The Citizen (Gauteng)

Trendsette­r joins our fleet

VITARA: A SUCCESS SINCE SUZUKI LAUNCHED THE FIRST ONE ALMOST 30 YEARS AGO

- Mark Jones

It combines a streamline­d shape and the raised stance of an authentic SUV.

We are happy to announce that a 1.6 GL+ AllGrip Suzuki Vitara is joining our longterm fleet of test cars as of today. The Suzuki Vitara has been an enduring success since the Japanese automaker launched the first Vitara almost 30 years ago.

At the time, the notion of a compact SUV was as unique as it was novel, and in that sense, the Vitara – and the Grand Vitara that succeeded it – pioneered the small SUV/crossover segment long before it became a recognised trend.

Totally reimagined and completely new from the ground up, the Vitara combines a contempora­ry, streamline­d shape with the raised stance of an authentic compact SUV, but also offers a spacious, car-like interior with comprehens­ive appointmen­ts.

The Suzuki Vitara competes in the compact crossover segment – arguably one of the most closely contested sectors in the SA new vehicle market. But when equipped with Suzuki’s innovative AllGrip all-wheel drive system, as our long-termer does, it also becomes a contender in the compact SUV sector.

As result, the Vitara is perfectly positioned to attract buyers from both segments, while also offering a fresh design, exceptiona­l economy, a high degree of personalis­ation and superior active and passive safety standards. The AllGrip system adds real all-terrain capability, with four user-selectable driving modes.

The Suzuki Vitara range spans three specificat­ion levels – GL, GL+ and GLX – and a choice of two transmissi­ons, as well as either front-wheel or AllGrip all-wheel drive. All models are equipped with the same, highly efficient four-cylinder petrol engine.

The 1.6-litre unit combines willing performanc­e with exceptiona­l efficiency, ensuring swift dynamics and frugal fuel economy. Maximum power output of 86kW at 6 000rpm is coupled to a torque peak of 151Nm at 4 400rpm.

All models are equipped with a full array of active and passive safety features that includes ABS anti-lock brakes with brake assist, electronic stability control, seven airbags (including a knee airbag),

front seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, and IsoFix child seat tethers. As a result, the Vitara attained a full five-star safety rating under the latest, stringent EuroNCAP crash safety tests.

The interior is said to offer a full house of luxury and convenienc­e, from a MP3/WMA-compatible multi-speaker audio system that includes a CD player and FM /AM tuner, as well USB connectivi­ty. In addition, integrated Bluetooth connectivi­ty allows handsfree telephony.

And Inside our specific GL+ AllGrip, the fabric upholstery gets smart, contrastin­g stitching, while a sprinkling of chrome and silver accents adds further appeal. The steering wheel gains leather trim, electric rear windows, cruise control (with steering wheel-mounted controls), an analogue clock in the centre of the dashboard and automatic climate control air-con.

The front bucket seats are height adjustable for both driver and front passenger, while the rear bench seat is split 60/40 and can be folded flat partially or completely to provide a versatile mix of loading space and rear seating.

The luggage compartmen­t is easily accessible, thanks to a tailgate that opens all the way down to bumper level. At 1 120mm wide and 730mm high, the loading aperture easily copes with bulky objects it is said.

The Vitara offers 375 litres of

luggage space with the rear seatback raised, rising to 710 litres with the seatbacks folded down.

Interior stowage includes front and rear door pockets, a glove compartmen­t, a driver’s side storage binnacle, dual front and rear cup holders, and a centre lower compartmen­t which also hosts the USB and accessory sockets.

Our Vitara, and the rest of the range of Suzuki vehicles, are backed by an existing, comprehens­ive three-year /100 000km warranty, as well as a four-year/60 000km service plan, but should you purchase a new Suzuki before the end of December this year, your warranty is extended to fiveyears and 200 000km.

For more informatio­n on the full range of Suzuki cars, pricing and the details of the new warranty extension deal, visit

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