Suzuki Launches New Escudo (Vitara) in Japan
Photos
Next-Generation Grand Vitara to Still Feature Full Off-Road Capability
After almost seventeen years of production and several facelifts, Suzuki has just announced the replacement for its Escudo compact SUV. The Escudo, also known as the Vitara (variations include the V6-powered Grand Vitara and the extended-wheelbase XL-7) and in its early years as the Sidekick, gained international fame as one of the first mass-produced compact SUVs, bringing four-wheel drive and off-roading capabilities to market in a civilized, refined and value-priced package. In its years in production, Suzuki paired up with GM to produce variations on the original, successfully selling them as Chevrolets, Asunas, and even GMCs.
The new Escudo, which was introduced in Tokyo earlier last week, is essentially the production version of the Concept-X2 which debuted during the first half of 2005 at the New York Auto Show. From concept to production, only a few minor changes have been made, including less aggressive front and rear air dams, and reworked details such as lighting and mirrors to meet local market requirements. Suzukis new design language, launched with Project 357, gives the new Escudo a stocky but friendly appearance that should hopefully help it obtain the same success that it had with the first generation.
Like that first generation vehicle, Suzuki hopes to lure in new buyers with a tempting array of new technologies, a few of which are industry firsts on vehicles of this size. Most compact SUVs use a car-based monocoque chassis to ease the cost of development and improve structural rigidity. However, the original Escudo utilized a more durable, traditional ladder-on-frame-style chassis. For the next generation, Suzuki has followed in the footsteps of Land Rover and its LR3/Range Rover Sport, by putting together a hybrid unibody ladder-frame chassis which combines the best of the car and truck worlds, improving on refinement as well as on-road dynamics and crash test performance.
Underneath this highly advanced structure is an entirely new chassis. Suzuki has opted for multi-link suspensions up front and in
back, as opposed to a space-saving torsion beam or live axle. The switch to a multi-link suspension system should pay off, leapfrogging the Escudo into a formidable position against its peers with regard to its on-road dynamics. All this talk of unit-bodies and independent suspension may have some fundamentalist off-roaders in a fit, but the new Escudo should be as capable off-road as the old one, as it now has a revised full-time 4WD system that features a center locking differential
The new Escudo is a fair bit larger than the outgoing model, growing in every dimension to increase roominess and stability. Its about a foot longer at 172.8 inches, while its wheelbase has grown to 103.9 inches. Combined with a width that is 71.3 inches, and an overall height of 66.7 inches these increased dimensions as well as the lower center of gravity from the monocoque-inspired chassis and intelligently packaged running gear reduce the Escudos twitchy and often-times surprising handling.
Upon launch, Suzuki announced that it will offer the Escudo with two different engines: an entry-level 2.0-liter inline four, and an optional 2.7-liter V6. The basic engine generates 145 horsepower and 142 lb-ft of torque and is mated to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic, while the latter makes a much more respectable 184 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque and can only be had with a five-speed automatic. The V6 is the same engine currently found in the XL-7; its smooth and tractable nature should be a good match-up to the smaller Escudo. Both engines are powered by gas, though it is thought that a diesel variant will pop up once production is underway.
In Japan, compact SUVs are often viewed as items of luxury, which is quite different from our North American interpretation. As such, Suzuki has marketed the new Escudo there to include such features as high-intensity discharge headlamps, satellite navigation, a stability control program, ABS with brake force distribution, as well as front and side curtain airbags. Its unlikely that Suzuki will offer this technology in our North American models, as the brand is still under the stigma of producing cheap, value-driven automobiles. It would be a nice change, though.
Like the European and Japanese market Swift (Not the GMDAT developed Swift+), the Escudo is radically different in the execution of its interior. To boost its image, Suzuki has gone the extra mile to ensure that fabrics, plastics and other materials are of better quality, while the actual design is tasteful and pleasing to the eye. Inspired by sports cars and trendy 4×4s, such as the European Toyota Land Cruiser (Lexus GX470), the Escudo features a waterfall-style center console lined with faux metal accent trim. Judging from these initial photos, the Escudo is one of the finest looking products Suzuki has built to date, and is a leap forward in the right direction for the brand.
The Escudo is currently available in a five-seat, five-door wagon body style; it is expected that a stretched, seven-seat version will follow sometime in the following months. Whether or not Suzuki will produce a three-door version, or a soft-top convertible as with the first-generation Escudo, is unknown; while popular at launch, the model was eventually phased out in North America (and eventually the rest of the world) due to a lack of sales.
As in the past, its expected that Suzuki will share the Escudo with General Motors. It has been thought that this time around, Suzuki will be partnered with Fiat as opposed to North American GM products, helping Suzuki fortify its image as a purveyor of high-quality, affordable automobiles.
The Escudo will most likely make its European debut at the IAA in Frankfurt, Germany this September, while a North American debut would be scheduled towards the beginning of 2006 at either the Los Angeles or Detroit Auto Shows. In the meantime, Suzuki hopes to sell approximately 15,000 units per month of the Escudo in its home market, a lofty but attainable goal, provided that it is as good as it looks.
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