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2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara Test Drive and Review

From

In the Grand Vitara Driver's Seat
2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara

2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara

(c) Philip Powell
I hate to admit this but I find pleasure in any vehicle where I can easily step up and in. Which instantly made me like the Grand Vitara. I found visibility to be excellent, admired the elegance of the interior, appreciated the power windows, wondered why there were no power seats. Not that I'm lazy, mind you, but this was an odd omission in an otherwise well-equipped vehicle. On the other hand, those seats were heated and with temps getting close to freezing I appreciated the bum-warmers. Opened the sunroof, cranked up the heat, motored off in perfect comfort.

But not before cursing the remote. With the key in your pocket you can start the engine. Fine, except the system requires manipulating the typical keyhole slot in a manner that is awkward and, well, downright stupid. Classic example of wanting to be cool without cool thinking. That aside, I liked the panel design even if it did take time to figure out the heating system.

In back there was plenty of legroom and headroom. Yet something was digging into my shoulders (oh, right, lift the headrests, dummy!) Those split-folding seats are a bit too firm but being raised above the front offer decent visibility. Ladies... don't expect to hang anything larger than a wire hangar on the coat hooks. Men and women will, however, appreciate a cargo door that swings rather than raises... if only Suzuki realised we drive on the right and the door should open to the left for safety. Cargo capacity is average.

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