Its engine is dutifully up to either task too, a 2.7-litre, 24-valve, DOHC V6 that produces 185-horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. I

The optional five-speed automatic assists the V6 in delivering decent performance and a pretty reasonable 12.4 L/100 km city and 9.3 L/100 km highway fuel consumption rating. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

wouldn't go so far to say that Suzuki's little six is best-in-class, but I never felt let down when attempting passing maneuvers, probably due to the optional five-speed automatic that came equipped in my JLX-Leather example - a combination that also allows a pretty reasonable 12.4 L/100 km city and 9.3 L/100 km highway fuel consumption rating.

I mentioned previously that I was almost entirely impressed with the new Grand Vitara. Why the hesitation to say that I wasn't completely impressed? Well, there are a few things. First, the hood is heavy

The engine is a little loud when pushed and tends to hold the lower gear longer than it needs to after the foot pulled off the throttle. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

enough for a good workout, which is more of a niggling nuisance than a real problem.

Second, while the engine, transmission combo is extremely smooth and refined when tooling around town or even while cruising the highway, when passing at full throttle it's a little on the loud side and tends to hold the lower gear longer than it needs to after the pass is completed and the foot pulled off the throttle. But this, once again, is something I could live with, while my third complaint is something that would prove a challenge.