The Grand Vitara is like an old friend you're always happy to see again. It doesn't undergo a radical personality change every chance it gets, and its steadfastness is reassuring. Yet the current generation, introduced in 2006, still doesn't offer the smooth ride of a Honda CR-V or the spirit of a Toyota RAV4 V6. That's because it was designed with something else in mind: to convey four people (five if need be) and their baggage to their destination in a satisfactory level of comfort, by way of road or trail.
Things have considerably changed since the days of the Vitara and its twins, the Tracker and Sunrunner (remember the Geo and Asüna brands?). The Spartan accommodations and jumpy suspension have given way to some welcome modernism. The Grand Vitara has adopted a unibody chassis coupled with a ladder frame, an effective way to counter the vagaries of off-road driving.
Handling is the key word
Thanks to the generous travel of the fully independent suspension, this compact, go-anywhere ride proves stable on the road. And, surprisingly, it effectively holds its own against the side roll that is the bane of so many SUVs, such as the new Subaru Forester, for instance.
The 4x4 maintains a relatively high ground clearance (200 cm), at least compared to the CR-V (185 cm) and the RAV4 (190 cm). A difference that helps deal with obstacles without impairing cabin access for as much.
Light but precise power steering and a reduced turning radius (11.2 metres) explain this driveability. It's definitely appreciated, whether we're avoiding a gaping hole on a forest trail or popping a u-ey on a city boulevard.
New engines
The big news this year is hiding under the hood. Suzuki is now offering not one but two drive trains. The 2009 model-year sees the return of the 4-cylinder mill. The last 4-cylinder put forth by Suzuki for its SUV was the 2003 Vitara's 2-litre number.
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| The 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara hasn't changed much style-wise. |
Things have considerably changed since the days of the Vitara and its twins, the Tracker and Sunrunner (remember the Geo and Asüna brands?). The Spartan accommodations and jumpy suspension have given way to some welcome modernism. The Grand Vitara has adopted a unibody chassis coupled with a ladder frame, an effective way to counter the vagaries of off-road driving.
Handling is the key word
Thanks to the generous travel of the fully independent suspension, this compact, go-anywhere ride proves stable on the road. And, surprisingly, it effectively holds its own against the side roll that is the bane of so many SUVs, such as the new Subaru Forester, for instance.
The 4x4 maintains a relatively high ground clearance (200 cm), at least compared to the CR-V (185 cm) and the RAV4 (190 cm). A difference that helps deal with obstacles without impairing cabin access for as much.
Light but precise power steering and a reduced turning radius (11.2 metres) explain this driveability. It's definitely appreciated, whether we're avoiding a gaping hole on a forest trail or popping a u-ey on a city boulevard.
New engines
The big news this year is hiding under the hood. Suzuki is now offering not one but two drive trains. The 2009 model-year sees the return of the 4-cylinder mill. The last 4-cylinder put forth by Suzuki for its SUV was the 2003 Vitara's 2-litre number.
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| A new, more potent 3.2-litre V6 can power the JLX and JLX-L versions on request. |