Suzuki has been around in Canada for several years now, with dealers in almost every region. However, the brand seldom comes to mind when shopping for a new sport utility vehicle. What makes this even more shocking is the fact that Suzuki was one of the first car companies to offer compact SUVs in North America.
While Suzukis are not a common sight on the road, the Japanese manufacturer keeps playing an active role in this market segment. The Grand Vitara V6 certainly deserves attention from consumers. The current generation might be a few years old, but it remains attractive with plenty of character and distinctive attributes.
The squat-looking body and aggressively-styled front end give the vehicle a unique personality that should not be overlooked. The Grand Vitara looks distinctive even at first glance. Overall, the exterior design is well executed despite some signs of age.
No guesswork
The interior is understated and nicely laid out. The materials are harmoniously matched together with no excess whatsoever. The two vertical metallic strips on the dashboard enhance the tight feel inside, yet I found the whole thing quite pleasant to the eye. Fit and finish are exemplary and should serve as a lesson for other carmakers. Overall build quality is above average as I have no real complaints to make.
Ergonomics are also commendable. The dashboard is cleverly designed and the main controls are easy to reach. The instrument cluster, which consists of three conjoint pods, is quite easy to read though not really innovative. As for the stereo and climate control system, they both do a decent job.
The cabin of the Suzuki Grand Vitara is not the roomiest as far as compact SUVs go. It has to be said that the relatively small exterior does not help. Those under 6 feet tall will find a way to feel at ease, but anyone taller will have to make sacrifices. Front-seat room is at a premium -- as is legroom for rear passengers... unless they're kids or small teenagers.
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| The Grand Vitara looks distinctive even at first glance. |
While Suzukis are not a common sight on the road, the Japanese manufacturer keeps playing an active role in this market segment. The Grand Vitara V6 certainly deserves attention from consumers. The current generation might be a few years old, but it remains attractive with plenty of character and distinctive attributes.
The squat-looking body and aggressively-styled front end give the vehicle a unique personality that should not be overlooked. The Grand Vitara looks distinctive even at first glance. Overall, the exterior design is well executed despite some signs of age.
No guesswork
The interior is understated and nicely laid out. The materials are harmoniously matched together with no excess whatsoever. The two vertical metallic strips on the dashboard enhance the tight feel inside, yet I found the whole thing quite pleasant to the eye. Fit and finish are exemplary and should serve as a lesson for other carmakers. Overall build quality is above average as I have no real complaints to make.
Ergonomics are also commendable. The dashboard is cleverly designed and the main controls are easy to reach. The instrument cluster, which consists of three conjoint pods, is quite easy to read though not really innovative. As for the stereo and climate control system, they both do a decent job.
The cabin of the Suzuki Grand Vitara is not the roomiest as far as compact SUVs go. It has to be said that the relatively small exterior does not help. Those under 6 feet tall will find a way to feel at ease, but anyone taller will have to make sacrifices. Front-seat room is at a premium -- as is legroom for rear passengers... unless they're kids or small teenagers.
 |
| The dashboard is cleverly designed and the main controls are easy to reach. |