2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara Review

2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara Review

Over the past decade, Suzuki’s Grand Vitara-along with the Vitara, and the Sidekick that preceded it-has earned a reputation as a capable little sport-utility vehicle that’s buff enough for real off-roading yet extremely easy to park and city-friendly. But almost anyone who drove it would agree that there were several sore points-most notably ride comfort, seating space, noise, and too many, looks.HistoryAs the market for compact sport-utes continues to heat up, Suzuki has a new version of the Grand Vitara for ’06. It’s a little bigger, a little softer inside and out, and a lot more stylish; and just looking at the basics, it should boast a much-broadened appeal for American buyers. While putting the Grand Vitara through the paces, we pondered if it this new version has what it takes to break into the mainstream market, or if it will remain more of a niche model.The Grand Vitara’s look is sleeker and more rounded, and a little more elegant, though it keeps the big spare tire hanging on the back and the sideways-hinged tailgate. It might be hard to see that the Grand Vitara has grown, as much of the compact-SUV competition was already larger, but the difference is quite significant. The new Grand is 11.5 inches longer and an inch wider, with a wheelbase more than six inches longer than the 2005 model-a noteworthy upsizing that gives a lot more space inside.OverviewTo someone who had the last-generation Grand Vitara on their shopping list, then climbed inside one and thought it felt just a little too tight, the difference is obvious from the moment you climb into the front seats and find that there’s much more adjustability and support for big and/or tall folks. Those looking at the Grand Vitara will also find that there’s plenty of back-seat space for most adult-size passengers.The new interior design is the most dramatic and impressive aspect of the Grand Vitara. Not that it’s groundbreaking, but it actually feels luxurious. While the former vehicle tended to feel plasticky and plebeian, it looks like Suzuki designers and product planners really studied the SUV competition and incorporated some of their better interior traits.We had plenty of other good things to say about the interior appointments themselves. Our vehicle had comfy heated seats, a good driving position, and very effective automatic climate control. The sound system is also standout, with great overall sound and MP3 capability.Last year’s Grand Vitara was built over a traditional body-on-frame layout, but the new version has a unibody construction that’s enforced with a built-in ladder frame-a combination meant to allow for a more refined on-road ride without sacrificing some off-road toughness and a more refined on-road ride. The suspension has been reworked as well, with struts in front and a multi-link independent setup in back.