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2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara Compact Sport Utility Vehicle
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Exterior
The 2006 Vitara exterior is one of the best-looking in its class, with no Tupperware-like side panels or fenders that tend to characterize other similarly-priced SUVs.
Wheels are 16-inch steel for the base Vitara, with alloys coming standard on the Premium and XSport packages. The Luxury package boasts 17-inch alloys. The three lower-priced packages feature P225/70R16 tires, while the Luxury edition upgrades to P225/65R17 tires to accommodate for those larger wheels. You’ll also get a full-size 16-inch steel wheel spare tire standard on the three lower models, with a spare 16-inch yellow-colored steel wheel coming standard on the Luxury Vitara.
There are seven paint choices for 2006, and the roof rails that come standard on all but the base package give the vehicle a tougher and better-looking stance. Privacy glass and a hard shell spare tire cover are standard on all but the base model, as well.
It is a little boxy-looking, but again, the absence of that wretched, cheesy plastic found on the new Hyundai compact SUVs (not to mention the Honda Element, the Mazda B Series, the Ford Ranger, etc.) more than makes up for it.
Interior
Thankfully, the 2006 Grand Vitara has taken a step away from the cheap and boring interior of past models, instead featuring a more sophisticated control panel that is both easy to use and easy to reach from the driver's seat. There’s more headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers, too.
The air conditioning has automatic climate control and a micron air filter (a must-have for those with allergies). There's also a digital clock with outside temperature and fuel consumption indicators, which are standard on all four versions of the ‘06 Vitara. Also standard are the cruise control, remote keyless entry and power doors, locks and exterior mirrors. You’ll get two map lights in the front, a tilt steering wheel, two front and one cargo area 12-volt accessory power sockets, and a variable rear windshield wiper with washer.
The Luxury Vitara comes standard with a power sunroof â€' always a fun addition to any vehicle.
Performance
This third-generation Suzuki compact SUV is bigger and longer, and boasts a larger engine, than its predecessor. But a .2-liter upgrade to the V6 engine's size adds less than two dozen horsepower to last year's Vitara, a slight disappointment. That, combined with the limited engine choices â€' one, to be exact â€' ultimately constricts the Vitara's ability to attract the large, free-thinking audience its advertisements are aimed at.
However, as with other affordable imports, concessions must be made. The SUV puts out 185-horsepower at 6,000 RPMs. And at approximately 3,500 curbside pounds (depending on options), the 184 ft.-lbs. of torque are acceptable, but may leave you wanting much more â€' particularly when towing your toys or playing off-pavement. But this is where the full-time, four-mode four-wheel-drive system (optional in the XSport and Luxury packages, only) is a must: it allows the driver to switch into lower mode for more efficient use of power and traction when navigating off the beaten path. There's also an interior-mounted switch that engages the center differential lock to help in these same situations, although drivers are cautioned that use of these controls can be problematic (to the tune of an accident or worse) if you're not properly trained to operate them.
The variable induction system (VIS) further improves throttle response on the Vitara, increasing overall engine efficiency.
