The new car market is fascinating and full of surprises. The class boundaries are always contracting, shifting and moving in all directions to the joy of car buyers but leaving many car makers looming in the dark.
The new Suzuki Vitara is one such case in point. The latest model does not carry forward from previous Suzuki offerings bearing the same name. For the first time this manufacturer has decided to take on the likes of the Dacia Duster, Opel Mokka, Skoda Yeti and Mitsubishi ASX just to mention a few. One can even add the Nissan Juke and Renault Captur into the fold as this car is definitely eyeing to take up sales from every corner of the segment.
Previous Vitara models rather kept to their own niche, created by this brand renowned for good, reliable and adventurous 4X4 vehicles. With the new Vitara, Suzuki has managed to produce a car that has a groovy and fresh approach for this segment. Although the new Vitara is based on the SX4 launched in 2013 everything, except the wheel base, is practically all new.
Suzuki has decided to enter this segment with a strong entrant and this can not only be said for the price but also for the package as a whole. Plenty of extras are included, offering a package that is quite interesting and very affordable.
Having owned three previous versions of the Vitara, I was very much looking forward to driving the new generation. First impressions count a lot in this business and the Vitara truly looks good. Squared off angles and a good upright stance make this vehicle look like a very usable modern small SUV. In terms of driving, the new car is both light and agile and although it has a smaller, lower powered engine, the car drives well with plenty of character and a well-balanced set-up. A start and go system helps consumption and CO2 output in no small way.
Having owned three previous versions of the Vitara, I was very much looking forward to driving the new generation
It seems that Suzuki has put all the company’s knowledge in developing small compact cars on the one hand and the vast array of 4X4 experience on the other, making this car a very good mix and an excellent entry vehicle for prospective buyers considering entry into this ever growing segment. The suspension setting may seem a little hard for some but the layout absorbs all the bumps our local roads have to offer and occupants would not feel unsettled under any circumstance. The steering is very light and agile and the gear shift is smooth. Altogether these aspects give rise to a pleasant drive.
Getting into the car, it’s immediately evident that Suzuki worked hard to get the interior feeling very much at home for anyone moving up from a small to mid-sized car. The dashboard ergonomics work well for most average height drivers and the layout is very neat and tidy. There is a very handy information display that sits between the main dials that can give the driver an array of information while on the go. The main feature in the centre console is the well sized touch-screen. The usual switches controlling the stereo are built into the touch-screen thus giving a very neat layout. The car also comes with a USB connection and Bluetooth connectivity as standard. The heating controls are more conventional and are laid out rather low on the console. The quality of the materials used for the dash feel that they are built to last and are very much in line with the competition in terms of touch and feel.
Five adults can fit into the car in comfort and the boot space is above average and would hold anything from three pieces of luggage to a buggy and other items that a family car is supposed to carry. Storage space is rather generous and the large glove box together with handy storage trays result in a very good combination. An added feature is the possibility to lower the floor in the boot which gives rise to a flat level space when the rear seats are folded down.
The Vitara boasts seven airbags including one to protect the driver’s knees which is an aspect that helped the car in no small way when it obtained a five-star NCAP rating in 2015. All of this and the many standard features would make anyone imagine that they would be spending upwards of €20,000 to lay their hands on one of these new cars. But here is when the surprises start to come along. The starting price for the new Vitara is €17,500 for a 1.6 petrol 2WD GL variant. This car comes complete with the usual standard features we have come to expect from any car nowadays which include power steering, air-conditioning, electric windows all round, alloy wheels and heated electric mirrors. In addition the car also boasts cruise control, sat-nav and a security alarm system. All of these features, in addition to a very generous three-year factory warranty and a 10-year factory body perforation warranty, packed into a very usable and dynamic design make this car well worth trying out if you are out there in search of a new family or business car.
At a glance
Suzuki Vitara 1.6 GL+ 2WD
1.6 petrol showroom price: €17,500 (excl. road expenses)
1.6 diesel showroom price: €22,126 (excl. road expenses)
Suzuki Vitara 1.6 GLX 2WD
1.6 petrol showroom price: €21,200 (excl. road expenses)
1.6 diesel showroom price: €25,270 (excl. road expenses)
All Grip 1.6 GLX petrol 4X4: €24,900
All Grip 1.6 GLX diesel 4X4: €28,220
Two-tone colour: €400