Over the years, the Vitara went through a number of changes and in South Africa it was even re-dubbed the Grand Vitara, but the latest model just unveiled locally is light years ahead of any of its predecessors and many of its current competitors.
At first glance, it squares up to the cross-over segment and the likes of the Honda HR-V, Opel Mokka, Renault Captur, Nissan Juke, Ford EcoSport and even its sibling SX4, but the Vitara has an ace up its sleeve - the option of all-wheel drive derivatives with four flick-switch modes which also makes it a worthy contender in the compact SUV sector.
The new five-model Suzuki Vitara range spans three specification levels - GL, GL+ and GLX with a choice of two transmissions, manual or automatic, as well as either front-wheel or AllGrip all-wheel drive.
All five models are equipped with the same 1.6-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine which produces 86kW at 6000r/min and peak torque of 151NM at 4,400rpm. The engine feels fairly willing and Suzuki claims a fairly frugal fuel economy (a combined fuel consumption of 5.8-litres per 100km for the front-wheel drive manuals, 6-litres for the front-wheel drive automatic, and 6.2-litres for the all-wheel drive variants) although with a full load of passengers and luggage on board, it might require fair whipping, particularly on undulating roads, which will impact on fuel usage.
AllGrip all-wheel drive, offered on the top two models, is a four-mode system that optimises traction in a variety of driving conditions. It senses when additional traction will be required, and divides power between the front and rear axles accordingly. The system also has a new hill descent control function.
The new Vitara scores top Brownie points with a five-star EuroNCAP rating. All models are equipped with 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.
At the media launch, I spent most of the time driving the five-speed manual 1.6 GL+ derivative and in spite of the general fuel-saving tendency towards six or more gears, the five-speed box seemed a good match for the car's performance.
The Vitara sits well on the road and, even at a fair lick, it is quite comfortable being pushed quite hard through the corners. What did come as a surprise though was its steady sure-footedness on long stretches of bad gravel mountain tracks and country roads with the all-wheel drive model's extra grip and the Vitara's raised ride level combining into even more stability.
The cabin space is generous and so is the 375-litre boot space (which increases to 710-litres with the backseats folded flat).
The cabin lay-out is practical, although it does look and feel a tad cheap and plastic in parts. The main instrument binnacle is dominated by dual analogue dials for speed and rev count, while an information display between the two dials offers selectable trip computer information, including instant/average fuel consumption, operating range, average speed, outside temperature, a trip meter, odometer and a digital clock. The MP3/WMA-compatible multi-speaker audio system includes a CD player and FM/AM tuner, as well USB connectivity. In addition, integrated Bluetooth connectivity allows hands-free telephony.
Three trim levels are available: the base GL model comes with 16-inch steel wheels, adjustable seats and steering-wheel, manual aircon and four-speaker sound system with Bluetooth, while the two GL+ derivatives have 16-inch alloys, exterior colour-coding (for the front grille, door handles and side-mirrors), front fog-lights, privacy glass, contrasting stitching on the fabric seats, chrome-effect interior trim, a leather steering wheel, electric windows at the rear, cruise control, automatic climate control, a luggage compartment divider board, and an analogue clock.
The two GLX models gain 17-inch alloys, a panoramic sunroof, silver roof-rails, exterior chrome garnish, LED daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers, electrically folding side-mirrors, suede upholstery, parking sensors (front and rear), a hill-hold function, and keyless starting.
As is the current tendency to personalise vehicles, the Vitara offers a few two-tone paint-jobs and new colours such as Atlantis Turquoise Pearl Metallic, Horizon Orange Metallic, and Savannah Ivory Metallic. To further personalise the Vitara, other options include eight exterior colours, four roof colours and three grille finishes (chrome, black and white).
In terms of make-up, the Vitara has the typical Suzuki clamshell bonnet design, slim clear-lensed headlight clusters, colour-coded bumpers and recessed fog lamps (except on the GL model) and daytime running lights to go with the car's nifty roofline, muscular haunches, smart roof rails, wide opening tailgate and high-mounted tail light clusters.
There are also two optional, added-cost accessory packages that take the concept of individualisation another step further. The Urban Package adds chromes fog lamp bezels, subtle body side mouldings and a roof spoiler, while the Rugged Package includes front and rear scuff plates, bold side body mouldings, a contrasting fog lamp bezel and loading protection.
Electrically operated front windows and exterior mirrors are standard, as is remote central locking, manual air-conditioning with pollen filter, and a four-speaker audio system. The latter is MP3/WMA compatible and equipped with a CD player, FM/AM tuner, USB socket and Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free telephony. A 12V accessory socket is also provided.
The Vitara ticks most of the appeal boxes in the segment. It is competitively priced, well equipped, spacious, practical, well fitted out with a range of technology and a quality car-like ride. It lacks a bit in the wow department compared to the zooty eye candy of others in this class but this is not necessarily a negative.
It certainly ranks highly as a "must consider" candidate in this segment, particularly with its neat balance between cross-over and compact SUV.
The models and prices (inclusive of a three-year/100 000km warranty, four-year/60 000km service plan, and three-year roadside assistance package, are:
