2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara Reviews

The locals say the last serious soaking rain that fell on the MacDonnell Ranges west of Alice Springs was almost 12 months ago.The region has been drought ravaged for years and the harsh red centre is living up to its name.The riverbeds are bleached dry. The winter air so devoid of moisture it leaves your throat raspy like sandpaper.Even the famous outback wildlife has deserted the heartland.Yet it remains a beautiful, albeit brutal, location and one which challenges not only its inhabitants but the vehicles they drive.It was in this setting that Suzuki bravely chose to launch its updated Grand Vitara four-wheel drive.By doing so it wanted to reinforce the car's credentials as a true off-roader, and set it apart from its chief rivals — the Subaru Forester, Nissan X-Trail, Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.This quartet of soft-roaders has made it tough for the Grand Vitara because they dominate the compact off-roader sales race.With considerably more marketing muscle, the rival Japanese push the highly capable Suzuki into the background.That is until you tackle some sandy outback trails and the wide dustbowl of a corrugated “highway” called the Mereenie Loop Road, west of Alice Springs.If this deeply rutted road from Kings Canyon Station back to the Glen Helen Resort does not render passengers speechless, the bulldust and car-size potholes will.But after more than 350km, the Grand Vitara has very little else to prove.Suzuki has taken notice of customer feedback with the refreshed wagon, lifting equipment levels but most importantly the car's ride comfort and handling without compromising its off-road performance, according to Suzuki Australia general manager, Tony Devers.“The styling hasn't changed dramatically but the driving experience has,” he says.“We really want to put it on more buyers' shopping lists.“If you look at our key rivals, we're certainly ahead on price, equipment, power, economy and towing capacity.”Devers is confident the new car will double sales to more than 500 a month.Apart from some extra visual tweaks, a 30mm longer bumper and new alloys, the Grand Vitara's handsome shape continues on from the third-generation model launched in 2005.However, it gets more standard safety equipment, including side and curtain airbags and electronic stability control across the range, which eliminates the need for a centre limited slip differential.But the big news is under the skin and under the bonnet.Gone are the asthmatic 1.6-litre four and 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines, as well as the indifferent and less than frugal 2.7-litre V6.In their place are a 2.4-litre four cylinder and 3.2-litre V6 in the range toppers.These two petrol engines join a reworked 1.9-litre turbodiesel that returns 7.0litres for 100km, an 8 per cent improvement.The Suzuki-designed 2.4-litre develops 122kW at 6000 revs and 225Nm at 4000 revs and gains a balancer shaft for quieter operation.It is available in both three-door and five-door models.In the three-door this represents a power gain of 67 per cent over the 1.6, while fuel economy improves to 8.8litres for 100km.The 3.2-litre quad-cam V6, mated to a five-speed automatic, comes in one guise, a five-door luxury Prestige model.The V6 develops 165kW at 6200 revs and 284Nm at 3500 revs, 22 per cent more power and 14 per cent better torque than the outgoing 2.7-litre V6.Fuel economy has also improved to 10.5litres for 100km, a 9 per cent improvement over the old V6.The V6's five-speed automatic also gets revised shift points that smooth out its operation.Significantly for both the four and V6 is hey both come with dual-range full-time four-wheel drive.Across the range, the car's driveshafts have also been changed to sliding constant velocity joints for a quieter operation and reduced vibration.Buyers also get