Suzuki builds the Grand Vitara in only one well-stocked trim but offers three separate equipment packages -- Premium, XSport and Luxury. XSport, for instance, adds premium appointments (automatic transmission and Suzuki's SmartPass keyless entry) plus exterior trim additions -- charcoal fender flares, rails on the roof and foglamps in fascia, plus 16-inch alloy wheels on the ground.

Standard cabin gear ranges from air conditioning with automatic climate controls and micron air filtration to cruise control, a digital clock with exterior temperature and fuel consumption indicators plus an adjustable armrest perched on the center console with storage cubbyhole below. Stock audio components include AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA with remote controls mounted on the steering wheel. Optional for audio is a six-disc CD changer in the dash with seven speakers including twin tweeters and a subwoofer.

For power, the Grand Vitara pulls from a V6 engine with aluminum block and heads plus dual cams on top. It displaces 2.7 liters and delivers 185 hp at 6000 rpm plus torque of 184 lb-ft at 4500 rpm. A five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission is available, with a manual five-speed stick as the standard. Consid-ering that the vehicle's weight maxes at only 3682 lb even with a 4WD mechanism and automatic shifter, it leaps to action when prompted and inspires confidence for executing passing maneuvers.

Two-wheel-drive (2WD) traction format with power directed to the rear wheels is the norm for Grand Vitara, although two different 4WD systems are available -- single-mode or quad-mode. The single-mode 4WD device is always engaged but has no transfer case or low gear. It works best for maintaining traction on wet or slippery pavement. The four-mode 4WD, with center differential lock and both high and low gears, is designed for traction security on or off pavement.

First mode is automatic 4WD high (4H) with torque split 47/53 percent (front/rear) for pavement travel. Second mode is 4H-Lock with center differential locked in high gear for running on gravel roads. Third is 4L-Lock mode with center differential locked in low gear for slow going over rough terrain. Fourth is N mode with the transfer case switched to neutral position for flat towing.

MSRP figures for Grand Vitara begin at $18,999 for a base edition (2WD with manual transmission). For 4WD and automatic shifting, the figure rises to $21,999.

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