Suzuki adds $600 to base price of redesigned Grand

[Northstar]

By Greg Migliore
Automotive News / August 22, 2005

http://www.autonews.com/news.cms?newsId=13123

DETROIT -- Suzuki's redesigned 2006 Grand Vitara SUV is getting a $604 price increase for base models when it arrives in showrooms in September.

The Grand Vitara has a new, light-weight unibody with a built-in ladder frame, which Suzuki says delivers a smoother ride. The vehicle also is 1.2 inches wider and 12 inches longer than the 2005 model.

It is has a 2.7-liter V-6 engine that makes 185 hp. The base model has a five-speed manual transmission, six airbags and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $19,594 including $595 in shipping charges.

Four-wheel drive is an option.

The premium package adds alloy wheels, a six-disc CD changer and privacy glass. It starts at $20,494 with shipping charges.

The XSport package, which begins at $21,994 with shipping, also includes fender flares, five-speed automatic transmission and a keyless entry and starting system.

The luxury package includes leather seats and a sunroof. It starts at $23,894 with shipping charges.

[CSpec]

RWD? On Theta? That has to be a typo.

[Northstar]

It's not on Theta. The Grand Vitara is on a RWD/AWD platform.

Click Here and then click on "2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara: All New From The Ground Up" for the press release.

[CSpec]

Oh that's strange. I assumed it was on Theta because it's built at CAMI and has the same width as the VUE/Equinox.

[BrewSwillis]

At least they are not showing it going anywhere unrealisticly offroad........rain, sand, packed snow! :lol:

[The O.C.]

I saw my first one today out in Riverside and it's a SERIOUSLY nicely put together little SUV. It's an amazing accomplishment for Suzuki! This one was a 2wd base model with steel wheels but for the $20,500 msrp it still had the 2.7L V6, power windows, locks, mirrors, cruise, AC, and decent CD stereo. It was bright red with a black cloth interior. It appears bigger in person than a RAV4 and maybe a smidgeon shorter than a CR-V. Very similar to an Escape, Tucson, Sportage. Bit smaller than an Equinox or Torrent. Fit-and-finish appeared to be top notch and the base cloth interior in black was sharp looking. Dash style and materials look to be top of the class right now (YES...from Suzuki....top notch materials and style!) The instrument cluster was reminiscent of the Mazda3's....with the three individual instrument cowls. Wheel was a sporty three spoke with cruise and audio controls on the spokes. It should drive well. The 2.7L V6 is really smooth, quiet, and is a nice revver.....feels and sounds good in an XL-7 I drove so it should be pretty nice in the new Grand Vitara. Also, it gets a 5-speed automatic. Now if they'd just bring the new Swift over that they just introduced in Europe.....Suzuki's take on the MINI.

[HarleyEarl]

I really like this Suzuki. It is a good looking suv.

[Cory Wolfe]

Wow... I am actually amazed. This is the best looking small SUV I think I've ever seen... And it's RWD? :o I now have new-found love for Suzuki.

[Robert Hall]

Looks pretty nice...interesting details...the headlight clusters remind me alot of the previous Grand Cherokee.

[HarleyEarl]

[HarleyEarl]

Here's the concept it is based on:

[HarleyEarl]