SUZUKI VITARA

Press launch

I can recall quite vividly back in 2015 when I heard the news that the Grand Vitara was about to be discontinued and be replaced with something that wouldn’t even have a low box. I lowered my head in dismay. Then I drove it, and although I still lamented the passing of a competent and fun 4x4, I immediately had a soft spot for the new Vitara.

Since then I’ve lost count of the number of them I’ve driven, from the 1.6 litre petrol to the 1.0 litre 2wd and 1.4 litre Boosterjet petrol engine with ALLGRIP, Suzuki’s 4wd system.

A couple of years ago the Vitara had a bit of a styling upgrade as well as a 48v self-charging hybrid system that cut emissions of greenhouse gasses by an impressive 20%. Okay, it was down from 138bhp to 127bhp, but with a 0-60mph time 10.2 seconds it was still fun to drive, achieved over 50mpg and only churned out 127g/km of Co2.

With today’s climate challenges, Suzuki have been hard at work revising the Vitara again, and for 2022 they’re giving us a new ‘full hybrid’ Vitara that they say offers better economy, less Co2 and is overall better for the environment.

Swapping the 1.4-litre turbocharged Boosterjet petrol engine for a normally aspirated 1.5ltr petrol engine (a modified version of what you’ll find in the Jimny), the new Vitara is also now equipped with a fully hybrid powertrain and an automated manual gearbox.

What does that mean?

Well, the new 1.5-litre engine is paired with the following; a 140V lithium-ion battery and inverter, a Motor Generator Unit (electric motor), and a 12V lithium-ion battery.

The MGU behaves primarily as a generator and starter motor while supplementing the engine with a bit of power when needed. During acceleration, the ECU will gently apply some extra torque from the MGU. Meanwhile, regenerative braking and deceleration will recuperate lost energy to charge up the battery pack.

It’s goodbye to the 6-speed automatic gearbox of old and in with 6-speed automated manual gearbox, or as Suzuki call it, the AGS (or Auto Gear Shift). This was chosen for how seamlessly it’s made to work with the Vitara’s hybrid system as well as being lighter when compared to a conventional torque converter auto. Flappy paddles are mounted on the steering wheel for that extra bit of control.

Suzuki’s figures for the combined economy range from 48.4 to 53mpg, with CO2 emissions from 121 to 132g/km, an improvement over the mild hybrid outgoing model, but not by much. Suzuki estimated that the average driver will save around £10 a month.

What’s it like to drive?

Driven sedately with Eco mode selected, refinement is fine, the gearbox is fine and in all, everything is hunky-dory. Tootle around town and the engine cuts out, allowing the Vitara to run on battery power for ultimate smugness.

However, our test route involved exploring the fantastic Welsh roads that passed Ruthin and took us to the Tynycornel Hotel on the shore of Llyn Mwyngil.

When it comes to enjoying the twists and turns, or even a quick overtake, the lack of a turbocharger is noticeable as the 1.5-litre petrol engine isn’t the most powerful unit, even with the help from the electric motor 0-62mph takes 13.5 seconds.

The automated manual gearbox doesn’t help matters either, go for an overtake and the revs fly up to around 5,500rpm then pauses momentarily, as if it’s missed a gear, then changes up. Not the smoothest and a little disconcerting if I’m being honest.

For anything other than tootling around town, I would definitely recommend using the flappy paddles for better control.

It’s not all negative, the ride comfort is good and handling always feels safe and secure, especially with ALLGRIP doing its magic underneath. There’s always just enough over and understeer to bring a smile to your face!

When it comes to safety equipment Suzuki always go the extra mile and include goodies such as adaptive cruise control, satellite navigation, individual tyres pressure warning and lane assist which is why the Vitara scores a full five stars by Euro NCAP.

Conclusion

Sadly the Vitara has lost its fun element in favour of saving the planet, and your bank balance, which is a shame. But all is not lost, the Vitara is still comfy, practical and very capable off the beaten track. You get more safety spec and goodies as standard than other vehicles in its band, and of course it’s a Suzuki, so it’s well bolted together will a good reputation for reliability.

Prices start at £25,499 for a two-wheel drive SZ-T model, rising to £29,299 for an SZ5 equipped with ALLGRIP.