Top Grand Vitara gains ESP

Suzuki's off-road friendly Grand Vitara takes another step forward in the quest for completely car-like on-road SUV stability through the addition of electronic stability control (ESP) to the standard equipment lineup in the top of the range Prestige model.

Thus the compact full-time 4WD off-roader joins the growing throng of SUVs to adopt ESP as a means of countering perceived stability issues.

There's nothing unusual about the Suzuki system. It employs yaw sensors as well as steering wheel angle sensors to determine whether or not the vehicle is about to under or oversteer, applying selective braking to the appropriate wheel and limiting engine power delivery if necessary.

The ESP system works via the ABS anti-lock braking system (with EBD) that is standard across the Grand Vitara range.

Also part of the Prestige model is a factory-fitted sunroof.

Passive safety equipment for the Prestige includes dual front and front side airbags, as well as full-length "curtain" airbags. Three and five-door Grand Vitara models get dual front airbags only.

Other standard gear in the Grand Vitara Prestige includes 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, leather steering wheel, leather seats and a seven-speaker, six-disc in-dash CD sound system with MP3 compatibility.

ESP, along with the sunroof, comes to the Grand Vitara Prestige without a price penalty -- although neither is available on lesser models.

The 2.7-litre, 135kW V6-engined Grand Vitara Prestige is fitted with standard automatic transmission and is priced from $36,990.

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