Suzuki Vitara 1,6 VVT 4WD Elegance
In addition to the Vitara with a turbodiesel engine, Suzuki's sales program also includes a gasoline engine. Both engines have the same displacement, so it may be easier to choose a petrol engine despite all the advantages of a diesel engine. In any case, the decision also depends on how we are tuned to diesels. There aren't that many now, which Suzuki Volkswagen's unsuspecting co-owner has taken care of. But we can imagine why the largest German automotive giant is interested in Suzuki. The Japanese know how to make useful smaller cars, they are especially trained in off-road vehicles. Same with Vitara. There is nothing bad to say about its design, since the city SUV (or crossover) is already quite lucky in terms of design. It is not such as to attract attention at first sight, but it is recognizable enough. Its bodywork is also "square" enough that there's no problem figuring out where the edges of the Vitara end. This ensured his usefulness, even if we rode with him on the rails of the cart. This is where the term all-wheel drive comes into play, which is basically automatic folding. But we can also choose different drive profiles (snow or sport) as well as a lock button with which we can distribute engine power on both axles in a 50/50 ratio. Its off-road performance is certainly better than most customers think, but those who will actually be using them in the field should also consider using slightly more off-road tires than those found on the Vitara we tested.
The gasoline engine isn't quite as good as the turbo diesel when it comes to the available torque, but it seems to be fine for normal day-to-day driving. It does not stand out in anything special, but it seems to be the most satisfying in terms of fuel consumption.
Already in the first test, when we presented the turbodiesel version, a lot was said about the Vitara's interior. Similar to the petrol version. The space and usability are satisfactory, but the look of the materials is not convincing. Here, compared to the previous Suzuki, the Vitara maintains the tradition of a less convincing "plastic" look.
Otherwise, Suzuki's approach of offering customers a lot of useful equipment for a reasonable price is commendable. Among other things, there is also active cruise control and radar-assisted braking in the event of a collision, as well as a useful entry and start system with a key in your pocket.
Suzuki Vitara is a reliable solution for transportation and ease of use.
Tomaž Porekar, photo: Saša Kapetanovič
Suzuki Vitara 1,6 VVT 4WD Elegance
Basic data
| Base model price: | 14.500 € |
|---|---|
| Test model cost: | 20.958 € |
Costs (per year)
Technical information
| engine: | 4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - petrol - displacement 1.586 cm3 - maximum power 88 kW (120 hp) at 6.000 rpm - maximum torque 156 Nm at 4.400 rpm. |
|---|---|
| Energy transfer: | the engine drives all four wheels - 5-speed manual transmission - tires 215/55 R 17 V (Continental ContiEcoContact 5). |
| Capacity: | top speed 180 km/h - 0-100 km/h acceleration 12,0 s - average combined fuel consumption (ECE) 5,6 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 130 g/km. |
| Mass: | empty vehicle 1.160 kg - permissible gross weight 1.730 kg. |
| External dimensions: | length 4.175 mm - width 1.775 mm - height 1.610 mm - wheelbase 2.500 mm |
| Box: | trunk 375–1.120 l – 47 l fuel tank. |
evaluation
With the Vitara, Suzuki returns to the shopping list for those looking for all-wheel drive at a reasonable price.
We praise and reproach
really a lot of equipment at a solid price
efficient all-wheel drive
useful infotainment system
ISOFIX mounts
poor sound insulation
unconvincing appearance of materials in the cabin
