Test drive: Vitara a great rig for price

This week, we’re driving the 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara XSport. The new year finds minimal enhancements and upgrades while its manufacturer enjoys accolades topped by a nomination for “North American Truck of the Year,” which is voted on by independent auto journalists. (Chevy’s Silverado won).

The Japanese automaker’s five-passenger SUV now features a tire-pressure monitoring system and a trip computer that informs the driver of cumulative average fuel economy and estimated miles before refueling. Beyond that, Suzuki hasn’t messed much with what is a popular model in the crowded and competitive compact SUV market.

The XSport Utility sits in the middle of three Vitara choices, as a base Sport Utility sits at the “entry level” while the Luxury Sport sits at the upper tier. Starting prices among the three models range from just under $20,000 to just over $25,000, and all three are available in two-wheel or four-wheel drive, and with manual or automatic transmissions.

Suzuki may still have more of a reputation for motorcycles than SUVs in America, but the Grand Vitara strikes us again in 2007 as one very sharp and sophisticated truck. And its beauty is more than skin deep, as our test model came with a standard 2.7-liter, V6, 24-valve, double-overhead cam engine that delivers 185 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.

This engine gives Grand Vitara a tow rating of 3,000 pounds, enough for a standard boat or trailer full of motorcycles. However, fuel-mileage ratings not towing anything sit at 19 city and 23 highway, not bad for an SUV. However, Ford’s similarly sized Escape, with a 2.3 liter four-cylinder, gets better ratings at 22 and 27 mpg.

We enjoyed a five-speed automatic transmission on our tester, which comes as standard equipment on the XSport as does the Four Mode full-time four-wheel-drive system with low range. Models equipped with Four Mode can be towed with all four wheels on the ground to reduce driveline wear and prevent non-driving miles from accumulating on the odometer. For this, we give a “tip of the hat” to Suzuki for the benefit of the RV crowd. Electronic Stability Program with Traction Control is standard equipment on the Grand Vitara, another notable.

All three Grand Vitara models feature a new, lightweight, yet rigid unibody construction enhanced with a built-in ladder frame that Suzuki says offers both refined on-road ride and rugged off-road performance. We agree, and note that this sizeable vehicle had little roll while cornering.

With a carefully engineered control layout and close attention to materials, the fit, finish and layout of Grand Vitara’s interior is functional and attractive. Standard features include air conditioning, cruise, digital clock with outside temperature and adjustable center armrest with internal storage.

Standard interior extras that the XSport package features include a CD/AM/FM/MP3WMA/XM ready audio system with seven speakers and a tilt steering wheel with stereo controls and SmartPass Keyless Entry and Start. Not placing the key in the ignition is a nice convenience, but where do you put your keys to be sure not to forget them when you get out of the vehicle?

Other exterior features standard on the XSport include power heated mirrors, fog lamps, full spare tire cover, privacy glass and roof rails. Always an attraction is Suzuki’s seven-year, 100,000-mile transferable powertrain limited warranty, plus 24/7/365 Roadside Assistance.

Other important numbers include 103.9-inch wheelbase, 7.9-inch ground clearance (on the 4WD model), 17.4-gallon fuel tank and 3,682-pound curb weight.

This is truly a great vehicle for the price. Its elegant exterior and interior belie the fact that it has a solid four-wheel drive package allowing you to rough it up when necessary. That said, we give the Grand Vitara an 8.5 on a scale of 1 to 10.

Likes: Sharp looks, functional, affordable, no destination charge, optional high-end 6 CD stereo is discounted as a value “credit” of $300.

Dislikes: V-6 should perhaps be a four-cylinder with better gas mileage on base models, and then up the ponies on its modest 185-horse V-6.