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2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 1/16/2006
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WHISTLER VILLAGE, British Columbia -- 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, the new rendition of Grand Vitara rolls along in a smooth and stable
manner with riders in the five-seat cabin ensconced comfortably with downright
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 Grand
Vitara of 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.
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.
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 in the cabin (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.
Considering that the vehicle's weight maxes at only 3682 lb even with a 4WD
mechanism and automatic shifter added, 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 of
the SUV.
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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| Vehicle Specifications: |
| 2006 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA Specs |
| Description: |
Compact 4-door SUV |
| Model Options: |
Compact 4-door SUV |
| Trim Options: |
Premium, XSport, Luxury |
| Wheelbase: |
103.9 inches |
| Overall Length: |
176.0 inches |
| Engine Size: |
DOHC 2.7-L V6 |
| Transmission: |
Manual/5, Auto/5 |
| Drive: |
Rear/2WD, Four/4WD |
| Braking: |
Power disc/drum, ABS/EBD/TCS/ESP |
| Airbags: |
2 (front), 2 (side), 4 (side curtain) |
| Gas Mileage: |
2WD M/5: 18/23 mpg, 2WD A/5: 19/24 mpg, 4WD A/5: 19/23 mpg |
| Price: |
2WD M/5: $ 18,999 2WD A/5: $ 19,999 4WD M/5: $ 20,999 4WD A/5: $ 21,999 |
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