SUZUKIEscudo / Grand Vitara 5 Doors 2005 - 2007

　　Suzuki introduced the third generation of the Grand Vitara/Escudo in 2005 and became one of the best budget-priced SUVs from its class.

　　The Japanese carmaker was already known for its impressive experience in building affordable SUVs. It proved it many times with the Samurai, Jimny, or Vitara. With the 2005 generation, Suzuki did more than just confirming its experience. It proved to be a better alternative for most hatchbacks and compact-sized station wagons. Moreover, it offered an all-wheel-drive version.

　　Once it abandoned the rounded shapes from the Grand Vitara's second generation, Suzuki rocketed its sales. The new design featured angular headlights and side windows. Its flared wheel-arches enhanced the off-road look even though it was not that hard-core off-road vehicle as its predecessors. Its front bumper was rounded and sported two grilles: one between the headlights and the other one lower in the apron, flanked by the fog lights. In the back, the carmaker kept the spare-wheel mounted on the tailgate, which was side-hinged.

　　The 2005 Grand Vitara/Escudo was only available with five seats and a generous trunk. Its instrument panel featured a Swift-inspired layout with three cylinders design that showed the speedometer in the middle, the tachometer on the left, and the fuel and temperature gauges on the right side. Also, an LCD displayed the on-board computer data regarding the fuel consumption, average speed, and distances.

　　Under the hood, Suzuki installed a wide engine choice ranged between 125 hp and 185 hp, paired with a five-speed manual as standard. Depending on the engine option, a four or five-speed automatic transmission was available. For selected markets, Suzuki offered the 2005 Grand Vitara/Escudo with a rear-wheel-drive system, while most of the markets received the all-wheel-drive version.

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