Suzuki GRAND VITARA 2.5 V6 X-EC SPECIAL EDITION
Suzuki Have Filled The Gap In Their Grand Vitara Range With The Vitara 2.5 V6 X-EC Special Edition. By Steve Ghosley
The Suzuki Grand Vitara has come a long way since it first burst onto to the scene in the late eighties with its fat wheels, chrome accessories and usually loud sound systems on board. The latest versions in the range are a little more sophisticated these days and aimed at a completely different market. That market, however, is crowded and those looking for a well-appointed SUV have plenty to choose from. So, to give their Vitara range more appeal, Suzuki have introduced the Vitara 2.
5 V6 X-EC Special Edition.
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The Grand Vitara 2.5 V6 X-EC Special Edition is generously equipped as it is based on the Grand Vitara 5-door specification that features power-assisted steering, electric windows, remote central locking and electrically adjustable heated door mirrors. In addition to this it also comes with climate control air-conditioning, multi-spoke alloy wheels and front fog lamps. On the outside the X-EC Special Edition is distinguished by its unique body colour of Azure Grey pearl metallic.
Suzuki, although having toned down the excesses of the eighties, still cant resist adding silver painted roof rails, chrome-plated door handles, chrome-plated front grille as well as a body-coloured spare wheel cover and tailgate spoiler. The detachable doughnut style head restraints continue to feature in this model and the in-car entertainment system features a state-of-the-art radio/CD player. Ahead of the driver a large, contoured panel contains the speedometer, tachometer, fuel and engine temperature gauges, an array of warning lights indicating low fuel and door open reminders and, on automatic models, a gear position indicator. The panel is faced with a semi-opaque screen and the instruments are surrounded by metal trim and are backlit by fibre optics.
It all looks a good deal more thoughtfully designed than the rather haphazard layout of the original Grand Vitara models. The steering wheel features fingertip switches for audio controls and theres a convenient panel inlaid into the door armrest that contains the door and mirror controls. Suzuki badly needed to up the perceived level of quality in the Vitara and features such as a damped action to the lockable glovebox lid and overhead compartments help this impression along nicely.
"All Vitara models are based on a separate, ladder-frame chassis, which, in Suzukis eyes, makes them real 4x4s "
Theres also a good deal more practicality incorporated, Suzuki learning a lesson from the latest set of MPVs. There are big pockets in the doors and on the rear of the seats and theres even a sliding tray beneath the front passenger
seat thats perfect for newspapers or magazines. A cubbyhole beneath the rear luggage area is a good place to stow valuables out of the gaze of light-fingered types. Theres also an armrest that flips right over to provide two additional cupholders within easy reach of rear seat passengers and opens up to reveal another hidden compartment.
The Grand Vitara 2.5 V6 X-EC Special Edition only comes in five-door form and with manual transmission the on-the-road price is £16,999. If you opt for the automatic gearbox, the price rises to £17,949. All Vitara models are based on a separate, ladder-frame chassis, which, in Suzukis eyes, makes them real 4x4s.
Rivals like the RAV 4, the company points out, are based on passenger car underpinnings, which makes them less than ideal when it comes to heavy 4x4 work. For this special edition, the key selling point will be the torque of the new all-aluminium 2.5-litre V6 petrol engine providing that all-important pulling power to get you up the steepest of slopes. Pulling power to make constant gear changing around town unnecessary (it pulls in fifth from almost walking speed).
Unlike the original Vitara, this special edition version is also an easy vehicle to live with, with class-competitive steering, suspension and overall refinement. Steering first; the rack and pinion set-up is light-years ahead of the old recirculating ball system this company used to inflict on its customers. The latest Grand Vitaras now go immediately where you point them. The ride too, is far better than anything Suzuki had produced before the current model (though its still not perfect over rough surfaces).
In developing their 4x4 flagship, the engineers also learnt how to control body roll and not before time. Refinement is also in a different league from Vitaras of the past, with much effort having been made to eliminate the main areas of noise, vibration and harshness. What it boils down to is that this is one of the very few affordable off roading vehicles that you could easily live with as an only car, especially now that rear seat legroom has been improved, even in the standard five-door body shape. The Grand Vitara 2.
5 V6 X-EC Special Edition has its very own two-tone grey leather interior, which is complemented with wood effect trim on the fascia and centre console. To add a bit of sparkle to the inside, Suzuki have added chromed interior door handles. Although not always first on the list when buyers consider the choices available in the Sports Utility Vehicle market, the Grand Vitara is a dark horse that merits serious consideration. It has come a long way since the excesses of the eighties and although it may still suffer an image problem as a direct result, the latest Grand Vitara 2.
5 V6 X-EC Special Edition offers a credible alternative to the likes of
Honda and
Land Rover. Early viewing is recommended, as the production run is limited.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.5-litre V6 X-EC Special Edition
PRICES: £16,999-£17,949 on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 14D
CO2 EMISSIONS: 245-262g/km
PERFORMANCE: [Manual] 0-62mph 10.6s / Max Speed 109mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [Manual] (urban) 20.9mpg / (Extra urban) 33.6mpg / (Combined) 27.7mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front airbags / ABS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4215/1780/1740mm
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