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LAS VEGAS — Suzuki’s Grand Vitara XL-7 is both bigger and smaller.

It is bigger than the base model by 19.6 inches, which means it has a fold-up third seat that gives seating for seven, although third-row occupants will have to be kids.

It is smaller because even though Suzuki stretched the Grand Vitara by more than a foot and a half, it is still not nearly as big as the full-size SUV behemoths, and that makes it right at home in the confines of the city.

The XL-7 was first shown as a concept last January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, but the production version goes on sale Dec. 1. Suzuki expects the XL-7 to account for about half of all Grand Vitara sales.

Prices start at $20,299 for the two-wheel-drive standard model and top out at $24,999 for the four-wheel-drive Touring version. Standard equipment includes air conditioning with a micron filter, power windows and locks, keyless remote entry, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, privacy glass on the rear windows, rear wiper and a first-aid kit.

The Touring package adds 16-inch alloy wheels, AM/FM/CD player, fog lamps, anti-lock brakes and a power sunroof. Next spring Suzuki will introduce

a Limited edition with leather upholstery and running boards. Price and availability of the Limited has not been announced.

Suzuki created the XL-7 by stretching the Grand Vitara’s wheelbase by 12.6

inches, lengthening the back door by nearly a foot and fitting a small third

seat under the cargo floor. Compared to its main competitors, the XL-7 is 18

inches longer than the Toyota RAV4, 10 inches longer than the Ford Escape and

Mazda Tribute, and six inches longer than the Honda CR-V.

The larger size demanded more power and torque. To get both, the 2.5-liter all-aluminum V6 was enlarged to 2.7 liters. Transmission choices include a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. Towing capacity is 3,000 pounds.

On a recent test drive near Las Vegas, it was clear that Suzuki’s decision to create a larger Grand Vitara makes sense. Suzuki expects nearly 70 percent of buyers to be female, and city use will heavily outweigh off-road use. The ride has been tuned to be more compliant and comfortable, a goal aided also by the longer, 110.2-inch wheelbase.

The XL-7 lacks the fluid ride and crisp cornering of the Ford Escape, but it

cuts through turns securely and with a minimum of body lean. Severly rippled

pavement brought shudders and jiggles as the solid rear axle coped with the

bumps.

The shift-on-the-fly transfer case can be shifted into four-wheel drive at any speed up to 60 mph. A pneumatic actuator also engages the front axle so the front hubs lock automatically. The extra-low gear and 7.5 inches of ground clearance gives it genuine off-road capability, something not found in many of its competitors.

The 2.7-liter engine has 170 horsepower, but its maximum torque is crea ted at fairly high revs. Climbing some of the hills southeast of Las Vegas required full throttle to maintain 65 mph. On flat roads it cruised easily at 70 mph. Wind and road noise were moderate.

The front seats and instrument panel are the same as the smaller Grand Vitara. The seats are comfortable and have fold-down in-board armrests. Grab handles over the doors help get in and out. The stereo system sounds good and has large buttons. There are two cupholders in the center console.

The second seat rides on a track that allows fore-aft adjustment. It can be scooted close to the front seat to increase legroom for third-seat passengers, for example, or to make it easy to reach an infant in a child seat.

The third seat is mainly intended for small children. I was able to squeeze back there but legroom was non existent unless the second seat was moved forward.

The rear cargo floor has a small storage tray underneath and a second power outlet.

It’s tempt g to think of the XL-7 strictly as an urban mom-mobile because that is essentially the market at which it is aimed. It has room to haul six kids, is attractively priced and thoughtfully equipped. In addition, it has modest off-road capability.

Price

I drove a Touring model with automatic transmission, and its sticker price was $24,999.

Warranty

Three years or 36,000 miles.

To get in touch with Tom Strongman call (816) 234-4349 or e-mail:

strongmn@kcstar.com.

There is no At A Glance box because this was a new-model introduction, not a regular test drive of a production vehicle.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Engine: 2.7-liter V6

Transmission: automatic

Four-wheel drive

Wheelbase: 110.2 inches

Curb weight: 3,703 lbs.

Base price: $24,499

As driven: $24,999

Mpg rating: 17 city, 20 hwy.