4-1
DRIVING TIPS
78RB1-01E
52D078
Important Vehicle Design
Features to Know
Multipurpose vehicles such as your new
SUZUKI have higher ground clearance
and a narrower track than conventional
passenger cars, to make them capable of
performing in a wide variety of off-road
applications. Specific design characteris-
tics give them a higher center of gravity
than ordinary cars. An advantage of the
higher ground clearance is a better view of
the road allowing you to anticipate prob-
lems. They are not designed for cornering
at the same speed as conventional pas-
senger cars any more than low-slung
sports cars are designed to perform satis-
factorily under off-road conditions. If at all
possible, avoid sharp turns or abrupt
maneuvers. As with other vehicles of this
type, failure to operate this vehicle cor-
rectly may result in loss of control or vehi-
cle rollover. Multipurpose vehicles have a
significantly higher rollover rate than other
types of vehicles. In a rollover collision, an
unbelted person is significantly more likely
to die than a person wearing a seat belt.
Important Differences Between
Your Multipurpose Vehicle and
Ordinary Passenger Cars
Higher Ground Clearance
The higher ground clearance of your vehi-
cle enables it to clear off-road obstacles,
such as rocks and tree stumps, that ordi-
nary passenger cars cannot drive over. An
unavoidable result of this higher ground
clearance is that the vehicle also has a
higher center of gravity. Consequently,
your vehicle will handle differently than a
vehicle with a lower center of gravity.
Shorter Wheelbase
Along with its higher ground clearance,
your vehicle has a shorter wheelbase and
shorter front and rear overhangs than the
typical passenger car. These features
combine to allow you to drive your vehicle
over hillcrests without hanging up on them
or damaging the frame and chassis com-
ponents. The shorter wheelbase also
makes the steering of your vehicle more
responsive than that of vehicles with lon-
ger wheelbases.
WARNING
• Fasten your seat belts at all times.
Even though airbags are equipped
at the front seating positions, the
driver and all passengers should
be properly restrained at all times,
using the seat belts provided. Refer
to “Seat belts and child restraint
systems” section for instructions
on proper use of the seat belts.
• Never drive under the influence of
alcohol or other drugs. Alcohol and
drugs can seriously impair your
ability to drive safely, greatly
increasing the risk of injury to
yourself and others. You should
also avoid driving when you are
tyred, sick, irritated or under
stress.
WARNING
Your multipurpose vehicle has han-
dling characteristics that differ from
those of a conventional passenger
car. For the safety of you and your
passengers, please read the follow-
ing section very carefully.
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