Suzuki Vitara - Motorhub MiniMag 5

Motorhub MiniMag Review Series - Issue 5

Bringing you up to speed

Suzuki Vitara Review

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apart from screams of “STOP THIEF” from journalists regarding the style similarities with the Evoque, the Vitara is getting a nice round of reviews

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Words: Daragh Ó Tuama Photos: Motorhub & Suzuki

Four months ago Suzuki launched the new Vitara to the Irish market and apart from screams of “STOP THIEF” from journalists regarding the style similarities with the Evoque, the Vitara is getting a nice round of reviews.

Suzuki has created their best ever Vitara in terms of performance and they’ve given us an affordable four wheel drive offering that suits the Irish climate. This is capable enough off road but I wouldn’t go too far off the beaten track with it. It’s perfect for Irish conditions, and it should get you up those hills on snowy or icy days. It might even get you out of the sand on Bull Island, or release you from the mud at the ploughing championships - but let’s leave it at that.

machine at a rapid pace. When I picked up the Vitara I had just handed back the Inside is not exactly brimming with high quality materials, but considering the starting price of ₏19,995, I don’t think customers will be in a position to complain. The very refined interior space of the Skoda Fabia, and my initial reaction was not good. This line of work makes me keep an open mind though, and within hours touch screen is also a bit slow to react, but I’ll refer to that price tag again!

I was endeared with the colour scheme, ride height and the general feel of the Vitara.

Despite my misgivings about the interior, I still found myself falling for this

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I still found myself falling for this machine at a rapid pace

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Neither car is brimming with class, but both offer an amazingly enjoyable drive

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It’s rare that I say that a cars imperfections are its perfections, but I like the fact that the Vitara reminds me of old-school driving

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I drove the GLX ALLGRIP 1.6 litre model. This all-wheel drive version will set you back from €27,995. At the moment the entry level price for the Vitara is €19,995 and with that you get a two-wheel drive with a 1.6litre petrol engine in GL trim. If you pay an extra €1,000 you will get a better specified GL+ with the same engine.

The GLX petrol version will set you back €23,495. Other diesel models on offer start from €22,995 for the GL+ and €25,495 for the GLX.

connectivity.

The new Vitara also offers plenty of personalisation options and there are interior and exterior packages that will make sure that this car is all about the buyer.

It’s rare that I say that a cars imperfections are its perfections, but I like the fact that the Vitara reminds me of old-school driving. Is it the best in class? Nope, but it’s a different offering from the rest, and it will have a market for those adventurous enough.

Considering that the Vitara is among the original compact SUVs you would expect it to hold its own in this bustling segment, but there is fierce competition from a long line of competitors like the Mazda CX-3, the Opel Mokka, the Renault Captur, the Fiat 500X, the Jeep Renegade, the Skoda Yeti, and even the Peugeot 2008.

As standard the Vitara offers plenty of goodies like; Hill Hold Control, 16-inch alloys, Stop and Start technology, Cruise Control, DAB radio, Bluetooth and USB

Bottom line is that the Vitara is a fun compact SUV, and if you are in the market for this type of car – take it for a test drive.

For more Motorhub reviews go to www.Motorhub.ie