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:
Rear Window Defroster and Outside Rearview Mirrors Defroster (if equipped)
Switch
Rear Window Defroster and Outside Rearview Mirrors Defroster (if equipped)
Switch
When the rear window is fogged, push this
switch to clear the window.
If the outside rearview mirror has the ...
Off-Road
We drove an RMZ-4 Equator around several trails at Knibbe Ranch, about 55
miles north of San Antonio. The ranch, consisting of 2,000 acres of Texas hill
country, is mostly covered with scrub oak a ...
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 ...