rear ventilated disc brakes, climate control air conditioning, electric windows, mirrors and central locking and steering wheel audio controls.The 2.4-litre five-door adds cruise control while the luxury Prestige gains a four-speed automatic, leather trim, sunroof, mirror-mounted side indicators, premium seven-speaker CD stereo and 17-inch alloys.The range topping 3.2-litre V6 Prestige has the same equipment as the 2.4-litre Prestige but adds automatic high-intensity headlights with washers, premium sound system, hill descent control and hill hold control and six-stacker CD.Suzuki is confident that the toughened front end and body structure, along with six airbags, will improve the previous Grand Vitara's four-star crash rating.Thicker steel is now used around the engine bay and engine supports, while at the back the independent rear suspension is stronger with better location to the monocoque body and its built-in ladder frame chassis.Suzuki has not forgotten about the cabin either.Inside, the trip computer has moved from the top of the dashboard to inside the instrument cluster.The climate control functions are easier to use with an LCD display and the steering wheel mounted switches for audio and cruise control are now backlit.Of the line-up, Devers believes the three-door has the most potential, even though the 2.4-litre five-door will be the volume seller.“At $24,990 the three-door has the potential to grab buyers who want something different to a four-cylinder hatch,” he says.“We are the only ones who offer a three-door compact SUV.”DRIVINGWE have to admit, even carsGuide has been seduced by the popularity of the Grand Vitara's four key soft-roader rivals.That's because we spend most of our time in the city, with an occasional side trip to the snow.But when you go bush it's a different matter.Of the four the X-Trail is really the only one we'd feel reasonably comfortable venturing right off the beaten track.And then there's the Grand Vitara.Suzuki Australia boss Tony Devers says about 60 per cent of Grand Vitara owners actually take their cars off-road.Its dual range four-mode off-road capability, 1850kg towing capacity and good approach and departure angles turns the trusty Suzuki into a good all-Aussie vehicle.With the new 2.4-litre four and 3.2-litre V6 soft sand and steep, rock-strewn bush tracks along the Finke River west of Alice Springs prove no trouble.Even the harshest corrugations on the Mereenie Loop Road could not unsettle the car's integral strength, or dust sealing.On bitumen both engines also proved their mettle. The 2.4 is impressively quiet and torquey while the five-speed manual is crisp to operate.The V6 likes to be worked and really gives its best high in the rev range. Once you give the accelerator a good prod, it will snap to attention and the torque spread is far better than the old 2.7 V6.Both engines proved reasonable frugal, too.In a mix of some low-speed off-road work and high-speed driving the 2.4 delivered around 9.7litres for 100km and the V6 less than 11.7litres for 100km.With gentle driving, Suzuki's claimed fuel consumption figures for both models should be attainable.Apart from the curtain airbags, the other significant safety plus is the addition of electronic stability control, which is well calibrated for our gravel roads.Inside, the cabin has an upmarket feel and standard of quality, fit and finish that beats some of its much-vaunted Japanese rivals.Apart from the touch and feel things, there are other palpable improvements.On-road handling is more refined and the cabin quieter than before.The stronger body helps the suspension cope better and maintain a flatter ride, requiring less steering correction.The Grand Vitara has the right ingredients to convince more buyers that it is just as good, and in some areas, better than its competition.With credentials like that it has a crack at being leader of the pack. 

