Hands-on with the range Suzuki, we test the Vitara

Diego G. Moreira 19 November 2015 3 min.

Hands-on with the range Suzuki, we test the Vitara

The Japanese brand Suzuki launched the long-awaited new generation of the Suzuki Vitara a year ago, an SUV that has little in common with its predecessor beyond the name, yet has been a real success in sales. Taking advantage of the presentation of the new Suzuki Vitara S and of the variant with the dual-clutch automatic gearbox, the Japanese brand invited the motoring press to test these novelties and the rest of the range. The entry-level model in the Suzuki range is the Celerio, a city car whose best feature is its price and complete equipment, as it is available from 7,640 euros.

Familiar faces in the range are the Swift and S-Cross, not to mention the ever-present Jimny , which is still available at the brand’s dealerships and is one of the cheapest off-roaders on the market, from 13,695 euros. The real novelty, however, is the Vitara, and that is what we will focus on.

Suzuki Vitara S 1.4 BoosterJet 140 CV

The Vitara introduces a turbo petrol engine and also gets a sportier trim. The previous top petrol variant, which had the 1.6 naturally aspirated engine, is updated with a refined brand-new petrol engine: the 1.4 BoosterJet with 140 CV. Among the figures for this 4-cylinder turbo unit, the maximum torque of 220 Nm at 1,500 rpm stands out, an increase over the previous 1.6, while the gearbox now has six speeds.

It also offers an automatic gearbox as an option, while the top speed remains at 200 km/h, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.2 seconds and an official average consumption of 5.4 litres per 100 km.

The Suzuki Vitara S adds a series of cosmetic changes that set it apart from the rest of the range. The first thing that catches the eye is the new front grille, as well as the red finishes framing the headlights. It also features 17-inch alloy wheels specific to this trim and grey door mirrors, while the interior has several red accents on the air vents, instrument cluster and seats. The Vitara S is available from 21,610 euros with full equipment.

New Vitara Diesel with TCSS automatic gearbox

Another novelty of the Suzuki Vitara is the introduction to the diesel range of a new six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox (TCSS). It is available in the GLE and GLX trims, both paired with all-wheel drive.

We did not have the chance to try a Vitara with the automatic gearbox, but we did drive the diesel variant with the six-speed manual, highlighting the 1.6 DDiS 120 CV engine, which is of Fiat origin and offers more than enough power to move the Vitara with ease. Behind the wheel, it is agile, it feels very light and its suspension keeps this SUV, which is more urban in character, nicely in control, even though there are versions with all-wheel drive (selectable via a control on the central transmission).

According to the technical data sheet, the average consumption of this diesel variant with the automatic gearbox is just 4.5 litres per 100 km. We did not achieve that figure in our brief test, but we did find that the engine stands out for its performance (delivering power from 1,800 rpm) and its moderate consumption.

The prices of the Vitara S and the diesel Vitara with TCSS gearbox (discounts included):