Suzuki's Bid for Relevance

After Releasing a Redesigned Version of its Grand Vitara SUV three years ago, only to see sales stagnate, American Suzuki Motor Corp. stages an extensive refresh of the model for '09.

While many buyers are shunning big vehicles, Suzuki sees a winner in the Grand Vitara, which it considers a “compact crossover” akin to the Honda CR-V. Ward's places the model in the Small SUV category with the Jeep Liberty and Wrangler, due to its integrated-ladder frame (albeit unibody) construction.

Architecture aside, the Grand Vitara is small, which should prove alluring to buyers wanting functionality but not the higher fuel costs associated with a large CUV or SUV. But the challenge is, as it always has been with Suzuki, attracting buyers to the brand.

A top-of-the-list marque in many global markets, Suzuki in the U.S. is more closely associated with motorcycles.

The automotive unit didn't surpass 100,000 annual sales until 2006, despite being in the U.S. for 23 years. In much less time, Korean brands Kia and Hyundai have advanced their annual U.S. volumes to nearly 300,000 and 400,000-plus vehicles, respectively.

Two new engines, the biggest changes for '09, should improve the Grand Vitara's market position. Suzuki's advertising campaign for the revamped model, lampooning the demise of the “SUV-asaurus,” will have to do the rest of the work.

A new 3.2L V-6, a downsized version of the 3.6L designed by General Motors Corp. and used in the Suzuki XL7 large CUV, and a 2.4L I-4, all-new from Suzuki, both are quiet and smooth, two words not always associated with Suzuki powerplants.

The 230-hp 3.2L replaces the 185-hp 2.7L V-6 that previously powered the Grand Vitara, while a 4-cyl. is offered for the first time in the current generation.

The I-4 makes 166 hp and 162 lb.-ft. (220 Nm) of torque. American Suzuki's Gene Brown, vice president-product development, calls it “approximately as peppy as the V-6 it replaces.”

On paper it matches the horsepower of the CR-V, while surpassing its torque rating by 1 lb.-ft. (1.3 Nm). The 3.2L, available only on high-end XSport and Luxury trims, is mated to a standard 5-speed automatic transmission.

In a drive in San Antonio of the new V-6, the Grand Vitara occasionally hunts for gears while ascending moderate hills, but overall the transmission shifts smoothly and without hesitation.

The 2-wheel-drive model feels positively truck-like, no doubt due to its rear-wheel-drive orientation and husky demeanor. A 4-wheel-drive system is available, except on the base model.

In a subsequent drive of a 2.4L 2WD model, the vehicle's brutish nature was less noticeable. Suzuki itself refers to the Grand Vitara as “being built like a brute,” but we wonder if that description and driving feel will be a turnoff to consumers discovering other more car-like CUVs.

Buyers dissecting fuel-economy ratings will find the Grand Vitara relatively competitive, although it lags a similarly equipped 4-cyl. CR-V.

The 3.2L Grand Vitara is stingier than a body-on-frame Jeep Liberty, but admittedly that model's V-6 has more torque.

The new 4-cyl., which will dominate Suzuki's lineup as its future volume engine, is a departure from Suzuki's noisy old 4-bangers. Engine racket, and a slight sluggishness, only was noticeable under heavy throttle off the line.

The I-4 can be mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic.

Other changes to the '09 Grand Vitara include a switch to rear disc brakes from drums; new grille and bumper design; and an upgraded, inviting interior. The only foible was some uneven gaps in the trim surrounding the glovebox.

A switch to larger buttons for the radio and climate controls is a welcome change for those not possessing elfin digits.

Equator's Uncertain Proposition

Suzuki also staged off-road testing of its new Equator midsize pickup, a near direct copy of the Nissan Frontier. Nissan North America Inc. builds the truck for Suzuki at its Smyrna, TN, plant.

Suzuki has changed little other than outward appearance of the Frontier, equipping the Equator with a unique grille and bed extender. Suzuki offers no luxury trim, which it says is too posh for the active, outdoorsy Suzuki crowd.

As a passenger on an off-road course, the 4WD Equator V-6 proved capable of traversing varied terrain and obstacles, including fairly deep water.

Driving a base model to the airport yielded few impressions, as gridlock for much of the journey only allowed testing of the brake pedal (not too touchy) and the conclusion the driver's seat needs more lumbar support.

At higher speeds, the 152-hp 2.5L I-4 base engine strained somewhat to haul four occupants and their luggage. But with 171 lb.-ft. (232 Nm) of torque, passing maneuvers are relatively easy.

Suzuki expects to sell a few thousand Equators annually, believing it appeals to owners of its dirt bikes and ATVs.

Suzuki hasn't released pricing for either the Grand Vitara, expected to go on sale in early November, or the Equator, which hits dealers in early December.

Suzuki Gives Grand Vitara New Engines; Expects Small Volume From Equator
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'09 Grand Vitara Premium

Vehicle type: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 4-door cross/utility vehicle

Engine: 2.4L DOHC inline 4-cyl. with aluminum head/aluminum block

Power (SAE net): 166 hp @ 6,000 rpm

Torque: 162 lb.-ft. (220 Nm) @ 4,000 rpm

Compression ratio: 10.0:1

Bore × stroke (mm): 92 × 90

Transmission: 4-speed automatic

Wheelbase: 103.9 ins. (264 cm)

Overall length: 177 ins. (450 cm)

Overall width: 71.3 ins. (181 cm)

Overall height: 66.7 ins. (170 cm)

Curb weight: 3,479 lbs. (1,578 kg)

Base price range: TBD

EPA mileage: 19/25 city/hwy (12.4/9.4 L/100 km)

Market competition: Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Jeep Liberty