Going & Stopping
For a V-6 with paltry mileage, the Grand Vitara's acceleration is merely adequate. Our friends at MotorWeek clocked a comparably equipped 4WD Grand Vitara automatic's 0-60 mph time at 9.0 seconds. Rear-wheel drive or a manual transmission (or both) would make for quicker sprints. Though a four-cylinder has been rumored for the 2009 model year, pokier acceleration is practically guaranteed. A stronger V-6 has also been rumored, but we can't guess how that would affect mileage; it could well improve despite a power increase.
The antilock brakes have front discs and rear drums. Another disappointment, drum rear brakes are technically inferior and on their way out, though the Escape is another holdout. It's the result that counts more than the formula, though, and unfortunately MotorWeek cites a 60-0 mph stopping distance of 135 feet, which is a bit long.
See also:
Plain (Petite) Jane
Shop the competition, and the first thing you'll notice about the SX4 is its
diminutive size. A family friend who owns a Honda Fit said my test car looked
tiny. Technically, it isn't: The SX4 has ...
Cigarette Lighter and Ashtray
Cigarette Lighter (if equipped)
To use the cigarette lighter, push it all the
way into the receptacle and release it. It
will automatically heat up and will pop out
to its normal position when i ...
Listening to the Radio
Listening to the Radio
(1) Band switch button (FM/AM)
(2) Seek up button
(3) Seek down button
(4) Manual tuning knob
(5) Preset buttons (1 to 6)
(6) Auto store button (AS)/Scan button (SCAN)
...