The heritage goes way back to those lightweight LJ machines of the 1970s. These were no-nonsense vehicles of rare ability. Less weight and less bulk allowed four-wheel-drive Suzukis to drive where bigger off-roaders often foundered.This ability continues through to the new century and, while the Suzuki line-up is now a little more extensive and a little more civilised, that off-road ability remains. For today's Suzukis are a throw-back to the days when a four-wheel drive meant a robust off-road machine.The issue has been confused in the past by soft-roaders — machines with some ground clearance and drive to four wheels (via varying methods) but no low range and a bias towards on-road comfort rather than off-road prowess.Suzuki's Grand Vitara, the five-door wagon, has continued with an honest approach to the business of off-roading, continuing with a two-speed transfer case and some decent ability for running down beaches, slogging through mud or climbing over rocks.It is a compact four-wheel drive not always challenged by the newer crop of SUVs when the tracks get rough.To add to the Vitara's credentials there is now a diesel engine option. This gives the Suzuki extra character and clout in this part of the market.Now, for some drivers, the Vitara's 1.9-litre diesel engine, with five-speed manual only, may give the Suzuki too much trucking character.For others, the sounds and flexibility of this turbocharged diesel will add to the “go-anywhere, anytime” flavour of the wagon. Sourced from Renault, the common rail four-cylinder manages 95kW at 3750rpm and 300Nm of torque at 2000rpm. These are not big figures for a 1.6-tonne machine yet, even if it takes 13 seconds to get from standstill to 100km/h, the Suzuki is a comfortable cruiser.The factory claims a very decent 7.6 litres/100km on the combined cycle and for most ordinary commutes it should stay below 10 litres/100km.There are the sounds and extra vibrations of a diesel when the Suzuki is fired up; some vibrations may remain, giving off a little tizz through the likes of the gear shift, or hard objects in cubbyholes at times. This, for some, is a welcome sign that there is some substance to the wagon.The Suzuki has a comfortable and most usable cabin, a fine combination of design and materials which will not confuse users. Along with the usual array of CD/FM/stereo, airconditioning and power windows there are six airbags for secondary safety.Primary road safety is aided by the Vitara's full-time four-wheel drive, ABS, stability and traction control. This adds up to a handy package, a compact wagon with good town manners and four-wheel driveability with the bonus of a diesel engine. Maybe it's not as quick off the mark as a startled bandicoot but with a little practice at keeping the engine in the power/torque band — between 2500rpm and 3500rpm — the Vitara is not disgraced on the open road.Off road there is the advantage of the extra set of lower gear ratios which, allied with the lug of the diesel, makes for a decent crawler. Changes from four high to four-high locked to four-low locked are made with a centre console switch; there is also a neutral spot here for those who may like to tow the Vitara behind the motorhome.The Suzuki's gearing around town is not perfect — second gear feels too tall and will not lug around on low revs as well as it could. The gearbox on this particular wagon was also a little notchy; for some drivers there may be a macho comfort in feeling those lumps of cogs down below.Yet for many these “truck-like” qualities add character to a well-credentialled vehicle.

. . . as we chug steadily up a steep, slippery hill in the new Suzuki Grand Vitara Turbo Diesel it is evident that this is what oil-burners do best.Sure, the new 1.9-litre, direct-injection, intercooled turbo diesel engine miserly sips the Earth's fossil fuel resources and emits greenhouse gases at the same rate as a small car.But it is the generous 300Nm of crank-twisting torque that I am thankful for as the latest in the long and trusted line of Grand Vitaras plods steadfastly up the greasy Mt Cotton hill at just a tickle over idle.Grand Vitara Turbo Diesel is only the third diesel in the competitive compact SUV class, after the launch last year of diesel versions of the Kia Sportage and Jeep Patriot and Compass.The five-door diesel Grand Vitara is listed at $34,990 which places it just behind the top-of-the-range V6 Prestige and completes the five-model range.It comes with the same specification as the Prestige, but without the leather upholstery. So that means it gets a leather-wrap steering wheel, stability control, climate air, MP3 compatible CD player, cruise control and remote keyless entry with immobiliser.Powered by a Renault 1.9-litre common-rail turbo engine, the Bosch magnetic coil piezo injectors can squirt precise amounts of fuel from the high-pressure (1600 bar, 23,000psi) common rail up to five times during one cylinder's combustion cycle.This not only reduces fuel consumption and gas emissions, but also compression knock and therefore engine noise.The water-cooled Garret turbocharger features energy efficient variable fins which at low revs are almost flat so turbine speed is high and boost is up.At high revs the fins turn to a steeper angle, so turbine speed does not go off the scale.Turbo cooling is provided by an electric cooling pump, which keeps engine coolant circulating through the turbo charger after the engine