It seems the future of Suzuki's automotive U.S. operation rests solely on this Japanese import's level of determination to remain in the market. The recent launch of the Kizashi sedan here indicates Suzuki is still fighting the good fight, but the sedan's sales to date have also been tepid. This year will indeed be a test of Suzuki's resolve.
The good news for consumers is that Suzuki continues to offer excellent value. And because it is selling so few vehicles, owners find themselves inadvertently driving vehicles that make a statement about individualism. If you want to avoid looking like you are following the crowd, Suzuki has a vehicle for you. The Grand Vitara is such a vehicle.
Straddling the line separating SUVs and crossovers, Grand Vitara offers 4WD versions with true off-road capability. This gives it a leg up on more pavement-bound AWD competitors such as the Toyota RAV4 and Honda's CR-V. This is accomplished by offering a 4 Low Lock mode in addition to 4 High and 4 High Lock modes. There is also a Neutral mode that disengages all four wheels for towing the Grand Vitara behind an RV without racking up mileage on the odometer.
Another feature setting the Grand Vitara apart from its competition, as well as adding to its value, is that every Grand Vitara comes equipped with a removable Garmin GPS navigation unit. It rests in a flip-up holder located on the top of the center dashboard. When not in use, it folds out of sight. Intuitive in its operation, it offers voice directions and a generous, easy-to-see color display.
My test Grand Vitara was the top-of-the-line $26,394 Limited V6 4WD. Anchoring the lineup is the $19,794 Base RWD edition. The Premium and XSport trim levels offer prices and content levels in between. Even the entry-level version comes equipped with navigation system, automatic climate control, full power accessories, four-speaker audio system with CD player, remote keyless entry and cruise control.
All four trim levels can be equipped with a 166-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. In the base model, a five-speed manual transmission hustles output to the rear wheels. A four-speed automatic is standard on all other 2.4L versions. A 230-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 is available with the XSport and Limited trim levels. When so equipped, a five-speed automatic transmission transfers engine production to the wheels. All models except the entry-level offer the 4WD option.
Hill descent control and hill hold control are standard with models equipped with the V6 and 4WD.
Fuel economy is about average for this size vehicle regardless of which engine is used. EPA estimates put the mileage for the RWD 2.4L at 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. The highway number drops to 23 mpg in 4WD models. Moving up to the more powerful V6 has very little impact on mileage. The RWD V6 estimates are 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, while opting for 4WD will reduce the numbers to 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.
An antilock system supervises the disc brakes on all four corners. Traction control, electronic stability control, emergency braking assist and brakeforce distribution are standard on all trim levels. Six airbags and a tire pressure monitor are also on the standard equipment list.
A roomy cabin and a generous cargo hold are big pluses in this segment. There are some who might quibble over the lack of a third-row seat, but those seats in smaller crossovers are nearly unusable any way. Function trumps bragging rights. Folding down the 60/40 split rear seat balloons hauling space from roughly 24 cubic feet to 69 cubic feet. The side-hinged rear door, however, feels a little dated and is less convenient than top-hinged rear hatch.
Because it competes in the value end of the small crossover arena, the liberal use of plastic in the interior can be overlooked. The pieces in my test Suzuki were well assembled into a pleasing design. There is nothing complicated about the gauges and controls. Everything is easily accessible and simple to operate. The front bucket seats are comfortable enough for longer slogs.
Standard equipment in my test Limited included 18-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, tilt steering wheel with redundant audio controls, leather seating, heated front seats, Bluetooth connectivity, and an eight-speaker audio system with CD player and auxiliary input jack.
Is Grand Vitara among the more sophisticated smaller crossovers? No, but it is among the more affordable. It's a value. That it can be equipped to be more off-road capable then most of its competitors is another big plus. Comfortable, functional and affordable are all solid reasons for its consideration. Oh, and there is that individualism factor, too.
By Russ Heaps
MyCarData
No comments:
Post a Comment