Suzuki Vitara: 30 years since the creation of an SUV that defined an era

The first generation of the Suzuki Vitara was launched in 1988, and since then the Japanese SUV has undergone up to three evolutions.

Although SUVs may seem like a modern invention, reality shows that this is not the case. 30 years (1987) have passed since Suzuki produced the first Vitara, a bet on a design and type of vehicle that was absolutely revolutionary at the time. One year later, in 1988, the Suzuki Vitara hit the market to become one of the first modern SUVs in history. This crossover already combined in its origins the features of today’s best-sellers: attractive design, light weight, raised body, compact proportions, impeccable on-road behaviour, agility in the city, and good off-road capabilities.

First generation (1988-1997): one of the first modern SUVs

The first generation of the Suzuki Vitara was presented at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1988, and the model surprised with its bold philosophy; its compact three-door body had nothing in common with the bulky 4x4s that dominated the segment at the time. Its attractive design with urban touches, along with the muscle provided by other more rugged elements of its body – such as its iconic rear tailgate or its roof (canvas or fibreglass) – gave it a unique image.

The first generation was sold worldwide and turned the Vitara into one of the flagships of the Japanese brand; in its nine years of production it exceeded one million units built.

Second generation (1998-2005): first seven-seat SUV

The second generation of the Vitara also lasted many years on the market. The second evolution of this model was renamed the Suzuki Grand Vitara. Overall, it received a much more refined design, with more dynamic lines – while not losing its off-road character – and a much more sophisticated interior. The Vitara’s chassis was reworked to improve its handling and ride quality on asphalt.

Among other practical changes incorporated into the second-generation Grand Vitara were the removal of the transfer case lever and the option to switch from 4×2 to 4×4 with a button in the cabin. These improvements culminated in 2001 with the arrival of the Grand Vitara XL-7, a model with which the Suzuki once again pioneered by offering a seven-seat SUV accessible to the general public. Based on the five-door Vitara, the XL-7 had a wheelbase 320 mm longer and a total length 485 mm greater. This version conquered the market thanks, among other things, to its powerful 2.7-litre V6 engine.

Third generation (2005-2014): more traction and driving modes

In 2005 the third generation of the Vitara arrived, further deepening the SUV concept and moving away from conventional off-roaders. Suzuki introduced several design revisions, a slightly smaller size, emissions control and a wide range of updates to make the Grand Vitara an SUV suited to the new times.

In addition, the new Vitara incorporated a monocoque chassis with two integrated longitudinal side members and independent suspension on all four wheels. The Japanese crossover featured a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system with four driving modes, which could be activated from the instrument panel.

Fourth generation (2014 – present): return to the roots

In 2014 the fourth generation of this iconic model arrived, which returned to its origins in philosophy and recovered the name Suzuki Vitara.

The current Vitara boasts a much more compact, modern and streamlined look. An urban yet aggressive image. It is a car that moves like a fish in water on asphalt and does not tremble when it leaves it.

The Vitara comes loaded with new technologies, with the latest connectivity and infotainment solutions controlled from a large touchscreen. The same goes for safety, where the Vitara boasts a robust body and driver-assistance systems, such as brake assist and adaptive cruise control. The engine range consists of two 1.6-litre engines, both petrol and diesel, producing 120 and 140 CV respectively.

The new Suzuki Vitara offers a mix of elements that meets the demands of the sector, and shows that the SUV that opened up the market is still in great shape.

Technical specifications of this car

Off-RoadSuzuki Vitara11 versions · from 27,925 €