Introduction

The Suzuki Vitara is Suzuki’s flagship model in the highly competitive small SUV market. With a modern facelift and some key upgrades, the latest Vitara combines style, practicality, and enhanced safety. Suzuki has refined the Vitara over time, offering improved engines, updated features, and a sleek design. Let’s dive into what makes the Suzuki Vitara a top contender in the small SUV segment and why it’s a favorite among many drivers.

A Stronger Engine Lineup

One of the most significant changes in the latest Vitara is the engine lineup. Suzuki has completely refreshed the powertrain, focusing solely on petrol engines with turbocharged booster jet technology. These engines provide better fuel efficiency and more pulling power in the mid-range, which is essential for everyday driving.
Drivers can now choose between two engines: a 1.0-liter three-cylinder and a 1.4-liter four-cylinder. The 1.0-liter turbocharged engine delivers 111 PS and 170 Nm of torque, making it a good choice for drivers who mainly stick to city roads. It can reach 62 mph in 11.5 seconds, which is adequate for a small SUV. The 1.4-liter engine offers a more powerful driving experience with 140 PS and 220 Nm of torque, achieving 62 mph in 9.5 seconds. Both engines are turbocharged for efficiency and performance, offering drivers a choice depending on their driving needs.

Enhanced Driving Experience

Suzuki knows how to build cars that are fun to drive. While the Vitara isn’t a sports car, it is more engaging than many of its rivals in the small SUV segment. Thanks to the lightweight chassis, the Vitara feels agile and responsive, especially in tight corners. The lightweight construction comes from Suzuki’s Total Effective Control Technology (TECT) platform, which uses high-strength steel to reduce weight without compromising safety.
Despite its SUV size, the Vitara handles corners well and feels secure on the road. Suzuki’s decision to eliminate diesel engines means that all current Vitara models are powered by petrol engines, making them more efficient and responsive. For those interested in a more adventurous drive, the AllGrip four-wheel-drive system is available. This feature is perfect for drivers who want added traction and stability, particularly in off-road conditions or during winter driving.

Exterior Design: Stylish and Modern

The Vitara’s design has evolved significantly over the years, with the latest model featuring modern updates. At the front, you’ll notice a redesigned grille with six vertical slats, replacing the older horizontal ones. The bumper has also been updated with a more defined trapezoidal shape, and the fog lamps are housed in sculpted sections, giving the car a bold and fashionable look.
From the side, the Vitara keeps its clean lines and stylish stance, with options for a contrasting roof color. The 17-inch alloy wheels come in different finishes, adding to the Vitara’s personalized feel. In the rear, the LED taillights offer a distinctive light signature, and the rear bumper features a reversing light, enhancing safety and visibility.

Interior Comfort and Practicality

Inside, the Vitara is practical and comfortable, although not overly luxurious. The cabin has been refreshed with soft-touch materials on the upper dashboard and suede-like fabric for the seats in the higher trims. The design is simple and functional, with all controls easy to access. The Vitara offers a commanding driving position, giving drivers a great view of the road ahead, which is especially helpful in urban driving.
There’s plenty of legroom for front passengers, though rear seat space is slightly tighter. Despite the compact size of the Vitara, it offers decent headroom, even with the panoramic glass roof fitted in higher trims. In terms of storage, the Vitara provides useful spaces, including deep door pockets and a handy center console.
In the back, the boot space is competitive for its class, offering 375 liters of storage. If you need more room, the 60/40 split-folding rear seats can expand the boot to 710 liters, providing plenty of space for larger items. The rear compartment also includes a 12V socket, tie-down points, and a handy adjustable boot floor.

Technology and Features

The Vitara comes equipped with Suzuki’s standard seven-inch touchscreen display, which controls the infotainment system. This system includes satellite navigation, a reversing camera, and smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the graphics may not be the most advanced, the interface is user-friendly, even with gloves on, making it practical in colder weather.
One area where the Vitara excels is safety. The SZ5 trim includes advanced safety features like lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and autonomous emergency braking. These features add an extra layer of security, making the Vitara a safe choice for families.

Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs

Fuel economy is another strong point for the Vitara. The 1.0-liter engine returns an average of 45.9 miles per gallon, while the 1.4-liter engine manages 43.6 mpg. These figures make the Vitara an efficient option in the small SUV category, particularly for drivers looking to keep running costs down. The light curb weight of the Vitara also contributes to its efficiency, especially compared to heavier rivals.
Suzuki has built a reputation for offering reliable vehicles with reasonable maintenance costs. The Vitara is no exception, with affordable servicing options and a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty. While some competitors offer longer warranties, Suzuki’s low ownership costs make the Vitara an attractive choice for budget-conscious drivers.

Conclusion

The Suzuki Vitara continues to be a standout option in the small SUV market. With its refreshed engine lineup, stylish design, and improved technology, the Vitara offers a great balance of practicality and fun driving dynamics. Whether you’re looking for a compact family SUV or something capable of light off-road adventures, the Vitara delivers.
I recently came across a video review of someone who had a similar experience with the Vitara, and I was inspired by their insights. If you’re interested in learning more, you can check out their review here: Suzuki Vitara 2019 – FULL REVIEW.