Suzuki Vitara: A bit dated, inside and outside

It’s uncommon {that a} new automotive arrives that isn’t all that a lot of an enchancment on its predecessor, so it’s simply as properly for Suzuki that its new “full” hybrid model of the compact SUV Vitara goes to be offered alongside the prevailing “delicate” hybrid variant. The pair aren’t so very totally different to drive, however, put at its bluntest, the delicate hybrid is quite cheaper to buy and hardly costlier to run than its newer sibling. Each could be had with front-wheel drive, which is nothing particular, however each are additionally out there, and a lot better, with a wonderful correct Suzuki four-wheel-drive system, referred to as Allgrip, and people are the variations to go for, assuming you reside within the countryside.

It’s even bought a snow setting and hill descent management. Keep in mind that Suzuki has been making little Jeep-like off-roaders for many years, and the Vitara is the most recent iteration of that custom. If you happen to simply need a compact two-wheel-drive SUV or SUV crossover (a bit extra car-like), since you just like the model, larger driving place and practicality, there are various different options which can be extra updated and funkier, such because the Ford Puma, the brand new Toyota Yaris Cross and Skoda Kamiq.

To be honest I should attempt to make a case for the most recent model of the Suzuki, the “full” hybrid so I’ll attempt. It’s a full hybrid, just like the Toyota Prius, say, and “self-charges” its batteries on the transfer and runs extra on the electrical motor – whereas its older delicate hybrid model with its a lot smaller battery pack depends far more on its petrol engine. So in concept the total hybrid should be a lot better on gas, whereas in observe it is just marginally higher (and with a correspondingly small enchancment in CO₂ emissions). Regardless of Suzuki now being linked to the Toyota empire (and making some variations of Toyota fashions), the total hybrid Vitara has some uniquely Suzuki idiosyncrasies, equivalent to its in-house 1.6 litre engine married to an “automated handbook” six-speed gearbox, which will get electrical help to shift up the gears.

It’s the type of automated transmission that was common a number of years in the past as a result of it was cheaper to supply and lighter than the extra standard torque-converter field of the constantly variable transmission often discovered on petrol-electric hybrids. Peugeot Citroen and Sensible used them loads, however drivers hated them, in order that they went out of vogue. Besides with Suzuki, it will appear, which made a greater job of the engineering but it surely’s nonetheless missing a little bit of responsiveness and, as I say, gives no nice saving in petrol consumption. The delicate hybrid, against this, has a nicer, if smaller 1.4 litre turbocharged petrol engine and works tremendous with a six-speed handbook gearbox.

The Suzuki is sensible and the four-wheel-drive model gives the off-road means a few of its rivals can’t. Then again, the Vitara loses out to newer rivals as a result of it’s been round since 2015, and regardless of some vital enhancements through the years is a bit dated, inside and outside. The styling is far more standard boxy SUV than the present fad for coupe traces, and the cabin options some quite old-school plastics and touchscreen graphics. Nevertheless, the Vitara continues to be comparatively low cost and has loads of tools, together with steering wheel-based controls, driver help and security options equivalent to a blind-spot warning. I favored the panoramic sunroof within the prime SZ5 trim stage.

So the Vitara, a fundamental design courting again to earlier than the Brexit referendum, nonetheless makes case for itself. You do want to decide on fastidiously which variant fits you greatest, nevertheless. Fairly like selecting a pedigree pet, the totally different Vitara fashions could all look alike, however they’ve quite totally different temperaments.