Leader in low emissions

The Suzuki range of compact SUV models are winning the race for low emissions and frugal fuel economy following the results of independent testing on New Zealand roads.

Three Suzuki SUV hatchback models — the Vitara, S-Cross and Ignis — were each put to “real world” driving tests over North Island highways while also facing challenging weather conditions. Each car comfortably bettered official combined fuel cycles, proving careful driving can improve on claimed factory results.

In addition, the Suzukis achieved better economy than the claimed fuel consumption of some more costly hybrid models sold in the New Zealand market. The three SUVs evaluated in the tests also contribute towards Suzuki boasting the lowest emissions of the top ten brands sold locally.

Driving was shared between the father and son combination of Donn and Jamie Anderson who each have a reputation for returning class leading and record breaking fuel economy results in both New Zealand and Britain.

In line with consumer preferences both the 1.4 litre S-Cross Prestige and 1.6 litre Vitara JLX come with six-stage automatic gearboxes while the Ignis was equipped with a continuously variable transmission.

The S-Cross averaged 4.8 litres/100 kilometres (58.85 miles per gallon) over the journey of several hundred kilometres that included some urban motoring, road works and difficult weather.

The popular, similar weight Vitara, which is available with either a 1.6 litre variable valve technology, 86 kW, multipoint injection engine in the JLX version or the 1.4 litre turbocharged BoosterJet, also performed admirably in the tests.

In less powerful JLX trim with two wheel drive, the Vitara averaged 5.0 litres/ 100 km (56.5 mpg).

Smallest SUV of the trio, the 1.2 litre, 66 kW Ignis also bettered factory results, returning a thrifty 4.34 litres/100 km (65.06 mpg).ignis