Suzuki Vitara

Suzuki Vitara – Overview

Suzuki’s B-segment Vitara SUV which have not reach our shore yet, recently find its debut in the Philippines. The subcompact crossover is currently only available in three markets in ASEAN – Brunei, Singapore, and the Philippines. Nonetheless, the Vitara badge (known as Grand Vitara) has been around in Malaysia since 2005, while getting a mild facelift in 2008.

Suzuki Vitara - Exterior

The fourth generation of Suzuki Vitara marks the automakers entry into the subcompact SUV crossover segment. One of key element for the Vitara is its all-wheel-drive (AWD) system known as AllGrip, promised to bring the best of driving experience. Thus, explained its aggressive crossover design yet, cute in size. Being slightly smaller than the previous generation making the Vitara easier to drive on narrow roads and tight parking spaces perfect for urban use.

From the outside, Vitara seems carrying a similar styling cue to its predecessor. The current model gets sleek and modern profile. Its front-end featuring a wraparound LED headlamps, large grille, and a muscular bumper which bring fresh look to the New Vitara.

The essence of Suzuki’s design can be seen through its bold 5-element grille, strong front bumper finished off with stylish chrome accents. The Vitara AllGrip variant is equipped with premium-looking side chrome molding, chrome door garnish and 17-inch polished alloy wheel, wrapped with 215/55R17 tyres.

As far as the eye can see, the only difference between the FWD and AWD variants is the AllGrip badge on the tailgate. Everything else is similar including the LED headlights, chrome door handles, chrome front grille, and two-tone exterior paint.

Under its hood, Vitara is powered by a 1.6L DOHC 16-valve Inline-4 MPI VVT petrol engine that is capable of producing a maximum power output of 115 HP, generating a peak torque of up to 156 NM. Additionally, it’s front-wheel-drive gets an exclusive six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

Suzuki Vitara – Interior

For the interior, Suzuki Vitara introduces new geometric pattern leather seats, chrome finishing accents for the air-con vents and instruments, and special unique feature which bring the premium feels inside the cabin; the dashboard embedded clock.

The equipment list is also bumped up with an upgraded 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system that now supports smartphone connectivity (Android auto/Apple carplay) and navigation. Though subcompact SUV may seems to be bothered with limited space, Vitara provides enough room thanks to the illusion of panoramic sunroof. 

Techically, Vitara has enough boot space inside the cabin space and can easily room five adults with ease. Suzuki also stated that the luggage capacity has 1120 litres of storage at full capacity. Some sacrifice might be needed in the backseat when it come to space yet, it is fitted with two isofix anchors suits for a starting out families. Primarily, Vitara is a subcompact SUV that meant to be enjoyed most from the front.

Suzuki Vitara – Features

Features that cater both for comfort & convenience include all-round electric power windows, automatic climate control, heater and adjustable seats. As nature of a modern days car, Vitara is equipped with power outlet accessory and enough amount of storage for a subcompact SUV can offer.

Not to mention the ease of push-start button with keyless entry, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, automatic levelling headlamps and cruise control with speed limiter. Features for entertainment & communication include FM/AM radio, navigation system, reverse camera, Bluetooth connectivity, USB/Auxiliary input and CD player. It is then combined with a three-spoke steering wheel with all basic controls for audio, telephone, Bluetooth, and cruise. 

Coming to the drivers console, the presence that surely catches attention is the 4.2-inch multi-information LCD display (MID). Suzuki Vitara comes with 6 airbag system including standard SRS airbags for the driver and front passenger, front SRS side airbags that reduce impact to the chest in side collisions and SRS curtain airbags that reduce impact to the head. The Vitara’s body design centres on Suzuki’s TECT concept, resulting in a structure that efficiently absorbs and disperses the energy in the event of a collision. 

Well prepared for an emergency, Vitara equipped with Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) to makes sure that each wheel gets the right amount of braking force. Should the wheel lose traction, the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) automatically adjusts the engine and brakes to help keep the driver in control. 

As for collision avoidance, Vitara equipped with all-around crash sensor. Ultrasonic sensors in the bumpers detect obstacles and issue audio-visual warnings that the driver can see on the multi-information display and hear as warning sound alert.

Suzuki Vitara - Powertrain

Under the hood, Suzuki Vitara equipped with a re-engineered 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. It runs enough power to allow the car to reach at its peak performance. The M16A engine produced a maximum power of 115 Hp at 156 Nm of torque. The engine is then coupled to a 6-speed automatic transmission which received the assistance of paddle shifters for a sheer driving experience.

Despite having a bulky bodyweight, the Vitara offers a perfect ride and handling, all thanks to a sturdy monocoque frame, large 17-inch wheels, and slightly stiffer setup for the front Macpherson struts and rear torsion beam. With its large tyres, the SUV provides a minimum ground clearance of 185mm. With more leeway on approach, ramp breakover, and departure angles, the vehicle runs smoothly over deeply-rutted or bumpy roads.

The Vitara runs a real-time system (AllGrip Select) that uses a viscous coupling to automatically distribute traction to the rear wheels when it detects slippage at the front. Suzuki AllGrip system comes with 4 different driving mode to choose depends on road condition. The AllGrip Select provide options such;

1. Auto – Sets the drivetrain to 2WD and only sends power to the rear when it senses the front tyres slipping.
2. Sport Mode – Sets traction control system to intervene less for faster acceleration and quicker turning.
3. Snow Mode – Delivers 50:50 torque split between the front and rear axles, allows for easier driving on slippery and uneven road surfaces.
4. Lock Mode – Distributes torque evenly across all four wheels, applies brakes to tyres that are spinning and sends available power to tyres that are gripping.

Suzuki VItara - Fuel Economy

Suzuki Vitara - Driving Performance

Suzuki Vitara - Ride Comfort

Suzuki Vitara is the flagship model from Japanese automaker, thus there is no compromise on the safety aspects. Vitara has all the basic and standard safety features like front, side, and curtain airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners with force limiters, ISOFIX mounts, ABS with EBD, electronic stability program, hill hold assist, brake assist, front and reverse parking sensors, reverse camera and engine immobilizer.

Hill-hold Control makes hill starts much easier by preventing the vehicle from rolling backwards for two seconds as soon as the driver removes foot from the brake to the accelerator pedal. When the vehicle is travelling down a steep downward slope and engine braking is not sufficient to slow the vehicle, hill descent control applies the brakes and keeps the vehicle at certain low speeds. This allows the driver to concentrate on steering.

Suzuki Vitara - Conclusion

The Suzuki Vitara fourth-gen most definitely fits in as one the most affordable car with great value for money. The interior may be considered spacious for a subcompact SUV with ample legroom and headroom and the seats feel quite comfortable too. Though the power it gives is average, driving this car around gives you the smoothest experience, a reason to fall in love with. For an urban car with perfect handling balance, you might want to consider Vitara in your list.