Jeep, Hummer, Suzuki?

In Europe, the Suzuki Grand Vitara is a segment leader among compact SUVs, distinguished by its off-road capability.

Suzuki Motor Corp. took great pains, in switching to a cross/utility vehicle architecture for the all-new '06 model that replaces both the Grand Vitara and Vitara SUVs, to preserve that rugged image.

The new vehicle is a bit wider and 11.5 ins. (29.2 cm) longer, but the overhangs are shorter. The construction may be unibody, but it is enhanced with a built-in ladder frame. The engine was lowered for better handling and stability. It pays off with cornering devoid of body roll.

The Grand Vitara, riding on an all-new platform, will preserve its niche in Europe, where Suzuki organizes camps and events that urban competitors would not dare try. And it is happily nestled at a price point below more expensive Land Rovers or the Toyota Land Cruiser.

But marketing the Grand Vitara as a rugged V-6 powered off-roader in the U.S. is a steep task. Jeep claims off-road bragging rights here, and Suzuki risks looking silly if that is the focus of the marketing pitch.

Still, the sporty, tough CUV is a surprising standout on rough terrain. The base model comes with a single 4-wheel-drive mode, while the upper trim has a 4-mode system for different off-road conditions.

It has a 4-wheel independent suspension, with MacPherson struts in front and a new multi-link setup in the rear, and a locking center differential. The short overhangs and 50/50 weight distribution pay off in fording a steep ditch. The tailgate-mounted spare tire is practical off-road and is a signature styling cue for the Suzuki brand.

Excellent engine braking proves almost the equivalent of hill-descent technology on more costly off-roaders, while smooth throttle control eliminates any need to ride the brake.

For the '06 Grand Vitara, Suzuki modified the 10-year-old 2.7L V-6 from the XL-7 to improve efficiency and reduce emissions. Engineers say the 2.7L achieves the same mileage as the 2.5L V-6 in the outgoing model: 18 mpg (13 L/100 km) in city driving and 23 mpg (10 L/100 km) on the highway with a manual transmission and slightly better with an automatic.

The 6-cyl. does yeomen service, putting out 185 hp and 184 lb.-ft. (250 Nm) of torque. Engine noise is evident upon acceleration in the otherwise quiet cabin. The V-6 labors slightly in steep terrain.

If demand warrants, the auto maker says it will consider a 4-cyl. gasoline engine in the future. Manually changing the automatic gearbox reveals much range in fourth and fifth gears. Left to its fully automatic devices, the transmission does some gear-hunting upon deceleration on down slopes at highway speeds.

The black leather and silver accents of the top trim make for an attractive interior. The cabin is roomy, with increased dimensions providing an additional 6.6 ins. (16.8 cm) of rear leg room. Storage space is adequate. The top trim level has a smart-key ignition system and sunroof. XM satellite radio is an option.

Pricing ranges from $19,594 to $24,694, including the $595 destination fee.

Suzuki expects to sell 200,000 5-door Grand Vitaras annually, with 40,000 earmarked for the U.S. and 10,000 for Canada. The previous Grand Vitara sold only 4,860 units in the U.S. in 2004, on top of 3,476 Vitara sales.

That compares with mainstream entries such as the Jeep Liberty and Ford Escape or Honda CR-V that can sell 12,000 units in a single month.

'06 Suzuki Grand Vitara

Vehicle type: Front-engine, all-wheel drive, 5-passenger 4-door cross/utility vehicle

Engine: 2.7L (2,736cc) DOHC V-6, aluminum block/aluminum heads

Power (SAE net): 185 hp @ 6,000 rpm

Torque: 184 lb.-ft. (249 Nm) @ 4,500 rpm

Compression ratio: 9.4:1

Bore × stroke (mm): 88 × 75

Transmission: 5-speed automatic

Wheelbase: 103.9 ins. (264 cm)

Overall length: 176 ins. (449 cm)

Overall width: 71.3 ins. (181 cm)

Overall height: 66.7 ins. (169 cm)

Curb weight: 3,682 lbs. (1,670 kg)

EPA fuel economy, city/highway (mpg): 19/24

Market competition: Chevrolet Equinox; Ford Escape; Honda CR-V; Jeep Liberty; Nissan Xterra; Toyota RAV4