MOTORING
Vitara gets more verve BY GEOFF MOFFETT
C
ar-makers are always trying to come up with a trump card, especially in the highly competitive compact SUV market, and Suzuki is throwing out its challenge with a face- and rear-lift, plus updated technology, for the latest Vitara. The essentials remain: the terrific and evocatively named BoosterJet 1.4-cylinder, turbocharged four matched to a six-speed auto transmission. Yes, thanks, that’s all very good and for me this powerplant remains the standout feature of the Vitara, which is available in both two- and four-wheel drive. The refreshed Vitara, smarter looking front and back, also now has a suite of safety equipment that includes dual-sensor brake support, blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross-traffic alert, complementing its adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, weaving alert and a speed limiter. There’s also smart-phone connectivity for Apple and Android. That’s a bag-load of kit in a $34k car but buyers now expect this, and are very choosy as they compare one set of specs with another in dealerships around town. Budget buyers can still drive a Vitara for under $30k, although for that you’ll have to settle for the less powerful 1.6-litre, non-turbo JLX version.
That’s a bag-load of kit in a $34k car but buyers now expect this … 68
All up, though, the Vitara turbo continues to offer a competitive package, especially once you hit the road. That punchy little engine is a sweet performer, offering no-lag acceleration through its range, delivering peak torque from 1500 to 4000rpm. And who needs seven or eight gears when six will do just fine. That’s especially so in a vehicle with a kerb weight of just 1120kg (60kg more for the AWD version). The Vitara is good to drive, with fast-response steering and strong grip – especially in the AWD model – and with a manual mode if you want to squeeze out even more fun from its revvy motor. The AWD has ‘AllGrip select’, giving drivers a choice of settings – auto, sport, snow and lock – at the turn of a dial. I didn’t get offroad but by all accounts, this wee beast is handy in the rough. The Vitara is notable, too, for its airy cabin, with heaps of headroom in front and sufficient legroom in the back for taller passengers. I’m no fan of the faux carbon dash insert or the hardish plastics, but overall the Vitara is nicely fitted out inside. Noise levels are very acceptable, and you’d be happy to wheel the Suzie down to Christchurch for a weekend. Luggage space is 375 litres in the back – and 710 litres with the rear seats down. Finding an address is a one-step operation with the voice-activated Satnav. You can enter street number,
name and city in one go – although the default voice is Australian. The Vitara, then, makes a compelling argument to be on your compact SUV shopping list, especially with the benefit of a fiveyear/100,000km warranty and five-star ANCAP safety rating.
Tech spec Price:
$27,990, 1.6-litre, non-turbo JLX manual; $33,990 2WD, 1.4-litre turbo, six-speed auto; $37,990 for AWD. (Add $800 for two-tone paint)
Power:
1.6-litre, 4-cylinder petrol, non-turbo, 86kw @ 6000rpm, 156Nm @ 4400rpm; 1.4-litre, 4-cylinder petrol, turbo, 103kw @ 5500rpm, 220Nm @ 1500-4000rpm
Fuel:
Combined-cycle, 5.9l/100km – 6.2 l/100km (2WD/AWD turbo)
Carbon emissions:
138-145g/km (2WD/ AWD turbo)
Vehicle courtesy of Nelson Bays Suzuki
