Suzuki Grand Vitara
Casey Williams, www.car-data.com
Suzuki has a long heritage of building capable well-built small SUVs. The latest Grand Vitaralooks expensive, turns on a dime, and has plenty of power to keep up in the fast lane.
Sleek and modern styling on the Luxury package is highlighted by body color bumpers, a honeycombgrille, wrap-around headlamps, 17′ alloy wheels, body color door pulls, and enormous clear lenstaillamps with chrome accents. The overall look reminds me of a Range Rover. Not bad company.
While the body looks the part of an upscale off-roader, the Grand Vitara’s interior is posh.Drivers will appreciate the huge white-lit speedometer and leather-wrapped three-spoke steeringwheel. Heated leather seats are some of the best looking and most comfortable I’ve ever used. XMSatellite radio and a six-disc in-dash CD changer are available.
Safety was a prime consideration in the Grand Vitara’s design. Six airbags – dual front, frontside, and full-length side curtain ‘ are standard. Those great-looking leather seats feature aVolvo-style head protection system to prevent whiplash. Electronic Stability Programming (ESP) isstandard.
Only one engine is available ‘ a 2.7-litre V6 that produces 185 horsepower. Base models comewith a five-speed manual transmission, but our test vehicle was equipped with the optionalfive-speed automatic. During a trip to visit my relatives, I drove the vehicle through mountainsand had no problem keeping up with traffic. Fuel economy is rated 17/22-MPG city/highway.
Want to hear the best part about Suzuki’s refined Grand Vitara? Including a 7-year/100,000-milepowertrain warranty and 24/7/365 Roadside Assistance, you can take one home loaded for $24,399.That includes a free tank of gas and many miles to enjoy.
