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:
Remote Audio Controls (if equipped)
Remote Audio Controls (if equipped)
You can control basic functions of the
audio system with the switches on the
steering wheel.
To control the volume:
• To increase the volume, push the uppe ...
Ride & Handling
If you've been shopping around and test-driving small crossovers, you're
probably already familiar with the firm ride many of them offer. There are only
a handful of models in the segment, like th ...
Winning Styling
The Kizashi actually turns heads, and that's rare in the midsize sedan class.
After more than a year, I like it even more; with the new Sport treatment, the
car looks a bit more aggressive without ...