has stopped.The diesel is married to a new five-speed manual gearbox which is notchy but robust. There will be no automatic.Paul Dillon, general manager of Queensland importers Suzuki Auto Co, said their technicians last year evaluated a test vehicle here over 3000km and had not encountered any issues.On a test drive with Dillon around Brisbane last year and on the very short road test at last week's state launch, the vehicle sounded quiet and strong, pulling from as low as 1700rpm.From 2200rpm, it rolls on with more urge than the V6 Prestige for reasonable passing duties. However, with only 95kW on tap, the top end isn't as vibrant as the V6.As it approaches red line, the engine begins to groan and there is minor coarseness through the gear shift and pedal.At 100km/h in fifth gear the diesel ticks over at just 2200rpm, which should yield good fuel economy. Suzuki claims 9.4l/100km in city duties and 6.7 on the highway.The Japanese brand proudly boasts that its compact SUV range is more likely to be used for off-road ventures than most of its ilk.Consequently, the major portion of the launch was conducted on the four-wheel-drive circuit of the State Government's Mt Cotton driver training facility.Here the little diesel "Zuke” is in its element, splashing through the bog holes, stepping over tree roots and chugging up gnarly hillclimbs.Going down some steep hills, the low-revving diesel engine helps to negate the need for a hill descent feature despite its under 2:1 transfer case ratio. Only perpendicular slopes are going to prove a problem.This is a genuine off-roader suited to beach runs, forestry trails and some tight bush work. Only rock crawling is beyond its capabilities.However, greenies shouldn't be perturbed by this off-roader. It is fitted with a particulate filter incorporated in the exhaust that burns off carbon deposits.Inside, the Suzuki looks crisp and modern with comfortable seats, generous leg and head room, and clear vision all round for an open, airy feeling.Safety is aided by stability control that includes traction control and anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist.There are also six airbags in the cabin and the bonnet and bumper area are designed to be pedestrian friendly.Suzuki Auto Co sales and marketing manager Stephen Craig said they expected to sell more than 500 diesel Grand Vitaras in a year, accounting for about 28 per cent of all their 4WD sales, which also includes the practical little Jimny.Suzuki will follow up the diesel Grand Vitara with a minor update and increase in engine capacities for its petrol models in the middle of 2008.The 2-litre four-cylinder will become a 2.4, while the 2.7-litre V6 grows to 3.2. Grand Vitara diesel$34,990ENGINE: 1870cc 4-valve, 4-cylinder direct injection common-rail turbo dieselPOWER: 95kW @ 3750rpmTORQUE: 300Nm @ 2000rpmBORE X STROKE: 80 x 93MMCOMPRESSION: 17:1DRIVE: 4-mode 4 x 4TRANSMISSION: 5-speed manual; transfer high 1.000, low 1.970KERBWEIGHT: 1605kg (1660kg with full options)PERFORMANCE: 170km/h (max), 0-100km/h in 13.2secECONOMY (L/100KM): 9.4 (city), 6.7 (highway), 7.6 (combined)EMISSIONS: 195g/km of CO2; Euro 4 compliant 

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:

It didn't help my calls for a complete assessment of its purchase appeal when time after time the kids and I found something else to love about the sporty four-wheel-drive.For me, it was the small things that made the difference.For instance, the stereo volume control button on the steering wheel.This enabled me to either play referee to the battling siblings or drown out the arguing.As a height-challenged person, there were two outcomes I relished in the silver 2.7-litre V6.First, I didn't need a ladder to hoist myself up into the driver's seat. Second, it was amazing at how different other drivers behaved when I was behind the wheel of a vehicle a little more imposing than my little hatchback. For a while there, I felt six feet tall.Driving at night was an eye-opener in more ways than one – the lights even on low beam had an incredible span, far better than any car I had ever owned.The Grand Vitara was surely a pleasure to drive. Plenty of room for the tribe, comfortable and a smooth ride.It had great pickup and removed the stress in the daily commute from the Fleurieu to the city.Advertised as a mix between bold and sleek, the V6 stunner was a head-turner, easy to get around in the city and shopping-centre car parks as well as smooth on the country roads.Storage was great, with the rear seats of the five-seater able to not only be folded forward but into the leg area behind the driver, creating even more room.Compartments of all sorts were everywhere; some I had to get my 12-year-old to work out how to open and shut.Truth be told, I had to really scratch around to find reasons to justify not to run out and buy one the next week.And it really is affordable to get behind the wheel – with prices for the three-door manual starting from $23,990, up to $32,990 for the five-door automatic.LOVE IT LEAVE ITSuzuki Grand VitaraLOVE ITThe volume control. No more leaning over and taking eyes off the road.Lights – driving at night was a whole new experience.Roomy for the kids and great storage.LEAVE ITFuel costs, if you are not prepared for them, are a bit of a shock. A full tank emptied at 420km, which raised a few questions in terms of long-distance driving.A bit more road noise than expected in a new vehicle.

