SUZUKI GRAND VITARA: The strong, silent type

Even after more than 35 years of doing business in Canada, Suzuki still tends to fly under the radar for many shopping for a vehicle with an Asian nameplate. Part of the reason is that the automaker doesn’t compete in all market segments — there’s no luxury model or full-sized sedan. And, until only recently, there was no pickup truck. Another reason is that Suzuki cars and SUVs tend to go about their business with a core competence that doesn’t produce a lot of fanfare. Such is the case with the Grand Vitara compact sport-ute. It’s been out there almost as long as the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V and longer than Ford’s Escape, yet it just doesn’t seem to generate as much buzz.

That situation probably won’t change much with the 2009 Grand Vitara, which is a shame because it has a strength to it lacking in many car-based SUVs, plus it benefits from a number of improvements for the model year, notably a far more sophisticated and fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine.

The strength is literal, coming from the fact that Suzuki is a lot more traditional with its sport-ute lineup, building its Grand Vitara atop an integrated ladder frame. This provides the compact SUV with increased ground clearance to tackle far more challenging off-road trails than could or should be attempted by the aforementioned Toyota and Honda rivals. Coupled with the available four-mode four-wheel-drive system (with high and low ranges), the Grand Vitara is a sturdy unit that’s a good fit for those whose active lifestyles involve more than squeezing into a tight parking space at the mall.

Suzuki claims the Grand Vitara has the highest tow rating in its class (1,360 kilograms) for a four-wheel-drive, four-cylinder compact SUV. Some credit has to go to the new 2.4-litre engine that’s available for 2009. Like the Grand Vitara itself, the four-banger is a robust unit that puts out a competitive 166 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque.

And, for the most part, the engine is quiet and capable, able to handle the Grand Vitara’s 1,676-kg curb weight and, when bolted to a four-speed automatic transmission, provides decent if not overwhelming acceleration when called upon. The exception is when foot-to-the-floor power is called for, during which the four-banger will more than make its presence known while delivering added forward thrust.

Considering its heavier-duty demeanour and winter conditions, the JLX-L tester’s average fuel economy of 12.1 litres per 100 kilometres was a bit disappointing but not unexpected, achieved in an even mix of suburban and highway use. Those needing more grunt can opt for the available 230 h.p., 3.2 L V-6.

What the Grand Vitara lacks in scintillating performance it compensates for with a solid user-friendliness that manifests itself in excellent handling dynamics as well as a pleasant and upscale cabin. There’s nothing overtly special about the mechanicals — the steering is basic power-assisted rack-and-pinion, while the suspension setup comprises MacPherson struts up front and an independent multi-link at the back. Yet there’s firm, positive feedback communicated to the driver through the wheel, and the suspension blocks out the worst road irregularities while still providing a good feel for what’s going on. It makes the Suzuki much zippier, especially in city situations, than would normally be expected.

More than anything else, however, is the superb job Suzuki engineers did in tweaking the powertrain for improved noise, vibration and harshness reduction. Their efforts resulted in a library-quiet cabin where the only distraction was a sometimes-squeaky rear-seat area, caused by mating surfaces rubbing against each other.

My only real beef with the Grand Vitara is its continued use of the right-side-hinged cargo door, which can make loading stuff into the back from the curbside more awkward. If Suzuki could move the door-mounted spare tire to an under-floor area, it could then hinge the cargo door at the top, creating a proper liftgate. Maybe with the next redesign.

I enjoyed the Grand Vitara more than I thought I would. It has always been a sturdy compact runabout well suited to our Canadian climate. Thanks to this model year’s engineering revisions, it has a newfound sophistication and confidence that make it a genuine pleasure to drive.

— Canwest News Service

THE SPECS

2009 Grand Vitara
Type of vehicle: Four-wheel-drive compact SUV
Engine: 2.4 L DOHC four-cylinder
Power: 166 h.p. 6,000 rpm; 162 ft-lbs. of torque 4,000 rpm
Transmission: Four-speed automatic
Brakes: Four-wheel disc with ABS
Tires: P225/65R17
Price: base/as tested: $25,995/$29,995
Destination charge: $1,550
Transport Canada fuel economy L/100 km: 11.2 city, 8.6 highway
Standard features: Power steering, window and door locks, SmartPass keyless entry and start system, automatic climate control with micron air filter, AM/FM/six-CD/MP3/WMA audio system with seven speakers, illuminated steering wheel-mounted audio controls, speed-sensitive volume control, cruise control, power glass sunroof, tilt steering, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather seats, heated front seats, automatic headlights, fog lamps, roof rails, dual front air bags, front seat-mounted side air bags, side curtain air bags