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.
Highway Driving
When driving at highway speeds, pay
attention to the following:
• Stopping distance progressively
increases with vehicle speed. Apply the
brakes far enough ahead of the stopping
point to allow ...
Ride & Handling
It's a good thing that the SX4 handles better than it looks. It's as nimble
as the pros in this class — we're talking the likes of a Lancer, Mazda3 or
Focus. The steering wheel requires a bit mo ...
Gearshift Lever
Manual transmission
5-speed automatic transmission
Your vehicle is equipped with either a
manual transmission or automatic transmission.
The gearshift lever for each transmission
type is show ...