Generally, the idea of driving a Suzuki doesn’t thrill me. Call me a plain old snob, but this Japanese brand hadn’t managed to woo me on my sporadic test drives. Maybe it has something to do with the company’s original purpose — to create looms. I do love a beautiful silk wrap, but this seems a far cry from solid car sensibilities. Suzuki, the 11th largest automaker, hasn’t manufactured silk since 1951, and I suppose its cars and bikes deserve a fair shake. The bikes look cool, but Suzuki cars?
Well then, imagine my surprise when I came away from the Suzuki Grand Vitara X Sport feeling good about the Suzuki. This is a thoughtful CUV for an unexperienced mom on the go (moi) with improved gas mileage (well over 20 mpg).
That’s right, the awkward pieces of the Baby Einstein jungle gym slipped easily into the netted trunk space without any pushing or pulling. With V-6 power I was able to get out and go, which became a necessity as a crazy driver attempted to run us over as we pulled out on the block. To cut us off, he ran a red light at top speed through the historic district that I park in. At that moment, I experienced a common dual-diagnosis of new-mom panic and road rage, as I patted the rear disc brakes, avoiding the maniac. Nothing happened, but I was extra grateful for the standard roll-over sensors on the curtain airbags and a strengthened frame that increases rigidity. The armrest with slide function was useful for storing my bobbles for quick hasty hiding. (Best not to leave belongings in sight as car window break-ins are on the rise. Suzuki definitely hangs with its contenders — namely the Honda CRV. While materials aren’t overly fancy in the XSport compared to the luxury version– it’s a good $20,000 toy that gets the job done.
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