Preview Of The 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara Compact Sport Utility Vehicle
Base MSRP Range: $18,999.00 - $24,399.00
Base Invoice Range: $19,594.00 - $24,994.00
MSRP As Tested: Not Available
Versions: 4WD, 2WD
Vehicle Category: Compact Sport Utility Vehicle
Engine Location: Front Engine
Drive Wheels: All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive.
Standard Engine as Tested:
2.7-liter,
Dual Overhead Cam, 24-valves,
V-6,185 -
horsepower at 6000
rpm and 184 lb-ft
torque at 4500 rpm.
Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 18/23 (manual); 19/23 (automatic).
Transmission: Five-speed electronically controlled automatic, Five-speed manual.
Standard Safety Features: "> Anti-lock brakes system, advanced dual-stage front airbag supplemental restraint system, weight-sensing front passenger
airbag, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side-impact airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags, Electronic Stability program, three-point safety belts for all five passengers (with driver and front passenger shoulder height adjustment), front and rear side-impact door beams, rear LATCH child seat system; rear-door child safety locks, antiskid system, daytime running lights.
Competition: Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tuscon, Jeep Liberty, Kia Sportage, Mercury Mariner, Saturn Vue Red Line.
Review
You can’t argue with America’s No. 1 warranty. With the economy's
unpredictable behavior as of late, a 7-year, 100,000-mile guarantee is
highly appealing to middle-class America.
It is this warranty that has kept the Suzuki Grand Vitara in the running
against the more-established (and nearly identical) offerings from Kia and
Hyundai. Though it is more than a plain-and-simple ‘Ute like its
predecessors, the "all-new" Vitara is a competitor in the compact SUV
category because of two things: low price and quality warranty.
Which is not to say it doesn’t have its fine points.
The updated exterior styling is much easier on the eyes (not to mention
more aerodynamic) than the Honda CR-v or Ford Escape, whose looks are
fading into mediocrity. The interior has been improved on, as well, with
convenient positioning of its sleeker and easier-to-read control panels.
Towing capacity has been strengthened to 3,000 pounds, and ride height
lifted to 7.9 inches, making the 2006 Grand Vitara an alluring choice for
the bargain-hunting adventurer.
Exterior
The 2006 Vitara exterior is one of the best-looking in its class, with no
Tupperware-like side panels or fenders that tend to characterize other
similarly-priced SUVs.
Wheels are 16-inch steel for the base Vitara, with alloys coming standard
on the Premium and XSport packages. The Luxury package boasts 17-inch
alloys. The three lower-priced packages feature P225/70R16 tires, while
the Luxury edition upgrades to P225/65R17 tires to accommodate for those
larger wheels. You’ll also get a full-size 16-inch steel wheel spare tire
standard on the three lower models, with a spare 16-inch yellow-colored
steel wheel coming standard on the Luxury Vitara.
There are seven paint choices for 2006, and the roof rails that come
standard on all but the base package give the vehicle a tougher and
better-looking stance. Privacy glass and a hard shell spare tire cover are
standard on all but the base model, as well.
It is a little boxy-looking, but again, the absence of that wretched,
cheesy plastic found on the new Hyundai compact SUVs (not to mention the
Honda Element, the Mazda B Series, the Ford Ranger, etc.) more than makes
up for it.
Interior
Thankfully, the 2006 Grand Vitara has taken a step away from the cheap and
boring interior of past models, instead featuring a more sophisticated
control panel that is both easy to use and easy to reach from the driver's
seat. There’s more headroom and legroom for both front and rear
passengers, too.
The air conditioning has automatic climate control and a micron air filter
(a must-have for those with allergies). There's also a digital clock with
outside temperature and fuel consumption indicators, which are standard on
all four versions of the ‘06 Vitara. Also standard are
the cruise control, remote keyless entry and power doors, locks and
exterior mirrors. You’ll get two map lights in the front, a tilt steering
wheel, two front and one cargo area 12-volt accessory power sockets, and a
variable rear windshield wiper with washer.
The Luxury Vitara comes standard with a power sunroof - always a fun
addition to any vehicle.
Performance
This third-generation Suzuki compact SUV is bigger and longer, and boasts
a larger engine, than its predecessor. But a .2-liter upgrade to the V6
engine's size adds less than two dozen horsepower to last year's Vitara, a
slight disappointment. That, combined with the limited engine choices -
one, to be exact - ultimately constricts the Vitara's ability to attract
the large, free-thinking audience its advertisements are aimed at.
