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Suzuki XL-7 The new 2007 XL-7 model has been announced as per the main page ! In a bit of twist in 4wd terms the XL-7 is not even based on the new SGV. Rather an existing GM platform. Usually its the other way round ! 4 Door Suzuki Grand Vitara Even with the brief time I had with this version I can say that the 4 door model is a more logical replacement for the previous version. It feels modern and airy with no loss of that solid feel. Nice touches and detail make this feel like a more expensive car. The 4wd system is a definite improvement ! (pity I can't say that about the 2 door version) The system is a constant 4wd with a dial that activates your desired 4wd mode. Modern definitely but I missed the extra lever that selects the mode but that's just me. You get 4 high range (normal), 4 high range with locked centre diffs and 4 low range with locked centre diff. You even get a N or neutral mode ! So bonus points for a most advanced system than any other 4wd in its class. I didn't get to go off road for 4wding, so based on specs I can easily say that it will go much further off the track than it competitors and possibly further than the prior version in standard trim. The auto transmission feels smoother that the prior version with a 'power button'. Points for filling in the dreaded switch blanks. All versions get a basic 'climate control' air conditioning. Now its not a full system as per more expensive cars. (Ie. where you can control different sides or front and rear and where there is an actual read out of the temperature.) Again I think this a definition thing - I feel that the red-blue range has been replaced by numbers. But least the air vents and fan speed can work automatically. So I would call it a part 'climate control' system. Nevertheless its a great addition. The driving characteristics are similar to the old version - as I remember it from 3 years ago ! except it has less body roll hence much more car like. It doesn't bump steer any more either as expected with independent suspension. From the few corners I did it really quite good. So overall its pretty good compromise. The ride quality was similar to the old version so its not too bad. The brakes feel much better thanks to EBD, the prior version didn't feel as secure under hard braking. The Australian versions do not get 4 wheel discs - which is a bit sad. Can't comment on fuel consumption. The engine was again typically Suzuki tight and it still has that characteristic roar. However I did detect some transmission whine. Again most constant 4wds have some sort of transmission whine but now I'm not sure whether it was just the stereo or tyres. Although the engine has 2.7 litres, any performance advantage is negated by the 200+ extra kgs in overall weight which is a pity. Added to that is the need to rev a bit higher to access that performance - typical of this series of engine - even in the prior version. Conclusion so far: It is an improvement over the previous version. However there are a few issues - namely in the quest for a better handling and feel, it's missing that 'body calmness' that the prior version has. This factor is can't be measured and is hard to describe. Perhaps its just me. I'm sure Suzuki will sort out that issue over the model cycle ! So the answer to the final question - would I recommend it ? Hmmm... of course. Cost wise it is cheaper than it rivals on a feature for feature basis. As with all Suzuki products don't have high expectations and you will be impressed at the least more than happy. To be honest I need more time with the Vitara to make and decent sort of conclusion. More to come... Summary and improvement list Coming shortly.
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Suzuki Grand Vitara 2006 to 200? This page is where you'll find all the info about the latest incarnation of the 2006 and 2007 Grand Vitara. Grand Vitara Special Editions April 2007 sees the introduction of another Grand Vitara Trekker edition with similar bonuses as the 2006 version except that it extends to the V6 and 4 cylinder models as well. A new additions include a portable Garmin GPS or satellite navigation system, front nudge bar, Waeco mobile fridge/warmer, headlight covers, full floor mat set, 6 stacker CD player and weather shields. Prices remain the same as the prior edition. From September 2006 onwards Australia sees that introduction to the Grand Vitara Prestige. As you can guess this is the luxury version and adds a number of unique features. Eg. Remote starting, 17' alloys and every possible combination of airbags. RRP is expected to be $36,990 AUST. For Australia Mid 2006 saw the introduction the special edition Trekker SGV. This model starts from $28,990 for the 4 cylinder model and $30,990 for the V6. This edition includes accessory bonuses. They include fog lights, bonnet and headlight covers, tow bar, roof rack, luggage pod, multi-stacker, floor mats, luggage covers, weather shields for the windows and wait for it ... Trekker decals. :) 2 Door Suzuki Grand Vitara The 2 door model has suffered the most in this update. It mainly due to the engine and 4wd system. Lets face it a 1.6 litre petrol even the diesel is better but unfortunately not available. The 4wd system is only limited to high range. I guess they're following Toyota's lead. To its credit though the 2 door version is the only 2 door 4wd available in Australia. If you've read my other pages you'll realise that the high range 4wd is fine for most 4WD driving circumstances but low range is still handy to have especially if you have a smaller engine. The interior uses up to date features and the quality of materials is high but don't appear as 'heavy duty' as the prior version. That said it feels thoroughly modern and certainly top of its class. Lets face it the older version except for the 2003 update may have looked dated but the materials used where tough and thick. On the exterior side of things, the loss of side cladding makes a modern style statement but looks 'cheap' without it. That said the latest Rav4 has the same look issues. Even worst is the location of the muffler - you can see it hanging out the back. Generally prior version RAV-ish in side profile with hints of the new Jeeps in appearance and not ugly at all apart from some details. Fully independent suspension is a worthy addition however losing some 4wd ability. That said without proper low range and LSD it is even harder to convince me that it has equivalent 4wd ability as the prior model. So what's it like to drive ? In a word OK just like the last one. It's certainly not fast but the test car's engine was still typically Suzuki tight. I didn't get a manual so can't say much about it just yet. But the auto seems to work fine. The interior is not as quiet as the previous version and it did not seem as distance in feel as the prior version. Speaking of handling it has less body roll but handles like the prior version ! However because of the lower torque and power its doesn't have the same fun factor. I can't say whether the wet weather issue still applies as it was a sunny day. The ride is very similar to the prior model meaning that it is actually quite good. Overall I wish I could say it is an improvement but I can't. Would I get one as a replacement for the old version - No - only because its not cheap enough (Based on Australian pricing). However if they threw in alloy wheels, and free on roads it becomes competitive. If I was considering it as a suitable alternative for a regular car - probably. If only they released it with the former version's 2.0 litre engine or new one even a V6 ... I could probably live with the short comings ! Remember this is my opinion from a test drive. The 2 door version is a definite try before you buy for this model.
FAQ Is this model as good as the new RAV4 ?
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