Behold, the Suzuki Vitara.
This legend was born in 1988. The first thirty years of its life were dedicated to proving Suzuki had mastered the art of the ‘soft-roader’. A vehicle that can get you to the shops and back, even if that means scaling a mountain path that had succumbed to a landslide, crossing a flooded ford, and keeping your eggs safe on the return trip .
It grew in size to accommodate its little brother, the Suzuki Jimny, and over the years it has continued to give buyers what they wanted. It added more luxury modern features, and the brooding good looks started turning heads – even from buyers that made blood pacts in the 90’s to only ever buy ‘German’.
Then the world’s largest captive market, Europe, decided it wanted more SUVs. They wanted them to be high riding and spacious, but the majority of buyers didn’t need a heavy All-Wheel Drive system. And Suzuki adapted, making the lightest and most efficient Vitara yet – with optional ‘AllGrip’ All-Wheel Drive, for those that still wanted it.
Now the market is demanding reduced emissions and a path to electrification, and Suzuki have done that too with an efficient new hybrid system. The Vitara has become everything buyers needed in a car, yet it has remained true to its original principles, it is still great value.
Looks
The Suzuki Vitara has long been a rugged, no nonsense, go anywhere machine. A square front with a flat roof line, which comes to an abrupt end at the back – and that formula continues. While the style has evolved to suit modern tastes, the short rear end means space in the boot is maximised, and makes parking a cinch, as the driver knows exactly where the Vitara ends – though if you are concerned, there is a now a Reversing Camera as standard on all models.
The chiselled good looks at the front ensure the Vitara does everything it needs; Front Foglights, LED Daytime Running Lights, and lightweight Alloy Wheels. And, it is finished in array of alternative colour combinations, outside of most manufacturers regular go-to metallics; Regular Red, Blasé Black, or Standard Silver. You can choose your Vitara in ‘Atlantis Turquoise’ or ‘Savannah Ivory’, both with two-tone black roofs.
Interior
Suzuki knows its customers well, and simply gives them what they want. Generally, Vitara drivers are active, adventurous, and have a keen eye for value. The new Vitara is as rugged on the inside as it is on the outside. The dashboard is practical, bright, and easy to use. Everything is arranged in a familiar fashion, and in its latest guise the Vitara adds plenty of the comforts expected in more expensive models. The ‘SZ-T’ model features a Satellite Navigation, Reversing Camera, Bluetooth, Cruise Control, and Smartphone link for the touchscreen display.
The top-of-the-range ‘SZ5’ model adds luxury features, including a Sliding Glass Panoramic Roof, Adaptive Cruise Control, Keyless Entry & Keyless Start, and a premium interior finished in Suede.
With the seats up, there is room for five, and the boot is spacious enough to swallow suitcases for all the family – or a set of golf clubs, including a driver widthways. With the seats down, the load through is flat, resulting in a cavernous space with enough room for surfboards and bikes.
Engine
For most of their history Sports Utility Vehicles have been heavy and often Diesel. Suzuki has dropped the diesel option in lieu of its powerful new 1.4 Turbo Petrol. This may not sound like a lot in a vehicle so big, but Suzuki also focus on ultra-light weight chassis – in fact, the new Vitara weighs much the same as a Ford Fiesta.
The 1.4T is paired to a mild-Hybrid system and runs quietly in the background, while offering surprisingly pleasant straight-line pace. It is available as both a manual or automatic – unlike hybrid models from many other brands which are often automatic only. And with a choice of optional ‘AllGrip’ all-wheel drive.
This engine does everything you want it to, which is probably why Suzuki don’t offer any others. It is efficient and quick, and it has plenty of pull when you and the family decide to pack up and go camping for the weekend.
The Competition
If you want a cheap car, you’ll get a cheap car. The cheapest SUV on the market is the Dacia Duster, and it certainly feels like it is the cheapest SUV in the UK.
However, value is different to cost, and Suzuki know that. Because of this fact, Suzuki know their customers will look past the price in the window and are really looking at what they are getting for their money. They are often the best price when compared to traditional competition, but also lavish their cars with features found in much more expensive brands.
