REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Suffering from comparison

By introducing the Grand Vitara, Suzuki intended to reclaim its place as forerunner in the compact utility vehicle segment. To that end, Suzuki gave the Grand Vitara off-road abilities superior to anything the competition could offer, notably using a of its competitors, a V6 engine. These characteristics that are no longer exclusive to the Grand Vitara and it has to take on younger, more powerful and more importantly, more practical and roomier rivals.In contrast to the Vitara, a more affordable four-cylinder version assembled side-by-side with Chevrolet Trackers at the Ontario Cami plant, the Grand Vitara comes here straight from Japan. While it still looks a lot like its predecessor, the Sidekick Sport, the Grand Vitara sports an entirely remodelled body, with unsealed ribbed panelling that may encourage corrosion over time, at least on the vehicles we test drove.

Users can wear skirts or kilts when they set out in the Grand Vitara, thanks to the easy-access front bucket seats. However, they cut into the space available to rear-seat passengers, who have to cope with narrow doors and intrusive wheel wells. When you climb aboard you get a definite feeling of dйjа vu, but the impression fades the moment you take a closer look at materials and appurtenances that are more resistant and better-crafted than those consumers have come to expect from Suzuki. In fact, only the grip of the two- spoke steering wheel and the overly shiny plastic finish on the main controls break the overall harmony.

But let’s get back to the question of seats. Note how the new bucket seat design provides better support and comfort than the bench seats that used to come with the Sidekick Sport. There’s even a compartment under the front seats to keep small objects hidden from prying eyes. Unfortunately, they take up some of the legroom for rear-seat passengers. Another drawback is the relatively small cargo space offered by the Grand Vitara, a disadvantage that competitive models do not share. And what could we possibly say about the ridiculous little curtain for concealing items in the trunk, or a rear hatch that swings out to the side and obviously hasn’t been designed to open in tight spaces?Let’s talk nuts and bolts for a moment. The Grand Vitara comes with a 2.5-liter V6 engine. Powerful, compared to its the units used on its two best-known rivals, the CR-V and the RAV4, but barely any better that the Forester’s engine, which has the same displacement.

Suzuki offers in complement a five-speed manual transmission, which has been criticized for excessive flexibility in the lever, as well as balky shifting. The alternative is a four- speed automatic that comes as a option and in my opinion, it does a very good job. The other shifter is for the transfer box, to go from two- to all-wheel drive. It proved effective, particularly since it can be used on-the-fly, with no need to stop.

During initial try-outs the Grand Vitara proved very agile on rough roads, where its rivals wouldn’t dare to tread for fear of leaving their innards behind. However, the Grand Vitara still isn’t invincible, with minimal exhaust system protection underneath. And while the off-road qualities of Suzuki utility vehicles have never been questioned, the same can’t be said of the their abilities on paved roads. It used to be that long outings can be something very like torture: noisy interiors, a wooden suspension and test drivers could add to the list. However, with the Grand Vitara this kind of experience is a thing of the past – or almost. As proof, now you can have a conversation with fellow occupants without shouting. And the smoother suspension is a good compromise between roadholding characteristics and comfort. There’s a bit of roll, but nothing to get excited about. What is alarming, however, is the poor quality of the tires. Not only are they noisy, they provide very little grip on wet surfaces. The rack-and-pinion steering is precise but some drivers may feel that it doesn’t provide enough feedback on road conditions. The turning radius is remarkably tight, so you can park your Grand Vitara in really tough spots. It’s equipped with classic disc-drum brakes that are ABS equipped only on the top-of-the-line model – too bad. PROS
V6 engine
Greatly improved handling
More competitive off-road abilities

CONS
Limited cargo space
Difficult rear-seat access
Poor tire grip on wet roads

Driver: * * * *
 Passenger: no data

10 more HP on the V6

Japan

REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Suffering from comparison

 By introducing the Grand Vitara, Suzuki intended to reclaim its place as forerunner in the compact utility vehicle segment. To that end, Suzuki gave the Grand Vitara off-road abilities superior to anything the competition could offer, notably using a of its competitors, a V6 engine. These characteristics that are no longer exclusive to the Grand Vitara and it has to take on younger, more powerful and more importantly, more practical and roomier rivals.In contrast to the Vitara, a more affordable four-cylinder version assembled side-by-side with Chevrolet Trackers at the Ontario Cami plant, the Grand Vitara comes here straight from Japan. While it still looks a lot like its predecessor, the Sidekick Sport, the Grand Vitara sports an entirely remodelled body, with unsealed ribbed panelling that may encourage corrosion over time, at least on the vehicles we test drove.

