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32 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday May 9, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara By Michael Goetz OAKVILLE BEAVER SPECIAL The Suzuki Grand Vitara is an intriguing mix of SUV ideologies, so we very much wanted to experience one on a long-term basis. Suzuki Canada obliged and delivered to our offices a JLX model garbed in splendid silver. The Power Point presentation on Grand Vitara would start with these salient bits: All new for model-year 2006; In the hope of adding on-road refinement, Suzuki adapted a unibody structure and independent suspension; In the hope of also maintaining some off road credentials and some towing capacity, Suzuki welded to this structure a quasi-ladder frame; Only available engine is the 2.7-litre V6 with 185 hp and 184 lb-ft or torque; Lots of standard safety systems, such as full-time fourwheel drive, side and curtain airbags, electronic stability control with traction control, and with electronic brake force distribution. You can have all of the above, and more, for as low as $24,495 (JA model with five-speed manual). The model hierarchy is JA, JX, JLX, and JLX Leather. Our JLX, at $28,995, was only one rung below the all-conquering JLX Leather model ($29,995), so had lots of gear on board -- most notable were the all-new fivespeed automatic transmission, 17-inch aluminium wheels, power sunroof, and the six speaker six-CD stereo. In Canada, all models come with a full-time 4x4 system (in the U.S. and other markets, there are rear-drive 2X4 models). On dry pavement, the system sends torque to the front and rear wheels in a 47/53 split, and readjusts torque as necessary when the wheels start slipping. On the JLX Leather models, the 4x4 unit also offers the capability to electronically lock the differential, and drivers can also shift the system into a low range -- so that model would be the one to get if you want to get really dirty. For 2007, Suzuki will put this "fourmode" system on every model except JA. Not sure why Suzuki didn't offer this system on less luxurious models right off the start, but we're not here to second-guess the automaker ... Hey, wait a minute, yes, we are here to secondguess the automakers, that's our job. But it's also our job to tell you what impressed us, so let's start with that first. It's more polite. The friendly price was a common refrain in the logbook. "Fully under $30K for a fully loaded full-time 4x4 SUV," is how one driver summed up the value quotient. Another thought it fulfilled a relevant niche: "It's a step up in both capability and amenities, from most compact SUVs and crossovers, and yet keeps you from falling into the clutches of that pack of larger and more pretentious SUVs." We didn't test its 4x4 capabilities to the limit, but did take it mildly off-road on several occasions, with predictable results -- it did the job just fine. What we did do a lot was place our butts into the driver's seat and hit the highway. Here's a selection of what was said by the owners of those butts. "Nice firm suspension, handles well, and doesn't lean too much for an SUV" ... "Nice, smallish V6, not fussy, good low-end torque"... "Love the steering wheel, nice and fat and solid, and gives the whole vehicle a feeing of stoutness" ... "Firm suspension and full-time four-wheel drive conspire to give the Grand Vitara an extremely well-planted feel on the highway" ... "Nice and tight, no rattles" ... "Quality seats, both in terms of materials and performance. Experienced no bum fatigue whatsoever, Continued on Page 35 2007Grand Vitara Standard 4WD/2.7 litre, V6 engine, 6 standard airbags/ABS with EBD climate control A/C Fuel economy: City -- 13.0 L/100 km; Hwy -- 9.5 L/100 km Lease $ * per month ** from Lease % For 60 months rate Down payment $2,595 / MSRP $25,495* For more information, visit GRANDVITARA.ca 2007SX4 Available AWD / 2.0 litre, 4 cylinder 6 standard airbags / ABS with brake assist Fuel economy: City -- 9.2 L/100 km; Hwy -- 6.9 L /100 km Lease $ per month from Lease % For 60 months rate Down payment $1,625 / MSRP $15,995* For more information, visit SX4.ca 299 2.9 199 2.9 AJAC Award Finalist Best new SUV / CUV ($35,000 / $60,000) category Suzuki of Oakville 2219 Wyecroft Road, Oakville, ON L6L 5L7 905-469-2429 · Toll Free 1-866-229-3897 fax 905-469-4562 SUZUKI.ca CONSUMERS SHOULD READ THE FOLLOWING: Vehicles may not be exactly as shown. *MSRP for the 2007 SX4 with manual transmission (model H3N83N7) 2007 Grand Vitara with Standard 4WD (model LLN8EN6). Destination and Delivery ($1,095 / $1,295) not included in MSRP. Registration fee, license, insurance, administration fees and applicable taxes are not included. **Limited time offer to qualified retail customers on approved credit (O.A.C.) available through FinancialLinx to lease a new 2007 SX4 with manual transmission (model H3N83N7) 2007 Grand Vitara with Standard 4 WD (model LLN8EN6). for 60 months. Down payment of $1,625 / $2,595 or equivalent trade-in, with 100,000 km total mileage allowance ($0.10/km for excess mileage). First month's lease payment is required at lease inception. Lease payments include Destination and Delivery ($1,095/$1,295). This offer does not include license, insurance, acquisition fees of $350, administration fees, PPSA of $60 + taxes and any applicable taxes which are due at lease inception. ***These offers cannot be combined with any other offer except for the Suzuki Graduate Program. With the Suzuki Graduate Program, recent university or college graduates may be eligible for an allowance on the purchase or lease of certain models. Fuel economy based on Transport Canada ratings. Source: Association of International Automobile Manufacturers of Canada (AIAMC). Based on 2006 calendar year. Dealers may lease or sell for less. See participating dealers for details.