2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara impresses

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San Antonio.- The Grand Vitara was first introduced back in 2007, giving Suzuki something to brag about with great fuel economy, exceptional ride and handling that also offers above average style and a spacious interior.

In order to keep its competitive edge in the SUV market, Suzuki updated the Grand Vitara for the latest model year with updated headlights, a revamped bumper and a more modern-looking grille.

The interior benefits from some changes to include new seat fabrics, with a two-tone option and new very cool voice-activated navigation system, which is enhanced with streaming audio, as well as USB ports for a portable music player. The convenience of a rear vision camera is also available as an added accessory if you are willing to pay for it.

This innovative SUV offers generous seating for five, along with a spacious, flexible cargo area. With a 60/40 split rear bench the Grand Vitara, you can fold both sides of the rear seat forward and you can carry over 70 cubic feet of cargo.

Inside the Grand Vitara Limited seating is leather-appointed, front seats are heated and the steering wheel is leather-wrapped. The driver and passengers get a Touch Free Smart Key keyless start and entry system. If you are looking for some tunes to help pass the time, while on the drive, you get a seven-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with subwoofer and speed-sensing volume control.

The Grand Vitara is offered in three flavors: Base, Premium and Limited. However, the only engine option is a 2.4-liter four cylinder engine that generates 166 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The base model comes with a five-speed manual transmission, while a five-speed automatic is optional but is standard on the Premium and Limited trims.

Fuel numbers range from a 19/26 city/highway mpg for the manual transmission to 19/25 mpg for the automatic transmission. Full-time single-mode or four mode four-wheel-drive systems are available, both only with the automatic. The four-mode system includes 4H, 4H Lock (slippery), 4L Lock and Neutral positions and has a limited-slip center differential.  The Neutral position allows for flat towing behind recreational vehicles.

The Vitara does offer generous ground clearance, while making it easy for both the driver and passenger to easily climb into the cab. The view is spacious and allows the outside to easily come inside with a great view from both front and back seats. The Grand Vitara’s interior also offers generous seating area for five, along with a spacious, flexible cargo area for passengers' gear. With a 60/40 split rear bench the Grand Vitara accommodates a variable combination of passengers and cargo. Fold both sides of the rear seat forward and you can carry over 70 cubic feet of cargo, enough to support virtually any adventure.

For young children riding in the rear seat, the Grand Vitara provides rear child-seat tether anchors and rear child-seat anchors. The Grand Vitara Limited offers18-inch alloy wheels, with 4-mode 4WD that has flat-tow capability, in the event you get a flat. You also get a power glass sunroof with tilt, heated outside mirrors and fog lamps.

Some of the standard safety features include seat-mounted side-impact airbags for front seats, side curtain airbags with rollover sensors, antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and an electronic stability system.

You can pick up a Grand Vitara for just above $19,000 all the way up to $26,000 depending on the package you order. Now matter how you slice it that is a great deal of value for the dollar.

Go by your local dealership and ask for a test drive. You will see what I am talking about.