Throughout each model year, car buyers are bombarded with advice from friends and family, and seemingly inescapable automotive advertising that permeates every medium known to man. Despite this, new rides that deserve consideration but don’t get it will go largely unnoticed by the shopping masses. Exactly why this happens is a mystery – it could be a lack of advertising (imagine that!), dealers that are few and far between, or weak brand cachet. Regardless, the result is that great cars often sit in showrooms collecting dust simply because consumers don’t know about them.

This year, the best of the wallflowers is the 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara, a distinctive little SUV that’s been totally redesigned. The lineup includes Base, XSport, Premium, and Luxury models with a 185-horsepower, 2.7-liter V6 that pushes power to either the rear wheels or all four. Prices range from $19,594 to $25,294, with all models receiving standard power door locks, antilock brakes, traction and stability control systems, a CD player, air conditioning, cruise control, and front side-impact airbags. Options are limited to a five-speed automatic on Base and Premium models (XSport and Luxury come with the auto) and 16-inch alloy wheels for the least expensive versions.

Those are nice features, but what really makes the 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara worth consideration are its styling, off-road capability, and impressive seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The new look, complete with sharp, crisp lines, aggressive and angular headlights, and a simple yet contemporary interior rivals the class-leading Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V in terms of appearance. Four-wheel-drive Grand Vitaras are true off-roaders with a two-speed transfer case, including a 4-Lo setting for serious terrain; XSport and Luxury trims add a standard center locking differential for even more bite. Back on the pavement, the Grand Vitara offers a controlled ride and predictable handling, while the comfortable interior boasts room for five adults and up to 68.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the split rear bench seat folded.

All told, the 2006 Grand Vitara is leaps and bounds ahead of its predecessor, and is a test-drive must for shoppers of small SUVs who need that extra bit of real 4WD capability. – Thom Blackett

Photos courtesy of the manufacturers