Ram, the GV stays somewhere in between, it is unibody on ladder frame.
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Originally Posted by Edmunds.com The 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara masters two competing opposites that often make or break so many small SUVs: on-road manners and off-road ability. Unlike the previous Grand Vitara (also sold as the Chevy Tracker), which was truck-based (had body-on-frame architecture) and quite capable in the rough, the new version features unibody construction. On a unibody vehicle, there is no separate frame and some body parts (such as the floors) are incorporated into the base structure of the car. The result is lighter weight and usually a smoother, more comfortable ride. But off-road ability is sacrificed as the unibody vehicle isn't as rugged.
In order to keep the previous Grand Vitara's off-road character, the new version incorporates a ladder frame into the unibody structure for an extra measure of off-road performance while still delivering a carlike highway feel. Like the new Chex Mix, it's "Sweet and Salty" at the same time. After a whole day of on- and off-road driving, we're happy to say that the unibody/ladder frame design works well. Off-road, the Grand Vitara tackled rutted trails and steep hills like a champ while still delivering a quiet and comfortable highway ride. |
None of the after market skid plates available for GV require any holes to be drilled. The chassis has bolt holes in the right places, even the local Maruti dealer has confirmed it. I am getting the aluminium plates made through them. All of overseas skid plates available for GV are using 6mm alumunium with many holes to allow servicing, weight reduction, debris clearance and flexibility. We will be doing the same. This is not really a new experiment.