Description
This model was introduced to the US market in September 1998. The Grand Vitara was sold as a replacement for the Sidekick (the first generation Vitara/Escudo in the North American version) and was a pair of regular Vitara with a 1.6L engine. -liter or 2.0-liter engine.
Under the hood of all Grand Vitara of this modification is only a 2.5-liter V6 engine. It is one of the smallest V6 engines ever sold in the US market. It was a 24-valve V6 OHV engine with about 155 hp. (165 hp after restyling). The engine is surprisingly quiet, fuel consumption is excellent - consumption in the urban cycle is about 12-13 liters.
The main advantage of this modification is a rigid frame, independent suspension with MacPherson struts at the front and spring suspension at the rear. At the same time, when driving, the car behaves like a normal station wagon.