From time to time, I get asked to suggest good values in cars. Without hesitation, I always mention Asian manufacturers that might not readily come to mind, particularly Hyundai, Kia and Suzuki.

Once all considered sub-par when compared to industry leaders Honda and Toyota, the unheralded abovementioned trio have all come into their own as formidable competitors to the industry's heavy-hitters.

A prime example is the 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara, the Japanese-manufactured compact SUV. It's a surprisingly impressive vehicle. From its comfort, smooth ride, interior and exterior refinement and long list of standard features, the Grand Vitara matches well against any many competitors. Add its reasonable price point, and the Grand Vitara's appeal is only further enhanced.

Redesigned in 2006, the current edition has only small updates — a trip computer and a tire-pressure monitor. My weekly driver, the uplevel Xsport model, and its siblings, feature a 2.7-liter, 185-horsepower V6 with a five-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment. (The automatic transmission is an option on base models.)

It's rare when the words Suzuki and stylish are included in the same sentence, but Grand Vitara's redesign included an interior and interior overhaul. On the inside, the dash and gauges are not design afterthoughts as is sometimes the case in lower-priced SUVs.

Rather, the entire console is ideally situated with clean and easy-to-use functionality, with gauges and dials positioned handsomely inside simulated aluminum. It's a high-class look without a corresponding high price.

The Grand Vitara holds five passengers and it's offered in four levels: base, premium, Xsport and luxury. Each is available with two-wheel rear drive or all-wheel drive and each with automatic and manual transmissions, with the exception of the Xsport. It's only transmission is automatic.

Base models
include automatic climate control, cruise control, remote keyless entry, fully power accessories and an MP3/CD stereo with steering-wheel controls. The Xsport adds alloy wheels, a six-disc CD changer, privacy glass, a roof rack and the SmartPass keyless start system. The luxury model features 17-inch alloy (the other models have 16-inch wheels), a moonroof, leather seating with heated front seats and wood grain trim.

The Grand Vitara's interior good looks are complemented by comfortable cloth seats and plenty of head and leg room in both the front and back seats.

Sport utility vehicles, of course, are purchased for myriad reasons. The Grand Vitara is not among the fastest SUVs on the market. It's rated at 9.4 seconds for the standard 0-60 mph calculation. But as a transport vehicle it has better-than-average cargo space and the rear seatbacks fold easily without removing the headrests. The all-wheel drive models are also  RV towable and can pull 3,000 pounds. Some less-than-treacherous off-road usage is also feasible and gives the Grand Vitara additional functionality.


The Weekly Driver: 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara

Safety Features – Front and rear passenger curtain airbags, font passenger side airbags.

Fuel Mileage (estimates) – 19 mpg (city), 23 mpg (highway).

Warranty – Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Powertrain, 7 years/100,000 miles, Corrosion, 3 years/unlimited miles; (24-hour) roadside assistance program, 3 years/36,000 miles.

Base Price – $22,899.00