Suzuki Launches New Escudo (Vitara) in Japan

Underneath this highly advanced structure is an entirely new chassis. Suzuki has opted for multi-link suspensions up front and in

The new Escudo should be as capable off-road as the old one. (Photo: Suzuki Canada)

back, as opposed to a space-saving torsion beam or live axle. The switch to a multi-link suspension system should pay off, leapfrogging the Escudo into a formidable position against its peers with regard to its on-road dynamics. All this talk of unit-bodies and independent suspension may have some fundamentalist off-roaders in a fit, but the new Escudo should be as capable off-road as the old one, as it now has a revised full-time 4WD system that features a centre locking differential

The new Escudo is a fair bit larger than the outgoing model, growing in every dimension to increase roominess and stability. It's about a foot longer at 4,390 mm (172.8 in.), while its wheelbase has grown to 2,640 mm (103.9 in.). Combined with a width that is 1,810 mm (71.3 in.), and an overall height of 1,695 mm (66.7 in.), these increased dimensions as well as the lower centre of gravity from the

Suzuki announced that it will offer the Escudo with two different engines: an entry-level 2.0-litre inline four, and an optional 2.7-litre V6. (Photo: Suzuki Canada)

monocoque-inspired chassis and intelligently packaged running gear reduce the Escudo's twitchy and often-times surprising handling.

Upon launch, Suzuki announced that it will offer the Escudo with two different engines: an entry-level 2.0-litre inline four, and an optional 2.7-litre V6. The basic engine generates 145 horsepower and 142 lb-ft of torque and is mated to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic, while the latter makes a much more respectable 184 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque and can only be had with a five-speed automatic. The V6 is the same engine currently found in the XL-7; its smooth and tractable nature should be a good match-up to the smaller Escudo. Both engines are powered by gas, though it is thought that a diesel variant will pop up once production is underway.