The first evidence came this year with the Euro-style Swift, one of this year's star cars and an all-round top drive.Now we have tested the latest Grand Vitara and know Suzuki cannot go back.The four-wheel-drive flagship is much more refined, much better in all conditions, and still priced to compete in the compact class.Earlier Vitaras, and even the basic baby, Jimmy, were all right, but not close to the class leaders.And they concentrated more on doing the job in the bush than being the kind of suburban-style four-wheel-drives that have cashed-in during the worldwide growth in this class.This Grand Vitara has the refinement and comfort that was missing, but will still go seriously into the outback. It looks a lot nicer than before, not just a box, and cabin design is better.Suzuki has also spread the enjoyment with three and five-door wagons and a choice of engines, from a 1.6-litre four to a 2.7-litre V6.The price spread is smart, too, from $23,990 to $32,990, and you can add options, including alloy wheels, cruise control and a hard cover for the rear-mounted spare.The Grand Vitara is not a total success — we're not fans of the V6 or the park-bench back seat — but there's a lot to like.We first enjoyed the newcomer at a couple of press previews that put it through all sorts of conditions, from stop-start city running to mud and sand.The Grand Vitara surprised us as much as the new Swift had.A full-scale test just proved the points. Suzuki has adopted a similar approach with the Grand Vitara to that taken with the Swift.It has stepped outside its Japanese comfort zone — and the development targets for earlier models — to create a vehicle that is more than just a bush-baby price fighter.Competition in the four-wheel-drive world has never been tougher and Suzuki knew it had to change its approach to compete with everything from the Toyota RAV4 and Nissan X-Trail to the Kia Sportage and the Hyundai Tucson.Even the Subaru Forester and Outback are included in the compact four-wheel-drive class, and some people will also shop the Grand Vitara against Jeeps in the medium class.Toyota is preparing an all-new RAV4 for Australia early next year that threatens to rewrite the rules.Until then, the Grand Vitara is about as good as it gets in the class and the company should have no trouble hitting its target of 5500 cars a year.The car has fully independent suspension for the first time, and a four-wheel-drive system that handles serious off-road work.Airconditioning and CD sound are part of the package and the cabin has all the right equipment.The Grand Vitara has twin front airbags and anti-skid brakes, which should be compulsory in every car, though it has only rear drum brakes.ON THE ROADSUZUKI has jumped to the front of the class with this Grand Vitara. It beats the RAV4 and X-Trail because it has the strengths of each without the weaknesses.The Suzuki offers the best of both worlds — the suburban strengths of the Toyota and the Nissan's ability in the bush.It has commendable quality, is good value and there is a nice spread of models.Suzuki expects most buyers to have a family focus that will take them into the five-door wagon, with the V6 being the top choice in the engine room.But the company has spread its bets by continuing with the short-wheelbase three-door for younger buyers and weekend fun runners.But don't think it is perfect. We tested the V6 automatic, which is meant to be the hero car, but found a coward in the nose.The 2.7-litre V6 is not nearly punchy or responsive enough, and we often had to use the shift lever to stir things along.Part of the problem is that the engine takes too long to hit its straps and maximum torque is way up at 4500 revs.On top of that, 135kW is not that great when you have at least 1640kg to haul and probably more with a family and luggage inside.The automatic, though a five-speed, is also slow to respond. And when it does, it often makes a violent kickdown shift.The upside to the weakness is pretty good economy. It averaged 11.1 litres/100km during our time, but that is also a result of using a light foot in order to avoid the jerky shifts and planning well ahead for less-intrusive