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The Suzuki Vitara has been transformed from a utilitarian family-friendly SUV into more of a crossover with Range Rover Evoque-inspired styling and more advanced equipment. There's also more dynamic driving ability on offer, but it's not quite up with the class best.
If you can sacrifice a little ride comfort, and value driving dynamics more, the Vitara is a fine crossover that's car-like to drive, with a sharp chassis and steering, but its lack of boot space counts against it. The diesel's mix of strong efficiency and performance is impressive.
Still, with a responsive and agile chassis for the class, and improved efficiency from the 1.4 Boosterjet petrol hybrid engine, this latest crossover-style Vitara is a much more alluring proposition than its off-road biased predecessors.
Combining value, style, safety and versatility in a good-looking package, only the low-rent feel of the dash and poorer depreciation than some rivals that really let the side down – especially if you’re spending over £24k on a higher-end model.
Today's Suzuki Vitara has changed considerably from the model that was first for sale in the UK in the 1990s. Gone are the chunky looks and purposeful looks of a genuine small off-roader, replaced by a compact crossover that's designed to appeal to a new generation of buyers.
The current Vitara arrived in 2015, and is designed to be a competitor against cars such as the Peugeot 2008, Renault Captur, Nissan Juke and a wave of new small crossovers that have joined the class since the Vitara's original release. As a result, Suzuki gave the Vitara an update to help keep it competitive.
One big change for the latest Vitara is the introduction of front-wheel drive to the range. In fact, the majority of cars are now front-drive, with only the top-spec version gaining Allgrip 4WD. This highlights the expectations of modern SUV buyers, as they want the rugged looks and raised driving position of a 4x4, but still have the running costs of a conventional hatchback. If you need a dedicated 4x4, then the Suzuki Jimny will be right up your street.
Power comes from the 1.4 Boosterjet petrol hybrid engine, delivering 127bhp and 235Nm of torque. All models use a six-speed manual transmission.
Trim levels comprise SZ4, SZ-T and SZ5, and all versions are pretty well equipped. There are electrically heated door mirrors, LED daytime running lights, climate control, Bluetooth and a host of safety equipment, too. SZ-T models add sat-nav, DAB radio and a reversing camera, while SZ5 come with adaptive cruise control, a panoramic sunroof, LED headlights and 17-inch wheels.
If you want 4WD, it's only offered with the top-spec 1.4 SZ5.
For an alternative review of the latest Suzuki Vitara SUV visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk
Continue reading...
If you can sacrifice a little ride comfort, and value driving dynamics more, the Vitara is a fine crossover that's car-like to drive, with a sharp chassis and steering, but its lack of boot space counts against it. The diesel's mix of strong efficiency and performance is impressive.
Still, with a responsive and agile chassis for the class, and improved efficiency from the 1.4 Boosterjet petrol hybrid engine, this latest crossover-style Vitara is a much more alluring proposition than its off-road biased predecessors.
Combining value, style, safety and versatility in a good-looking package, only the low-rent feel of the dash and poorer depreciation than some rivals that really let the side down – especially if you’re spending over £24k on a higher-end model.
Today's Suzuki Vitara has changed considerably from the model that was first for sale in the UK in the 1990s. Gone are the chunky looks and purposeful looks of a genuine small off-roader, replaced by a compact crossover that's designed to appeal to a new generation of buyers.
The current Vitara arrived in 2015, and is designed to be a competitor against cars such as the Peugeot 2008, Renault Captur, Nissan Juke and a wave of new small crossovers that have joined the class since the Vitara's original release. As a result, Suzuki gave the Vitara an update to help keep it competitive.
One big change for the latest Vitara is the introduction of front-wheel drive to the range. In fact, the majority of cars are now front-drive, with only the top-spec version gaining Allgrip 4WD. This highlights the expectations of modern SUV buyers, as they want the rugged looks and raised driving position of a 4x4, but still have the running costs of a conventional hatchback. If you need a dedicated 4x4, then the Suzuki Jimny will be right up your street.
Power comes from the 1.4 Boosterjet petrol hybrid engine, delivering 127bhp and 235Nm of torque. All models use a six-speed manual transmission.
Trim levels comprise SZ4, SZ-T and SZ5, and all versions are pretty well equipped. There are electrically heated door mirrors, LED daytime running lights, climate control, Bluetooth and a host of safety equipment, too. SZ-T models add sat-nav, DAB radio and a reversing camera, while SZ5 come with adaptive cruise control, a panoramic sunroof, LED headlights and 17-inch wheels.
If you want 4WD, it's only offered with the top-spec 1.4 SZ5.
For an alternative review of the latest Suzuki Vitara SUV visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk
Continue reading...