Posted: Thursday, December 15, 2005.

Suzuki Grand Vitara: Revitalized Vitara

By Ed Kemper
Honolulu, Hawaii
Courtesy of Servco Distributors

Although the name is the same, almost everything else in the 2006 Grand Vitara from Suzuki is different. Like the old one, the Suzuki small SUV is not similar to many in this class—not front-wheel drive, not a purely unibody chassis, and not offering a 4 cylinder engine. Instead, the Grand Vitara is rear drive with an independent front and rear suspension, a unibody welded to a frame, and an enlarged V-6 motor for 2006.

This time around, the powerplant is a dual overhead cam 2.7 liter V-6 producing 185 hp or 20 more horsepower than last year’s 2.5 V-6 unit. The powertrain round up also has an optional four-wheel drive with high and low range or simply all-wheel drive. Five-speed stick is standard with a five-speed automatic optional. Primarily to increase back seat room and cargo capacity, the wheelbase jumped 6 inches and the overall length by a substantial 11 inches over the previous model.

To heighten safety, Suzuki made standard equipment traction control, ABS, and side curtains and air bags. Styling takes a much more modern swing with some very clean sides and a front that is both thrust forward and sharper. Larger headlights with an up turn towards the outer edges complete the package.

Grand Tour
A fairly well equipped sport two-wheel drive Grand Vitara was taken for the Wheels test drive. Such items as the 5-speed automatic, auto climate control, keyless start, 6 CD player, sunroof, and 16-inch alloy wheels are all standard on this model. The sticker price came to $21,879.

At the top of the center of the dash is a small screen, which shows instant gas mileage, the time and temperature. Multi colored buttons and dials control the stereo/CD player. A simple couple of dials and series of buttons in a circle handles the automatic A/C.

A normal (i.e., non sequential shifting option) gearshift lever sits atop the center console followed by a covered cupholder puka and an adjustable armrest top with a modest storage unit below it. Bottle holders are built into each door panel.

The tilt steering wheel not only has controls for the stereo and cruise functions but includes a keyless ignition. Both entering and starting the engine can be handled without a key as long as the driver possesses the remote. On the outer portion of the door handle is a small rubber button, which you touch to unlock the door. Once inside simply twist the normal looking ignition switch on the column and off you go. No, the vehicle does not automatically lock when you walk away—you still have to use the lock button on the remote.

Grand Avenue
The sophisticated V-6 pulls the new Grand Vitara along with some smartness and is smooth and quiet at idle. Over most roads, the five-speed automatic shifts evenly and mostly unnoticed. Up hills, however, the transmission either up shifts too soon or holds the gear too long making for unneeded engine noise.

The front seats are relatively flat affairs with not much side support but with a rather fetching cloth material on them. The flashy metallic look of the cockpit comes across rather well also.

The fully independent suspension handles cornering with some ability, but with a short wheelbase there is some choppiness in the ride when tackling a rough surface. At speed the interior is quiet and clearly the body is solid over rough terrain. Steering is lightly weighted and direct.

Grand Cargo Carrying
As with most SUVs in this class, the rear seats are split 60/40 and can be flattened in 2 ways for extra cargo hauling. With a pull of a handle, the back can be partially laid down, and for the bigger items a strap on the bottom cushion can be pulled and that portion of the seat flips forward. When upright, the rear seats provide meaningful room for almost any sized passengers with plenty of headroom and legroom. As a bonus, the seat back is adjustable and a couple of cupholders are found in the back of the center console.

In the cargo bay, a cover is provided to hide things from prying eyes. Additionally, there is a small covered storage bin in the floor.

The rear door is a swinger rather than a lifter, and the spare tire is hung on the back of it. With this setup, the rear window is fixed and cannot be opened separately, but wiper/washer cleans the back window. With the second row seat upright, there is a modest storage area.

Grand Voyage
Maybe the name is the same but not much else is left over in the 2006 edition of the Grand Vitara. Engine, suspension, frame, style and size have all been recast for the better. Now this Suzuki is ready to take on the small SUV competition with real ammunition.

Q&A
Q: Is Suzuki bringing out more models shortly?

A: Yes, 3.6 liter V-6 powered SUV and sport wagon with a 2.0-liter powerplant will be offered in the near future.

High Beams
• Much better looking inside and out than the old one.
• One of the few small SUVs with rear drive standard.
• Fairly priced given the many standard features.
• Great warranty.

Low Beams
• V-6/5-speed automatic combo not so great going up hills.
• Choppy ride on tough surfaces.

– Ed Kemper is the auto columnist for the Honolulu Star Bulletin and MidWeek, the Weekend. He also hosts Wheels Hawaii TV on Oceanic Cable-Channel 16 in Hawaii, which is shown on Wednesday at 12:30 PM, Thursday at 1:00 PM and 5 PM, Friday at 10:30 PM and 9:30 PM, and Saturday at 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM.

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