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TEST DRIVE
Suzuki SUV boasts get-up-and-go
Suzuki is presenting its new version of the Grand Vitara SUV as the choice for people on the go.
That's nice. But you could probably name quite a few other small or midsize SUVs that are making the same claim.
The Nissan Xterra, Jeep Liberty and Honda CRV offer athletic, youthful styles that might holler "on the go" a little louder than Suzuki.
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2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
(click on photo to enlarge)
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Even so, the Grand Vitara doesn't have to back down from its aspiration of being a rugged and sporty alternative.
The redesigned 2006 model offers more cabin space than last year's model, including more length and width.
Those changes are welcome, and the front seat area has a pretty roomy feel. The addition of seven inches of leg room in the rear is an improvement, but that area is still a little cramped.
And if you really are on the go and needing to take stuff with you, the rear seats fold down, providing a flexible cargo space.
The dashboard instrumentation has an upscale look, while still being pretty easy to comprehend.
The 2006 Grand Vitara has front and side-curtain air bags, traction control and anti-lock brakes, safety features that help avoid trouble and help minimize the impact of trouble if it does arise.
The 2.7 liter V-6 engine is impressive, sporting 185 horsepower and 184 pounds-foot of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, with automatic as an option.
Gas mileage is not too shabby, with EPA figures of 19 mpg-city and 24 highway. Behind the wheel, in addition to the convincing power of the engine, you can't help but notice the visibility the Grand Vitara offers.
Some of the smaller SUVs have sight lines that really aren't much better than those of cars. Not so with this Suzuki, which is nearly 67 inches tall and has the carriage of a larger vehicle.
The Grand Vitara handles well, with a tight turning radius and a transmission that shifts into higher gears with ease.
The four-wheel independent suspension gives a smoothness to the ride that is not always found in nonluxury SUVs.
If you want to talk options, check out the keyless entry, leather seats and four-wheel drive.
The Grand Vitara is a pretty good bargain, running from about $18,000 for a base model to around $25,000 fully loaded.
The test drive car was $23,594 and included leather seats and automatic transmission as its main options.
Suzuki's plan, to sell 50,000 Grand Vitaras annually and grow its U. S. dealerships to 600 from the current 532, is an ambitious one.
But watch out: With vehicles like this one, Suzuki might just become a car company that's going places.
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