However, as with other affordable imports, concessions must be made. The
SUV puts out 185-horsepower at 6,000 RPMs. And at approximately 3,500
curbside pounds (depending on options), the 184 ft.-lbs. of torque are
acceptable, but may leave you wanting much more -
particularly when towing your toys or playing off-pavement. But this is
where the full-time, four-mode four-wheel-drive system (optional in the
XSport and Luxury packages, only) is a must: it allows the driver to
switch into lower mode for more efficient use of power and traction
when navigating off the beaten path. There's also an interior-mounted
switch that engages the center differential lock to help in these same
situations, although drivers are cautioned that use of these controls can
be problematic (to the tune of an accident or worse) if you're not
properly trained to operate them.
The variable induction system (VIS) further improves throttle response on
the Vitara, increasing overall engine efficiency.
Two-wheel drive is offered in the base models, with four-wheel-drive
coming standard in the XSport and Luxury editions. Only go with the 2WD if
you’re on a tight budget and plan to keep it on-road. But for the price,
there are other 2WD vehicles (most of which are not SUVs) that will get
the job done better than the base Grand Vitara.
But if you’re planning on playing with your new automobile, the 2006
Vitara makes it easier and safer to pull your recreational goodies behind
a Vitara this year - tow smaller boats, motorcycles or personal watercraft
with ease, again utilizing that four-mode FWD system to keep all four
wheels on the ground (reducing driveline wear).
The Vitara is also low-maintenance, with features like a self-lubricating
timing chain (not a timing belt, which will wear out). MacPherson struts
power the front suspension, with independent multi-link suspension in the
rear.
The braking system has also been improved for the new Vitara, with front
ventilated disc brakes and rear drum brakes (standard in the base Vitara),
with Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) coming standard on all four versions.
Ride and Handling
Despite the stigma that lower-priced imports sometimes have, the '06
Vitara did impress with the degree of comfort we experienced. It proved
very smooth and stable on the highway, the ride is significantly more
refined than the previous Vitara, and is probably better than Suzuki's
larger SUV, the XL7. It can't be called a "rickety" vehicle, again,
breaking the Suzuki stereotype.
Passengers found the ride comfortable, as well, even on long trips. The
ride is as smooth as they get for compact SUVs on truck platforms. In the
previous model we found cornering, and even taking long, sweeping curves,
difficult to do. It was hard to hang onto the vehicle. And rear-seat
passengers complained of discomfort and nausea. But that problem has been
eliminated. Cornering was easy, and driving winding roads was fun because
we were confident in what the truck could do.
Early reports had us worried that this year's Vitara might feel like the
Sidekick -- a rollover nightmare. It is not the case with the Grand
Vitara.
Our main complaints lay with the Vitara's brakes -- stopping takes longer
than anticipated. However the standard Anti-Lock Brakes add peace of mind.
Additionally the Grand Vitara is a little bit underpowered, but this is
the case with most all vehicles in this class. Overall Suzuki's Vitara
definitely qualifies as a "grand" vehicle in its class.
Safety
One of the best things about the new Grand Vitara is that Suzuki has taken
safety even more seriously this year. The safety features are the same,
and come standard, across all four versions, and include the Anti-Lock
Brake System (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution.
This helps to correct mistakes the driver makes, particularly while
over-correcting: brakes are automatically applied to individual wheels by
the Electronic Stability Program (ironically, it’s referred to as “ESP”).
The ESP, similar to systems found on luxury vehicles like the Porsche
Cayenne, measures various data like speed, steering wheel angle and yaw,
and helps the driver correct much easier than if he were on his own. The
ESP will also reduce the engine’s torque output, further slowing the
vehicle down.
Airbags have been added and upgraded for 2006, and include an advanced
dual-stage front airbag supplemental restraint system, weight-sensing
front passenger airbag, driver and front passenger seat-mounted
side-impact airbags, and front and rear side-curtain airbags. Further
protecting passengers are the front and rear side-impact door beams, which
help reinforce the body and provide a safety capsule for passengers.
The front end and bumper use energy-absorbing materials to keep the
possibility of leg injuries down.
Children are safer with a rear LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children) seat system. And the rear-door child safety locks keep kids
where they’re supposed to be - inside the vehicle.
Three-point safety belts are provided for every passenger, and front
passengers can adjust the height of the shoulder strap. Each passenger
also gets a headrest, which helps minimize the likelihood of whiplash in
the vent of a collision.
More Data
Where Built: Japan
Major Options: No factory options. Options are available as dealer-installed accessories.
Seating: 5.
Number of Rows: 2.
Length in Inches: 176
Warranties: 3 years/36,000 miles bumper to bumper, 7/100,000 miles Extended powertrain, 3 years/unlimited miles Corrosion protection, 3 years/36,000 miles Roadside assistance.
Weight in Pounds: 3,452 lb - 3,505 lbs.
Cargo Capacity in Pounds: Not available.
Gross Maximum Vehicle Weight in Pounds: Not available.
Towing Capacity in Pounds: 3000.
Gas Tank Capacity in Gallons: 17.4
Destination Charge: $595
