The revision of Suzuki's compact-class sport-utility vehicle begins with a rigid new unit-body monocoque structure that's typically used for sporty cars rather than trucks. Grand Vitara in this re-do gains a fully independent suspension system and class-leading safety features plus options for dual-range 4WD traction. And the new Suzuki SUV feels frisky, due to a 3.4-liter V6 aboard pushing 185 hp.

Safety gear extends from an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) to traction control system (TCS) and electronic stability program (ESP), plus six air bags -- even side curtain-style air bags in the headliner.

Several optional packages dress up new Grand Vitara, such as the XSport with premium appointments, charcoal fender flares, rails on the roof and foglamps in fascia, 16-inch alloy wheels on the ground and a seven-speaker stereo audio in the cabin with six-disc CD changer.

Suzuki's largest SUV carries as many as seven riders on three rows of seats in a cabin that stretches long. The exterior design seems sophisticated and serious, as interior appointments rise in tone and quality.

Power comes from a 2.7-liter V6 that produces 185 hp through a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. A 4WD system is optional with push-button operation.

On 2006 issues of XL-7 the list of standard equipment expands to include ABS with EBD, roof rails and a skid plate on the bottom, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, power controls for windows and door locks plus the heated mirrors, a keyless remote entry with panic button and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Also new is an upgraded audio kit for AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA and rigging for XM satellite radio service.

Suzuki's subcompact Aerio series skews in formats of a conventional sedan or unconventional four-door hatchback. Both share a chassis, powertrain and mechanical hardware. Aerio the sedan and Aerio SX the hatch for 2006 appear in a single trim loaded with standard features with either FWD orientation or Suzuki's QuadGrip all-wheel-drive (AWD) system for sticky traction on slick pavement.

Advanced frontal and side-impact air bags apply to every Aerio, as does a twin-cam 2.3-liter four-pack engine that develops 155 hp. A short-stick manual five-speed stick is the norm, but an electronic automatic four-speed transaxle is available.

The cabin layout shows a pair of bucket seats in front followed by two Bolstered seats sculpted into a bench and divided by a fold-down armrest. Seatbacks on both sides of the bench drop forward independently to increase the size of the rear cargo compartment.

Suzuki's front-wheel-drive (FWD) flagship sedan fits in the mid-size category and supports a spacious five-seat cabin loaded with features of convenience and luxury. Verona shows sleek exterior styling in the manner of premium European touring sedans with foglamps in the bumper and twin-light halogen headlamps.

The sensuous body sculpting was developed by Giorgetto Giugiaro's studio in Italy, while Porsche of Germany contributed to the design of the aluminum in-line six-cylinder engine, which has dual overhead cams and a 2.5-liter displacement. It produces 155 hp and mates with a four-speed adaptive automatic transmission with step-gate shifter.

Verona's list of standards shows front foglamps and heated power mirrors, air conditioning, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, frontal and seat-mounted side air bags, cruise control and audio gear with in-dash CD deck and six speakers. Options reach to an automatic climate system, leather seat upholstery, power sunroof and 16-inch alloy wheels.

Pininfarina, the Italian design studio that has shaped some of the most beautiful cars in the world, worked out the original body styling for Suzuki's compact car. It emerged in 2004 as a four-door notchback sedan but in 2005 a five-door wagon variation showed up. For 2006 both versions return with FWD orientation but a restyled face with new fascia, grille and multi-reflector headlamps.

Forenza for 2006 comes as a base sedan and wagon loaded with gear and one upgrade from a premium package. Powertrain is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder plant achieving 126 hp and teaming with a five-speed manual or four-speed-automatic transmission.

In the cabin contoured bucket seats mount up front on either side of a padded console, while the rear bench, notched with seats for two but space for three, has a seatback that splits and folds in two sections.