The main update of the Suzuki Vitara during restyling several years ago was a new power unit and new electronic assistants. But stylistic changes, contrary to the accepted practice in the automotive world, play a secondary role here. And one of the most affordable crossovers on the market also boasts a hybrid version – that’s what we’re testing today.
Design
After all, the style of the model, although simple, is well recognizable, which is why during restyling a few years ago the front and rear parts of the car changed slightly. Ahead there is a new radiator grille, bumper design, and foglight design. Starting from the mid-range GL+ version, the Vitara is equipped with all-LED headlights, but the Hybrid version can be recognized by the blue stripe in the headlights.
Slightly “tinted” rear lights without white reverse elements (they “moved” to the very bottom of the bumper). The two-tone combination was offered with the appearance of the model, but the golden color like the test car appeared after the restyling.
Options and prices
At first glance, everything seems simple with the Suzuki Vitara trim levels, there are three of them, but many variations are offered for the crossover. Let's look at the key ones. The starting price for Suzuki Vitara is UAH 751,000. for the GL package with a 1.6 naturally aspirated engine and a 5-speed manual transmission. And here it should be noted that the choice of power units is as follows: either the mentioned 1.6 or the turbocharged 1.4 BOOSTERJET with SHVS hybrid technology.
If you need a version with an automatic transmission, prepare at least 810,000 UAH. And if you add ALLGRIP all-wheel drive to it, it will already be 970,000 UAH.
The most expensive version, which has all of the above and equipment level of the top version of the GLX – this is exactly the car we have on test – costs 1,156,000 UAH. Among the interesting options it is worth noting climate control, a panoramic roof with a sunroof, alloy wheels and a list of electronic driver assistants.
Actually, a significant aspect of the modernization was that the Vitara received an even greater number of electronic assistants and assistants.
Cruise control has become adaptive, a lane control system has appeared, and sensors and radars now closely monitor the road situation ahead of the car and, if necessary, not only warn the driver, but also command the electronics to make a full emergency stop for the crossover. Systems that until recently were the privilege of older models are now coming to junior classes.
In the cabin
The cabin still offers comfortable seating for all passengers, good space for its class, and improved finishing materials. This includes soft plastic front panel and a seat with a combination of artificial leather and suede.
The expanded menu of the on-board computer (with a 4.2-inch screen), which has become more interesting in design, has a visualization of the operation of the hybrid system: here you can see the distribution of energy flows and the moments when the system accumulates energy and when it releases it.
But the developers did not change anything with the multimedia system. But its touch volume control and interface with small fonts, in my opinion, could have been improved!
The trunk volume is 375 liters, there is a convenient false floor that can be used to segment the space and level the step that is formed when the rear seats are folded. The engineers did not forget about convenient little things in the form of hooks, a cigarette lighter socket, and removable niches on the sides of the luggage compartment.
In the very depths there was also a place for a small spare tire and a repair kit, which will not be superfluous on our roads. Well, how does the hybrid Suzuki Vitara actually drive?
On road
Under the hood, the Vitara can be had with one of two petrol engines: the well-known 1.6 and the well-known 1.4 BOOSTERJET. But now he does not work alone, but in tandem with an assistant – the SHVS system, which is actually a so-called. “mild hybrid” That is, due to the starter-generator integrated into the power plant, the system will be able to assist in some driving modes, and during stops, power all on-board electronics, turning off the engine.
An interesting detail: if a regular turbocharged 1.4 has an output of 140 hp, then in the hybrid version we have 129 hp, but in addition 14 hp. from the starter-generator Outputs even 3 hp. more! Of course, now I’m more in the form of a joke, because you won’t be able to feel such a difference while sitting behind the wheel. However, already from the first kilometers it is noticeable that the Vitara drives very confidently in the low and medium speed zone, with no “failures” or sagging in traction force. The torque here is 235 Nm and is available from 2000 rpm.
Yes, and the crossover picks up acceleration well, and if you press the accelerator, it’s very cheerful. According to the numbers, this is a little more than 10 seconds, but it feels even faster. The gearbox shifts seamlessly, and the six gears are just right for comfortable movement both in the city and on the highway. A characteristic feature of its operation is its pull towards higher gears if you are driving in normal mode. So there is less noise and better fuel economy. Although in Sport mode, reactions to the accelerator will become sharper, and the gearbox will keep revs higher. Let me remind you that the washer on the central tunnel selects not only the character of the car, but also the mode of the all-wheel drive transmission, built around an electronically controlled clutch in the rear wheel drive and auxiliary electronics, which also affects the 4×4 mode.
The chassis continued to impress with its stability on our roads and elasticity in corners. Yes, the steering force here is synthetic, but it’s pleasant to take fast turns in the car.
What about fuel consumption? Everything will very much depend on the nature of the ride. At a calm and measured pace in city mode, you can easily get 6 liters. 100 km or even less. If you choose Sport mode more often, the consumption increases to 8 liters. This is the range you should focus on. And most importantly, these figures are less than those of a “regular” 1.4 turbo.
conclusions
In general, the Suzuki Vitara is a very clear and predictable car for the driver, which will not take you much time to get to know. The philosophy of “sit down and leave” is exactly about him. At the same time, the crossover is fully consistent with the brand’s philosophy. Yes, in what ways it is simple, it has its own characteristics, but as practice shows, the owners are satisfied with the car for its price.
Vitara offers customers both a competitive price (especially for launch versions) and equipment with modern technologies. And in the top configuration you will receive, as they say, a complete set. Competitors include Renault Duster, Skoda Kamiq, Nissan Juke, Hyundai Venue, Peugeot 2008 and Opel Crossland.
History models
Suzuki first appeared under the name Vitara in 1988. It was a compact frame SUV with a rigidly connected front axle. The model debuted in a three-door body – it was also produced in the first few years. And only in 1991 a five-door modification appeared.
The next generation, which replaced it 10 years later, in 1998, was called the Grand Vitara. It retains both the three-door version and the “convertible” version with a soft top, which distinguished its predecessor. And at the beginning of the 2000s, the XL-7 version appeared, which was half a meter longer than the usual five-door and could boast a seven-seater interior.
In 2005, the third generation of Suzuki Vitara was released, which also had a prefix to the name Grand. And it was produced until 2017.