Users can wear skirts or kilts when they set out in the Grand Vitara, thanks to the easy-access front bucket seats. However, they cut into the space available to rear-seat passengers, who have to cope with narrow doors and intrusive wheel wells. When you climb aboard you get a definite feeling of dйjа vu, but the impression fades the moment you take a closer look at materials and appurtenances that are more resistant and better-crafted than those consumers have come to expect from Suzuki. In fact, only the grip of the two- spoke steering wheel and the overly shiny plastic finish on the main controls break the overall harmony.

But let’s get back to the question of seats. Note how the new bucket seat design provides better support and comfort than the bench seats that used to come with the Sidekick Sport. There’s even a compartment under the front seats to keep small objects hidden from prying eyes. Unfortunately, they take up some of the legroom for rear-seat passengers. Another drawback is the relatively small cargo space offered by the Grand Vitara, a disadvantage that competitive models do not share. And what could we possibly say about the ridiculous little curtain for concealing items in the trunk, or a rear hatch that swings out to the side and obviously hasn’t been designed to open in tight spaces?Let’s talk nuts and bolts for a moment. The Grand Vitara comes with a 2.5-liter V6 engine. Powerful, compared to its the units used on its two best-known rivals, the CR-V and the RAV4, but barely any better that the Forester’s engine, which has the same displacement.

Suzuki offers in complement a five-speed manual transmission, which has been criticized for excessive flexibility in the lever, as well as balky shifting. The alternative is a four- speed automatic that comes as a option and in my opinion, it does a very good job. The other shifter is for the transfer box, to go from two- to all-wheel drive. It proved effective, particularly since it can be used on-the-fly, with no need to stop.

During initial try-outs the Grand Vitara proved very agile on rough roads, where its rivals wouldn’t dare to tread for fear of leaving their innards behind. However, the Grand Vitara still isn’t invincible, with minimal exhaust system protection underneath. And while the off-road qualities of Suzuki utility vehicles have never been questioned, the same can’t be said of the their abilities on paved roads. It used to be that long outings can be something very like torture: noisy interiors, a wooden suspension and test drivers could add to the list. However, with the Grand Vitara this kind of experience is a thing of the past – or almost. As proof, now you can have a conversation with fellow occupants without shouting. And the smoother suspension is a good compromise between roadholding characteristics and comfort. There’s a bit of roll, but nothing to get excited about. What is alarming, however, is the poor quality of the tires. Not only are they noisy, they provide very little grip on wet surfaces. The rack-and-pinion steering is precise but some drivers may feel that it doesn’t provide enough feedback on road conditions. The turning radius is remarkably tight, so you can park your Grand Vitara in really tough spots. It’s equipped with classic disc-drum brakes that are ABS equipped only on the top-of-the-line model – too bad.

PROS
V6 engine
 Greatly improved handling
 More competitive off-road abilities

CONS
Limited cargo space
Difficult rear-seat access
Poor tire grip on wet roads

REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

One from Column A . . .

Choosing a new Suzuki Vitara can seem as challenging as ordering from the menu of a Chinese restaurant. But don’t let the confusing array of trim and equipment levels deter you; there aren’t that many factory options. Vitara is a substantial small sport utility vehicle that competes with Toyota’s RAV4 and Honda’s CR-V. It boasts a more substantial drivetrain which the others don’t have.

Vitara is built with body-on-frame construction; the competition uses lighter unibody construction. Any engine can connect to the sporty 5-speed manual or a smooth-shifting 4-speed automatic. All 4-wheel drive versions use a shift-on-the-fly, lever-actuated dual-range transfer case, making it possible to go just about anywhere.The Vitara’s interior is nice. Suzuki listened to complaints about microscopic radio controls and has now incorporated a larger unit complete with CD player. Seat cushions are a little small but comfortable. There’s plenty of room up front, but things get cramped in back where it’s short on leg room and 3 adults will be only OK for a short ride. On-road or off-road, the Vitara is tight and quiet. The suspension works well on rough terrain. Maneuvering is easy and the steering feels light on smooth roads. The high stance is prone to body roll.

The 4 cylinder coupled to the manual transmission is fun. It revs willingly, without undue noise or vibration. Even the automatic is a good alternative; shifts are smooth and well timed. Expect to pay about a $1,000 more for an automatic.

Endowed with refined looks, a capable powertrain and comfortable interior, this tough little SUV is good-to-go – assuming you get past the order sheet.

PROS
 Driveability
Off-road capability
Cargo space

CONS
Light performer
Noisy soft-top
Wooden suspension

Passenger: * * * *

Canada

CONS
Limited cargo space
Difficult rear-seat access
Poor tire grip on wet roads

REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

One from Column A . . .

