T\o7O\f7 say Suzuki was off the radar would be an understatement. But recently, while watching some important public-affairs programming -- "Skating With Celebrities," I think it was -- I began seeing commercials for the redesigned 2006 Grand Vitara, a tolerably attractive compact SUV in well-cinched raiments, positioned to compete with the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Ford Escape.
Huh, I thought, sagely.
For The Record
Los Angeles Times Thursday March 09, 2006 Home Edition Main News Part A Page 2 National Desk 0 inches; 33 words Type of Material: Correction
SUV photos -- A review of the Suzuki Grand Vitara in Wednesday's Highway 1 section featured three photos of a different Suzuki SUV model, the larger XL-7. The correct model is shown here.
For The Record
Los Angeles Times Wednesday March 15, 2006 Home Edition Highway 1 Part G Page 2 Features Desk 0 inches; 32 words Type of Material: Correction
SUV photos -- A review of the Suzuki Grand Vitara in last Wednesday's Highway 1 section featured photos of a different Suzuki SUV, the larger XL-7. The correct model is shown here.
With the tragicomic X-90, Sidekick and Samurai as backdrop in the last decade, the notion of a Suzuki-badged compact SUV had approximately the allure of tainted tuna. And yet, if we've learned anything from companies like Hyundai, Asian carmakers mature quickly. Maybe the new Grand Vitara -- now with a standard V6 engine, a new unibody chassis and independent rear suspension, and a seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty in case all goes, as they say in the military, tango uniform -- was worth a look.
And so the Highway 1 interceptors were scrambled.
Suzuki's profile was raised a little more this week when it was announced that GM was cashing out its stake in the company to generate $2 billion in sorely needed hard currency. However, according to Mr. Suzuki himself, the company's strategic alliance with GM would continue. This seems a little like pledging a strong, future-oriented partnership with the Ottoman Empire, but there you go.
No question, the new Grand Vitara is grander than before: nearly a foot longer (176 inches) over a wheelbase stretched 6.3 inches, with the 2.7-liter, 185-hp V6 the only engine option (no four-cylinder available). Yet even with all this extra dimension and the generous list of standard features, the vehicle's price is only $600 more than previously ($19,199 for the base model, $22,099 for the vehicle tested). With an exterior scrubbed of the previous model's doofus-ness and an interior laid out in more sophisticated textures and shapes brimming with polished metal bezels and rings, a la Mazda, the Suzuki feels like a serious alternative in a class full of discount overachievers.
It also feels as if Suzuki plagiarized the Toyota RAV4's term paper. I pulled up next to the Toyota at a stoplight and was amazed at the similarities, from the composite spare tire cover on the rear door to the round climate registers and gated gearshift slot inside. Well, maybe not so surprised. Never borrow, said Stravinsky, just steal.