overtaking moves.Our only other complaint is the parkbench rear seat. It is far too upright and thinly padded for adult comfort.So, with that out of the way, it is easy to say that the Grand Vitara rides really nicely, handles well, is beautifully built and copes easily with any conditions.It is easy to park, has excellent headlamps and is easy to load. The sound system is good and the airconditioning excellent.We were surprised by the firm-but-compliant ride, which means it does well on the bitumen and keeps its tyres planted when you head into the bush. It would take a serious off-roader to find a challenge the car could not overcome.It is also easy around the city, which is why it's going to sell better than earlier Vitaras and sit comfortably in showrooms beside the Swift.THE BOTTOM LINE14/20A GREAT improvement in Suzuki four-wheel-drives, but the edge is blunted by a lacklustre V6 engine and automatic.

It has always been a good thing, if a little squeezy inside, but one of the few compact 4WDs that's noted for its off road prowess.There's plenty of stories going around about big 4WDs getting stuck up to its axles, only to be pulled out by a passing Suzuki.The new 21st Century Grand looks set to continue this tradition, with a "built-in" ladder chassis and selectable, low range four-wheel drive.But after putting the top of the range V6 through its paces, I can't shake the feeling that some of the Zuke's legendary "go anywhereness" has been sacrificed in the name of better road manners.Like the previous model, the Grand Vitara is available in short and long-wheel base ver- sions, with a new, seven seat XL-7 version said to be on the way.The four cylinder, three-door model misses out on low range and is obviously aimed at the young female buyer who couldn't give two hoots about going off road.Both the four cylinder and V6 five-door, five-seat wagons get high and low range gearing.Although this time around you dial in low via a dash-mounted, knob instead of the traditional transfer lever.For the first time too, the new Grand can be driven on the road with four-wheel drive engaged, thanks to the inclusion of a centre differential.Our test vehicle was the top of the line V6 fitted with a five-speed manual transmission, priced from $30,990.A five-speed auto is optional for another $2000.Gone are the round goofy lines of the previous model, replaced with a sharper, cleaner more modern look.Inside, the look is fresh and modern too with large easy to use controls.Fit and finish are good, seats are comfortable but but the steering wheel is nothing fancy and crusing control is missing.It's still a bit of a tight fit inside, particularly rear head room with the elevated seating position.However, it is, after all, a compact 4WD.The V6 is the 2.7-litre unit from the previous stretched XL-7.However, there are some differences, most significant of which is that peak torque is generated at 4500rpm instead of 3300rpm.Torque is the stuff that gets a vehicle off the line quickly and makes easy work of steep hills.The lower in the engine rev range that it is generated the better.The 2.7-litre engine delivers a total of 135kW of power at 6000rpm and 250Nm of torque at 4500rpm.Fuel consumption is a claimed 11.1 litres power 100km for the manual and 11.6 litres power 100km for the auto, from a 66-litre tank.That's a little less than the XL-7 – but then the Grand weighs almost as much at 1595kg.We didn't get a chance to empty the tank, but these figures sound about right (trip computer only displays current usage).On the road the Grand Vitara is a smooth operator with good road holding ability and hardly any corner roll.The engine sounds promising, with a raw note under hard acceleration, but you need to keep the revs up to get the best out of it.Off road the Grand is limited by ground clearance which is a minimum 200mm.Although there is plenty of underbody protection, it is prone to bottoming out on rocky descents.This is not an issue in dirt or sand, but could be of concern to owners not wanting to damage vehicles.Two airbags and ABS are standard but it might be an idea to check out the options list, because alloys and fog lights are not.