Choosing a new Suzuki Vitara can seem as challenging as ordering from the menu of a Chinese restaurant. But don’t let the confusing array of trim and equipment levels deter you; there aren’t that many factory options. Vitara is a substantial small sport utility vehicle that competes with Toyota’s RAV4 and Honda’s CR-V. It boasts a more substantial drivetrain which the others don’t have.

Vitara is built with body-on-frame construction; the competition uses lighter unibody construction. Any engine can connect to the sporty 5-speed manual or a smooth-shifting 4-speed automatic. All 4-wheel drive versions use a shift-on-the-fly, lever-actuated dual-range transfer case, making it possible to go just about anywhere.The Vitara’s interior is nice. Suzuki listened to complaints about microscopic radio controls and has now incorporated a larger unit complete with CD player. Seat cushions are a little small but comfortable. There’s plenty of room up front, but things get cramped in back where it’s short on leg room and 3 adults will be only OK for a short ride. On-road or off-road, the Vitara is tight and quiet. The suspension works well on rough terrain. Maneuvering is easy and the steering feels light on smooth roads. The high stance is prone to body roll.

The 4 cylinder coupled to the manual transmission is fun. It revs willingly, without undue noise or vibration. Even the automatic is a good alternative; shifts are smooth and well timed. Expect to pay about a $1,000 more for an automatic.

Endowed with refined looks, a capable powertrain and comfortable interior, this tough little SUV is good-to-go – assuming you get past the order sheet.

PROS
 Driveability
Off-road capability
Cargo space

CONS
Light performer
Noisy soft-top
Wooden suspension

Passenger: * * * *

Canada

CONS
Limited cargo space
Difficult rear-seat access
Poor tire grip on wet roads

REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Successful transplant

Before the Grand Vitara, Suzuki usually omitted, for lack of means, to proclaim loudly the unveiling of its creations.

The Esteem was subject to the same neglect, and that may be why it hasn’t made much of a mark – until now. This situation did not change even with a 1.8-liter, 4- cylinder engine under the hood.Before the introduction of its DOHC 1.8-liter engine, the Esteem had already rectified its profile. Indeed, it sports a more massive grille, and rounder front fenders that make it seem bigger than it really is. But it truly is an illusion, since access to the rear seats proves to be as problematic as ever due to narrow doors. Once seated, however, you can breathe easy thanks to ample interior room, surprising given the exterior dimensions. Even the trunk will amaze you.Increased performance and decreased noise attest to the success of the transplant: the 1.8-liter is well-suited to the Esteem. Better yet, it works fittingly with the automatic transmission, while the manual transmission tends to hinder performance noticeably, for the questionable benefit of shaving 8/10 off the Esteem’s time when going from 0 to 100km/h. Unfortunately, the company with the big "S" saw no need to modify the chassis, which may offer stability on the road, but remains unresponsive.

Under these conditions, it is difficult to fully exploit the engine’s increased potential: the Esteem begins to understeer as soon as its limits are tested.

While the performance of the Esteem has increased, so has, unfortunately, its base price. Even with a generous list of accessories, the cost appears prohibitive, especially when compared to its rivals.

PROS
Better suited engine
Choice of models
Increased driveability
Rear-seat room
Fuel economy

CONS
Last days
Sedate road handling
Narrow rear doors

REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Successful transplant

Before the Grand Vitara, Suzuki usually omitted, for lack of means, to proclaim loudly the unveiling of its creations.

The Esteem was subject to the same neglect, and that may be why it hasn’t made much of a mark – until now. This situation did not change even with a 1.8-liter, 4- cylinder engine under the hood.Before the introduction of its DOHC 1.8-liter engine, the Esteem had already rectified its profile. Indeed, it sports a more massive grille, and rounder front fenders that make it seem bigger than it really is. But it truly is an illusion, since access to the rear seats proves to be as problematic as ever due to narrow doors. Once seated, however, you can breathe easy thanks to ample interior room, surprising given the exterior dimensions. Even the trunk will amaze you.Increased performance and decreased noise attest to the success of the transplant: the 1.8-liter is well-suited to the Esteem. Better yet, it works fittingly with the automatic transmission, while the manual transmission tends to hinder performance noticeably, for the questionable benefit of shaving 8/10 off the Esteem’s time when going from 0 to 100km/h. Unfortunately, the company with the big "S" saw no need to modify the chassis, which may offer stability on the road, but remains unresponsive.

Under these conditions, it is difficult to fully exploit the engine’s increased potential: the Esteem begins to understeer as soon as its limits are tested.

While the performance of the Esteem has increased, so has, unfortunately, its base price. Even with a generous list of accessories, the cost appears prohibitive, especially when compared to its rivals.

PROS
Better suited engine
Choice of models
Increased driveability
Rear-seat room
Fuel economy

CONS
Last days
Sedate road handling
Narrow rear doors