The new Vitara Hybrid will be compared to the Citroen C3 Aircross and the VW group trio of small SUV’s; the Skoda Kamiq, Seat Arona, and the VW T-Cross. In size and shape it fits nicely into the line-up, but really that’s where the comparison ends. The Trio will certainly have a plusher interior, with some soft touch plastics, but base models will be scarce of gadgetry except electric windows and air-conditioning.
For the similar price, the Vitara ‘SZ-T’ features a Rear Camera, Satellite Navigation, Smartphone Mirroring, and Cruise Control. As well as an efficient electric assisted 1.4 Turbo petrol, compared to the Trio’s standard 1.0 petrol.
“Fine, I’ll upgrade to VW’s choice engine, the 1.5 Turbo petrol” I hear you say. And that’s ok, but just remember to fork out the additional £5,000. For that, you could be in the top-of-the-range Suzuki Vitara Hybrid, with optional ‘AllGrip’ all-wheel drive, and still have enough change leftover for a pub lunch. I know where I’d want my money spent, and so does Suzuki.
Business User
Company Car drivers often buy based on the cost of company car tax (Benefit-in-kind, or, BIK). I won’t bore you with the formula, but in short it is calculated by knowing the efficiency, BIK band, and car price – and the first & last parts are the important bits. If a car is more expensive, the chances are that the monthly cost is higher. Also, if it produces less emissions, the UK government award it with a lower BIK band.
Well, Suzuki offer you all of the kit, for a price lower than competitors. Also, the engine is now assisted by an electric motor, making it more efficient. Which will additionally bring down the monthly cost. Well, now the new Vitara is looking appetising, is it?
So, how does it drive? Looks are deceiving, the new Vitara is surprisingly quick of the mark, and handles country lanes and motorways in its stride. In fact, for the money, it’s hard to find a reason to dislike it. It’s one of the many reason why Suzuki won the 2019 ‘Most Improved Fleet’ award.
Island User
There are over 40 manufacturers selling their vehicles in the UK, and Suzuki often make up roughly 2% of all sales. However, on the Island, Suzuki make up almost 6% of sales each year. That’s not a coincidence. It’s simply the right vehicle in the right place.
There are plenty of the Suzuki Vitara’s on the Island. As you’ve learned by now, they’re a great all-rounder, and offer everything to everyone. Four-wheel drive is available, and the suspension absorbs all but the worst bumps on Island roads. But most buyers will choose the dependable Suzuki Vitara for it’s dog-sized boot space, ample leg room for the kids, and the smile it puts on your face when the turbo’d engine pulls away.
And you’ll continue smiling; the Island’s Suzuki dealership has won the national ‘Suzuki Dealer Of The Year’ twice in the last five years. Meaning you can bet that their team of Service & Workshop staff will have you and your Vitara taken care of for years to come.
Choices
The Value Choice: Suzuki Vitara ‘SZ-T’ 1.4T Manual
The Range Topper: Suzuki Vitara ‘SZ5’ AllGrip 1.4T Automatic
The Local Favourite: Suzuki Vitara ‘SZ-T’ 1.4T Automatic
Verdict
Suzuki are a surprising brand. They do things their own way, and by doing so have built a cult-like following of fans. Suzuki owners swear by them, and buyers that are shopping around are struggling to see why they would pay more for a European badged version of an SUV.
10 years ago, it’s safe to say that Suzuki were a budget option. So, it may shock you to learn that Suzuki are on course to be the first brand in the UK to have an entirely electrified range. No longer do they offer products for penny-pinchers, but Suzuki showcase a range of innovative value vehicles. Suzuki’s best loved SUV model, the Vitara, offers rugged good looks and the latest modern features, making it an easy to recommend as a companion for your next family adventure.
As a result of Suzuki’s heritage and unorthodox thinking, the Vitara has evolved once again. The new hybrid Suzuki Vitara is driven by Darwin’s Mantra; “the survival of the fittest”.
Never ever buy a brand new car! The deprecation in the first 15 months is frightening.. Buy a 3 year old (nearly new) car and let someone else soak up the loss..
And the price(s) are?!