Ever since its market launch in 1988, the Suzuki Vitara series has earned high acclaim, and the series has evolved through changes in body size and powertrain.
Now, more than 25 years after the original model’s debut, the Vitara heritage is embodied in a fresh SUV incarnation. The all-new Vitara with an entry level price of €19,999 has compact dimensions to meet contemporary needs and incorporates Suzuki’s cutting-edge AllGrip four wheel drive system as an option.
Advanced safety and connectivity equipment is available and Vitara also enables owners to express themselves through various personalisation options. Owners can combine a range of exterior and interior standard and optional items to express their individual personalities.
The new Vitara went into production in Hungary earlier this year and is currently making its market debut across Europe with sales commencing this month.
Suzuki claims that the new Vitara meets contemporary demand for great fuel economy. Weight-saving measures including extensive use of high-tensile steel make the body outstandingly light and rigid. Powertrain technologies including a newly developed six-speed automatic transmission for the petrol version also help save fuel. The new Vitara with 1.6-litre DDiS engine, two-wheel drive and six-speed manual transmission has CO2 emissions of just 106g/km.
The exterior of the new Vitara expresses Suzuki’s SUV styling heritage in a strong looking design. The clamshell bonnet (a hallmark of Vitara models ) gives the front end a look of solidity, and a trapezoid motif front bumper indicates a powerful grip on the ground. Pronounced body side character lines and bonnet side louvres form motifs are reminiscent of the first generation Vitara.
Suzuki’s pursuit of good aerodynamics is reflected in optimally designed bumper openings, in a roof line that slopes smoothly downward toward the rear, in flat underbody surfaces, and in specially shaped side mirrors and front bumper edges that are based on the results of airflow analysis. LED headlamps with blue projector covers (available on GLX grade ) contribute to energy saving while enhancing the overall styling.
The interior features a boldly shaped instrument panel and a U-shape design around the gear shift lever help communicate SUV toughness while the round clock and round ventilation louvres help give the interior a youthful and sporty look.
For those with a 4WD requirement, there are many performance benefits of AllGrip and the superior chassis. Large diameter wheels and the higher ground clearance of an SUV yield plenty of off-road capability. In addition, an optional AllGrip four-wheel drive system with four modes allows the driver to choose a mode to suit the road surface and driving conditions.
Specification highlights for GL include seven airbags, 16-inch alloy wheels, DAB Radio with USB and Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control with speed limiter, auto air conditioning, front and rear electric windows, and projector headlamps.
There’s an audio system with navigation and smartphone connectivity giving access to advanced smartphone features (available on GL+ and GLX ). Furthermore, the radar brake support system (available as standard on GLX ) offers cutting-edge safety by using milliwave radar to prevent or reduce the chance of a collision.
The optional Urban Pack (for GL+ & GLX ) costs €900 or a similar price will get you the Rugged Pack (also for the GL+ & GLX ). Metallic Paint (for all models ) costs €370 extra, and if you opt for dual-tone paint on GL+ & GLX models, it will set you back €895.
If you are in the market for a compact SUV, you should put a test drive in the all-new Suzuki Vitara on your list.
For more information contact Hugo Loonam, Ferbane Street, Cloghan, County Offaly on (090 ) 6457104 or log on to www.hugoloonammotors.ie