The V6-engined Grand Vitara is the big seller among the Suzuki wagons. But there is also the cheaper, just as capable, four-cylinder Vitara.For $27,900, this is a proper four-wheel-driver.The Vitara has never been the biggest, flashest of compact SUVs. But it does have a full chassis, it does have a two-speed transfer case and it does go where others struggle. It does have a swag of gear from ABS brakes to airconditioning.Heading down the highway, the Suzuki wagon is not as quiet, not as refined as most of the soft-roaders. There is an occasional skip and jump from the rigid, and live, rear axle plus a bit of engine noise and a little road noise.At 100km/h in fifth, the two-litre engine is turning around 3500rpm.Front seats are OK and there's room in the back for another pair of adults, all good for at least a two-hour stretch.The cabin is quite neat and tidy, with little confusion over buttons, knobs and instruments. The interior is screwed together with care.It is a narrow, upright cabin, so a long, long haul with a couple of big adults may test friendships. Conversely, the Vitara's shape and size make it handy in shopping car parks or down a bush track.The rear cargo area is not huge, although it has decent height.Yet there is little the Suzuki cabin misses, from air to vanity mirrors to electric windows and airbags for driver and front passenger.Up front, there are a number of cubbyholes, including a tray beneath the front passenger seat.On the test car, the five-speed manual gearbox and 94kW engine were both a little coarse. The transmission was notchy, the engine appeared not as smooth as class rivals but this may change with more kilometres beneath the wheels.And while that five-speed change never improved – in particular the slot into first – the engine sounded quite right on a gravel track.It is here the Vitara hits its straps. It is small, light and happy to run hard. The suspension, deemed a tad too irregular on lumpy bitumen, hits a sweet spot.Off the dirt and the muck, there is a lever for the transfer case from two-high to four-high to four-low – simple, strong and straightforward.

I had to travel far and wide to find our comparison model, an old manual four-leg-drive called Diesel.He came courtesy of Rawnsley Park Station in the Flinders Ranges.Now, at 36-years-old, Diesel is somewhat of a vintage model, but he's still pretty impressive and tough competition in sometimes rough conditions.He is sleek, shiny and 16 hands tall, so visibility is great. He handles beautifully – on smooth surfaces or through rocky creekbeds and up steep hills. Diesel responds to the slightest touch and offers a fairly comfortable ride – for a while, at least.But there is a limit, and three hours in the saddle is about it.Three hours in our Suzuki, on the other hand, is an easy task and putting this 4WD through its paces is a pleasure.It, too, handles well on the road or off the beaten track and visibility is good (except for a blind spot out the back).Plus there is seating for seven, or for five with room for lots of luggage ... try doing that on a horse. The XL-7 has a healthy shine (well, it did when I first picked it up) and is completely tricked up for long hauls: climate control with front and rear outlets; 6-CD stacker and more compartments than any saddle could offer.There are spots for sunglasses, maps, books, lollies ... and, yes, cup holders. The centre console flips open converting from an arm rest to rear cup holders.The XL-7 is as quiet as a mouse, or, at least, a horse. She does chew through a bit of juice – but then it's a long, thirsty drive for any workhorse.A word of warning, though. Don't push the boundaries. Empty means empty. Actually, when the empty light comes on in the XL-7 you have about 60km left in the tank. However, unlike a horse, you can't kick the Suzuki on a little further with the promise of a good feed and drink when you get there.Running out of petrol was just a horse's whisker away.The XL-7 handles the outback with ease but is equally at home in the city.For speed and comfort, the Suzuki wins out – but then it was up against an old Diesel. As for price, the Grand Vitara will set you back $41,890 for the auto. Diesel? He's priceless.