors, power locks, front and rear side curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes and traction control. A two-wheel, rear drive edition with manual transmission starts at $18,999 while a four-wheel drive model with manual transmission checks in at $20,199. Both prices exclude a $595 destination charge.
The Premium package (starting at $19,889 for a two-wheel drive, manual transmission version) includes alloy wheels, privacy glass and a six-disc in-dash compact disc player. The next level up, the 'Xsport' package includes all premium package items along with a keyless start system. The luxury package adds all the items of the first two packages plus leather seating surfaces, electronic sunroof, woodgrain trim and 17-inch alloy wheels. An Luxury edition with full-time, four mode four-wheel drive and automatic transmission tops out at $24,699.
Four-wheel drive shoppers have a choice of two systems: a full-time, single drive four-wheel mode, requiring little driver input or a full-time, four-mode system with transfer case, locking differential and low range.
Powering the Grand Vitara is a standard 2.7-liter, six-cylinder, 24-valve double overhead cam engine cranking out 185 horsepower. It's the sole engine offered providing more get-up-and-go than before. For the last several years, this vehicle sported a 2.5-liter V-6 generating 165 horsepower. The fuel tank holds 17.4 gallons of regular unleaded fuel. Fuel economy is approximately 19 miles per gallon city and 23 m.p.g. highway.
Inside, the instrument panel contains three independent, deep set gauges with a convenient, vertically-arranged secondary gear shift indicator in the right-hand side region. In between front bucket seats are a floor-mounted automatic transmission, hand-operated parking brake and dual in-line beverage holders. Power window and outside mirror controls are along the front portion of the driver's door arm rest. Ceiling handles adorn all four doors for easier entry and exit from any port.
In back, the 70/30 seatbacks fold flat onto the seat cushion (via a latch on top of the cushion); the seat then easily tumbles forward expanding the cargo area after a strap in back of the seat is pulled out, unlocking it from its base. Rear doors swing out wide, and the leg opening into the back is generous for a vehicle of this size. Entering and exiting this vehicle is convenient from any door. The hatch area includes a retracting and removable sun/cargo cover. Since this falls between a compact and mid-size, no third-row seating is offered. With the back seats folded down, 68.9cubic feet of space is available.
Outside, the rear hatch door is hinged on the right side and swings open from the left. One reason the door swings out and not up is because Suzuki places the spare tire (enclosed by a protective hard cover shell) on the door. The tire is situated low enough so it does not interfere with rear-view mirror sight lines. When cruising, drivers have good vision in all directions. In front, a honeycomb grille gets flanked by rectangular headlight housing. Vertical tail lights flank the bottom half of the cargo door. Strap-like body-colored handles adorn the side doors.
Other compact SUVs with off-road capabilities include the Jeep Wrangler and Nissan Xterra. The two-door Wrangler is available exclusively with four-wheel drive and the choice of a four or six-cylinder engine. The lowest-priced 2006 Jeep Wrangler checks in around $18,800 for a four-cylinder (2.4-liter, 147 horsepower), manual transmission model. Jeep's 4.0-liter, inline six cylinder powertrain generates 190 horses. The four-door Nissan Xterra now comes exclusively with one V-6 engine (4.0-liter, 265 horsepower) and the choice of rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The lowest-priced2005 Xterra checks in around $21,500 for a manual transmission version.
Suzuki's updated 2006 Grand Vitara is much improved in interior comfort and driveablity from its previous generation counterpart. It's less of a truck-like feel than its first effort, yet can still handle some off-road cruising. |