4x4Review Off Road Magazine
The ’06 Suzuki Grand Vitara is all new and offers sleek new styling, a larger and more powerful standard V6 engine, safety features that include six standard airbags and Electronic Stability Program® (ESP)¹ (including traction control).
The new Grand Vitara is longer and wider than the previous model and offers increased interior space for driver and passenger comfort. In addition to extra headroom and more front and rear legroom, the Grand Vitara offers 24.4 cubic feet of storage space with the seats up and 68.9 cubic feet of storage space when the convenient 60/40 split seatbacks are folded forward.
The spacious interior features materials, fit-and-finish standards and safety and technology features usually found only in vehicles that cost thousands more. From standard front and rear side-curtain airbags to the available SmartPass™ keyless entry and start system, the 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara reaches a new level of sophistication in this market segment.
Also new for 2006 are two available four-wheel-drive options: a full-time single-mode four-wheel-drive system and a full-time four-mode four-wheel-drive system. All Grand Vitara models feature a new lightweight, yet rigid unibody construction enhanced with a built-in ladder frame to offer the best of both worlds – a refined on-road ride and the rugged off-road performance expected from Suzuki SUVs. As with all 2006 Suzuki automobiles, the Grand Vitara adventure is backed by America’s # 1 Warranty.
Advanced Structural Engineering and Chassis Design
Every Grand Vitara model is fitted with an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and ESP. The ESP uses a variety of electronic sensors to measure speed, steering wheel angle and yaw. This information is sent to a central controller that can make assist as needed. Under certain conditions, such as when unintended oversteer or understeer is detected, the system can apply individual brakes and reduce engine torque to help the driver maintain the proper cornering line.
For example, if the system detects an understeer condition (the driver wants the vehicle to turn, but the vehicle is taking a wider line) ESP may apply braking force to the inner rear wheel and reduce engine torque to help the driver maintain control of the vehicle and take the proper line through the corner.
Standard DOHC V6 Power and Available Four-Wheel-Drive Traction
Advanced technology in the Grand Vitara engine also reduces maintenance requirements. The dual overhead camshafts are driven by a self-adjusting, self-lubricating timing chain (not a timing belt) that requires no maintenance in normal service. Also, a specially tuned variable induction system (VIS) improves throttle response and increases overall engine efficiency. As part of the overall refinement, the engine now sits on hydraulic engine mounts to further reduce vibration and noise.
The Grand Vitara is fitted with a smooth-shifting five-speed manual transmission as standard equipment. The available automatic transmission is a high-tech, electronically controlled five-speed automatic.
Grand Vitara buyers who choose the available full-time four-mode four-wheel-drive system get one of the most advanced four-wheel-drive systems available. On the road, drivers have the security of full-time four-wheel drive, but when traveling off-road, drivers can use an interior-mounted switch to engage the center differential lock. If the going is really slow, the driver can select the Low (4L Lock) mode for low-speed power and traction. In addition, vehicles equipped with the four-mode system can be towed with all four wheels on the ground (with the transfer case switch in the neutral position) to reduce driveline wear and prevent non-driving miles from accumulating on the odometer.
The Grand Vitara is no off-road poser. With excellent approach, break-over and departure angles, and 7.9-inches of ground clearance, (7.4-inches for rear-wheel-drive models) the Grand Vitara is ready for serious off-roading.
Sleek Sophistication Meets Versatile Functionality
With its carefully engineered control layout and close attention to materials and fit-and-finish, the interior of the all-new 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara is functional and attractive. The list of standard features is extensive and includes air conditioning with automatic climate control and micron air-filtration system, cruise control, digital clock with outside temperature and fuel consumption indicators and adjustable center armrest with internal storage. The standard sound system features an AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA unit that is XM Satellite Radio-ready and features steering-wheel-mounted controls. A six-disc, in-dash CD changer with seven speakers is available, including two tweeters and a subwoofer.
Uncompromising Safety Features
The all-new Grand Vitara features a long list of safety technologies as standard equipment. Active safety features include ESP (including traction control) and ABS with electronic brake-force distribution. The Grand Vitara also features six airbags as standard equipment — driver and front passenger seat-mounted side-impact airbags supplemental restraint system (SRS), advanced dual-stage front airbag SRS, advanced weight-sensing front passenger airbag SRS and front and rear side-curtain airbags.
The three-point driver and front passenger seat belts feature shoulder height adjustment. In the rear seat, each passenger is provided with a three-point seat belt system and a headrest. Second row Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) child seat system, along with rear-door child safety locks, are designed to help protect young rear seat passengers.
The innovative stamped steel unibody with built-in ladder frame provides comprehensive protection, with features such as the reinforced cabin with the added safety of a head-impact protection structure and front and rear side-impact door beams designed to help maintain the integrity of the passenger compartment.
In the event of a collision with a pedestrian, the hood is designed to absorb some of the impact and help protect against serious head injuries. The front end and the bumper use energy-absorbing materials to help reduce the possibility of serious leg injuries.
Packages & Pricing
Grand Vitara buyers have a choice of two high-tech four-wheel-drive systems: full-time single-mode four-wheel drive (standard on Grand Vitara four-wheel drive and Grand Vitara four-wheel drive with Luxury Package) and full-time four-mode four-wheel drive (standard on Grand Vitara four-wheel drive with XSport Package and Grand Vitara four-wheel drive with Luxury Package). An electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission is available with either rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive Grand Vitara models. The Grand Vitara with the Premium Package has an MSRP of $19,899 and includes alloy wheels, privacy glass, six-disc in-dash CD changer, subwoofer and more.
Available later in the year, the XSport Package, with an MSRP of $21,399 includes all the features in the Premium Package and adds electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission, textured fender flares and SmartPass keyless entry and start system. The standard equipment list is so complete, there are no options; buyers only need to select a rear-wheel-drive model or a full-time four-mode four-wheel-drive model. The XSport Package carries an MSRP of $21,399 for the rear-wheel-drive model and $22,799 with full-time four-mode four-wheel drive.
The top-of-the-line equipment package is the Luxury Package. This package includes all of the equipment featured in the Premium and XSport Packages and adds leather seating surfaces, woodgrain trim, electric sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, HomeLink®² wireless control system and more. The Luxury Package with rear-wheel drive has an MSRP of $23,299 and the Luxury Package with full-time four-mode four-wheel drive has an MSRP of $24,699.
¹ESP® is a registered trademark of DaimlerChrysler AG.
²HomeLink® and the HomeLink® house are registered trademarks of Johnson Controls, Inc.
