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Versatility with a twist is the game plan at American Suzuki Motor Corp. these days.

Suzuki has introduced an all-new sport utility vehicle for 1996. There are a plethora of SUV makes on the market, but the 1996 Suzuki X-90 stands by itself in the way of size.

The vehicle is a new concept for SUVs, sort of a one of a kind. Suzuki calls it an XUV, for X-ceptional utility vehicle. Drivers are apt to call it just plain fun.

“The auto industry is beginning to call this type vehicle a ‘mini-UTE,'” said Jim Webb, general sales manager for Butler Suzuki. “I understand that our competitors have something like this in the planning stage, but, as of now, this (X-90) is the only one on the market.”

Just one look at the X-90 dispels any question about its innovativeness. Its bulging fenders, two-seat cockpit, rear spoiler and rounded edges set the vehicle apart from other offerings in the SUV arena.

The X-90 hardly can be called a style leader. A more appropriate description is cute. The vehicle shows that sports and utility can come together in a small package.

The X-90 almost could be stored in the corner of the garage. The wheelbase is but 86.6 inches, the overall length 146.1 inches.

Compared to the general run of SUV models, these dimensions would appear to be on the stubby side. The X-90 doesn’t give the impression of being stubby, though. The rounded contours and sporty styling just make it appear compact.

The design parameters for an SUV are well-established, consisting of rugged construction, on-road or off-road capabilities, towing potential, and the ability to function as an urban or rural area means of transportation.

The X-90 possesses all of these features. The vehicle obviously isn’t designed to carry Mom, Pop, a flock of kids and a large dog.

It will carry two people, much in the same manner as a two-seater sports car. Unlike a sports car, the X-90 is built with the ruggedness of a pickup, and functions equally well whether on level pavement or ascending a mountain.

The sports orientation comes from the X-90’s T-top design. Driver and passenger can enjoy open-air motoring in pleasant weather. Should the climate turn lousy, a quiet and weather-resistant standard hardtop is easily installed.

Unlike most small cars, drivers of an X-90 sit up and take notice. There is a high driving position along with a high cowl. And seating for both driver and passenger is quite comfortable, courtesy of contoured bucket seats that provide good lateral support.

The interior styling is sort of jazzy, what with rather flashy looking fabric seating surfaces and vinyl bolsters. There even are fabric-covered inserts in the door panels to provide added zip to the decor.

The controls and their location are pretty much state- of-the-art. The floor section of a center console holds the shift level. The dash segment contains temperature and radio controls. Instrumentation includes a tachometer.

This all is standard stuff, so a first-time dri ver can slide behind the wheel and feel right at home.

Of interest is the fact that safety equipment includes driver- and passenger-side air bags, side impact beams, daytime running lights, and standard ABS (anti-lock) braking, which is traditionally carried as an optional-cost item on more expensive vehicles.

The X-90 is available in two configurations, a two- wheel drive version and a four-wheel drive. The transmission is a five-speed manual, or an optional four-speed automatic that is available only with four- wheel drive.

“I believe we’ll sell more of the four-wheel drives,” Webb said. “Our customers want the off-road capabilities.

“The transmissions are a toss-up. I’m expecting that a lot of young women are going to be buyers, so I think there will be about a 50/50 split between manual and automatics.”

Small vehicle, small engine relatively speaking. The motor is a 1.6-lit er (97-cubic-inch), 16-valve single overhead cam four-cylinder. The X-90 is fairly light at 2,493 p ounds, so the 95- horsepower engine can tow up to 1,000 pounds.