Suzuki Grand Vitara 2006 Review

To us, however, it merely shows that the intellect and work that went into reforming Suzuki's small 4WD weren't half bad — and that the Swift wasn't a fluke.

There was an obvious need to modernise the Grand Vitara's outdated cabin and to civilise its mediocre on-road behaviour. But there was also a danger that in doing so, Suzuki would water down the effectiveness of the vehicle when travelling off the beaten track. Like Kia has done with its Sportage.

To its credit, the Japanese maker has struck a fine balance between suburban sensibilities and talent in the bush.

The foundation is now a safer, more car-like monocoque chassis construction than the former separate ladder chassis, though Suzuki has also engineered a rigid "built-in ladder frame" of six cross-members attached to two parallel longitudinal bars. The rear suspension is now an independent multi-link design rather than a rigid rear axle. And while low-range gearing remains available for serious off-road duties, four-wheel drive is no longer a part-time arrangement. Drive is sent via a torque-sensing (and lockable) centre differential to all four wheels on a permanent basis, with torque split 47:53 front-rear.

Amendments such as these have transformed the Grand Vitara into a much tidier vehicle to drive on main roads and back roads alike, without loss of status as the small 4WD-of-choice for the tall timber. (With deference, we should add, to the Jeep Wrangler.)

Still with short front and rear overhangs and decent ground clearance (200mm), the third-generation Grand Vitara five-door — tested here with the 2.7-litre V6 and optional ($2000) five-speed automatic — handled with similar ease the same arduous rutted tracks and steep inclines and descents as its predecessor. This is terrain that means trouble for almost all other small 4WDs.

In faster conditions the differences between old and new are striking. The latest Grand Vitara has more composure across corrugations and other road blemishes, exhibits far less lean during directional changes and has much higher levels of overall refinement.

The ride is absorbent across all surfaces, the steering has improved (a little) and dust sealing is excellent. The standard ABS brakes (with electronic distribution) are better calibrated for gravel roads and the front discs/rear drum brakes have more resistance to fade over taxing downhill stretches.

Producing 135kW at 6000rpm and 250Nm at a high 4500rpm, the 2.7-litre engine has smoothness on its side and enough strength to shift the unladen Grand Vitara's 1640kg — 200kg heavier than the previous model — with a minimum of fuss, although with a fair-sized load onboard it struggles at low revs.

It is certain to make lighter work of things than the 103kW 2.0-litre four also available. However, our test vehicle consumed fuel in the order of 15 litres per 100km across suburban and out-of-town (including off-road) driving. The five-speed auto also fell short of the mark with some rough shifts and lack of responsiveness on occasion. It uses a gated shift and does not have a sequential manual mode.

Inside, the dull presentation, basic amenities and antiquated switchgear found in the old model have been ousted for a dark, modern cabin with silver highlights, circular motifs and a variety of plastic textures.

The driver must do without steering reach adjustment and lumbar support, and cruise control is listed as a $677.72 dealer-fit option. The "real time" fuel consumption readout that rises and falls according to accelerator usage serves as little more than a distraction.

Otherwise, the cabin is comfortable, functional and well-appointed. Among the features are large backlit instruments, driver's seat height adjustment, stereo buttons on the steering wheel and an integrated centre dash stack with well-placed and simple-to-use controls for the (automatic) airconditioning, four-speaker audio unit and 4WD mode.

As well as a centre diff lock and low range, the latter includes a neutral mode that frees up the centre diff to reduce driveline wear-and-tear when towing.

Fit and finish is to a high standard, storage facilities (including a large, lockable glovebox and rear door pockets) are abundant and large exterior mirrors and hunker-down rear headrests aid rearward vision, which remains hindered to some degree with the spare wheel hanging on the tailgate.

Two-stage door unlock, lap-sash seatbelts in all positions and dual front airbags are also included, although curtain and side airbags found in overseas markets are unavailable.

The Grand Vitara's longer, wider dimensions translate into more rear seat and cargo room, while access to the rear becomes a little easier with a lower floor height. Rear headroom remains excellent, legroom is better (but far from best-in-class) and the small seatbacks seem designed with children rather than adults in mind. Child seat anchor points are in a convenient position.

The tailgate door with (16-inch) spare wheel attached is still slower and heavier to use than on rival vehicles. However, the luggage area itself has a useful number of tie-down points, shopping bag and cargo net hooks, a third power outlet and a retractable blind.

The 60/40 split-fold rear seats fold and tumble to form a barrier behind the front seats, but do not lock into position. A strap hooks on to a grabhandle. Things like this need fixing before Grand Vitara becomes a class leader.

Verdict: