Steep
rock-studded grades on forest trails in Garibaldi Provincial
Park of Canada's British Columbia serve as a field track to
test the dirt-clawing traction competence for a new version
of Grand Vitara, the pint-size sport-utility vehicle from Suzuki
of Japan.
This
stylish wagon, cast on a new unibody structure for 2006 with
class-leading safety features aboard plus the option of a multi-mode
four-wheel-drive (4WD) traction mechanism, delivers strong torque
from the standard six-pack powertrain.
It
scampers up precipitous slopes pitched high above Whistler Village
while expressing a spirited can-do attitude for the off-road
work. And on pavement, like twin-laned Route 99 following a
whitewater chute through Lillooet Valley, this rendition of
Grand Vitara rolls along smooth and stable with riders in the
five-seat cabin ensconced comfortably in luxurious trappings.
That's
quite a stretch for a vehicle which traces back in Suzuki's
lineage to the rugged-but-rough Sidekick four-door hardtop SUV
of 1991. A second generation for Suzuki's eensy-weensy SUV began
in 1999 with the name switch from Sidekick to Vitara and, for
a long-wheelbase variation, Grand Vitara. The latter packed
Suzuki's first six-cylinder automotive engine -- a 2.5-liter
V6 worth 165 hp -- and even deluxe trimwork with a leather-lined
Limited edition.
With
the arrival of a third generation of designs for Suzuki's compact-class
SUV, however, about the only component carried forward is the
nameplate as 2006 scores a complete make-over.
The
revision begins with a lightweight but tight new unit-body monocoque
structure, the type typically used for nimble sports cars rather
than SUVs. Yet this unibody structure has a sturdy ladder-style
base platform attached so it works double-duty to deliver a
smooth ride quality on pavement but also strong traits for tackling
rough off-road routes.
With
the re-do the wagon also gains a fully independent suspension
system and top-of-class safety features. The suspension consists
of front MacPherson struts, coupled to coil springs with hydraulic
shock absorbers, and a rear multi-link arrangement, also with
coil springs and hydraulic shocks.
Safety
gear extends from an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with electronic
brake-force distribution (EBD) to a traction control system
(TCS) and electronic stability program (ESP), plus six air bags
-- even curtain-style air bags concealed in headliners above
outboard seats front and back. The new structure for Grand Vitara
measures longer and broader than the previous version so there's
more room now for riders plus more comfortable amenities aboard.
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Cargo
space also increases. The wagon's rear cargo bay, accessible
from a one-piece flip-open back door, provides almost 25 cu-ft
of stow space with the rear seatback upright or more than 68
cu-ft of room with the seatback folded down. Layout of the cabin
consists of front-row bolstered buckets and a back-row bench
with seatback split 60/40 and each side folding independently.
The driver's bucket faces a three-spoke padded steering wheel
and the instrument cluster with vivid white-on-black analog
gauges ringed by brushed silver trim. A swoopy console flows
down from the center dash to cover the floor tunnel and house
the transmission's gated shifter below control panels for audio
and climate systems. (CONTINUE...)
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