THERE is a lot happening with Suzuki. Following several years of legal arbitration, the Japanese marque recently received permission to exit its failed co-operation agreement with Volkswagen (the latter had a 19,9% stake in the former) and its management launched the Suzuki Next 100 mid-term management plan. This manifesto reaffirmed the brand’s mission to “develop products of superior value by focusing on the customer”.

In terms of a product rollout, Suzuki has stepped up the pace with the Ertiga, Celerio and Ciaz arriving in close succession, and in terms of the cross-over market, the new Vitara represents an “emotional” product that is offered in conjunction with the “rational” SX4.

Although many will remember the plucky Vitara, a compact four-wheel-drive SUV with a giant-killing reputation, this newcomer is a conventional light crossover. It has a purposeful off-roader-inspired exterior execution, but under the sheet metal it is a two-wheel-drive small family car. The chunky design cues, such as the clamshell bonnet, gaping maw of a front air intake (replete with grey cladding) and the floating-roof effect created by the blacked out pillars drew aesthetic comparisons with a number of the Vitara’s contemporaries, spanning from the striking Range Rover Evoque to the kitschy GWM M4. It speaks volumes for the Suzuki’s polarising design treatment. Clearly, the Suzuki Vitara does not blend into the scenery as most of its siblings do, and so fulfils its “emotional design” brief.

The interior layout, however, is more typical of other Suzuki models. Apart from a compass-like clock nestled between the pair of circular vents atop the facia, there is little design flair to the Vitara’s cabin. Build quality, though, is excellent, even if hard plastic surfaces are the order of the day. The USB-equipped audio system will be familiar to Swift owners and feels somewhat dated in an era where touchscreen interfaces are de rigueur, but the Bluetooth streaming function works well and the digital climate-control operation adds a touch of sophistication.

Testers welcomed the elevated driving position, while the cloth upholstery that’s neatly finished with contrast stitching and the better-than-average levels of leg- and headroom, plus privacy glass, availed to rear passengers drew praise. The rear luggage area may appear long and shallow, but there is an extra storage compartment under the board, the latter of which can be removed to accommodate the loading of taller objects. A 12V accessory socket is also provided and the seatback folds forward to free up 1 000 dm3 of utility space.

Whereas the Vitara seems very conventional, some would say predictable, in terms of its packaging, it proved a pleasant surprise to drive. Powered by an 86 kW 1,6-litre four cylinder motor, the Suzuki is sprightly round town and its five-speed transmission feels positive and slick, even though the clutch pedal tends to “bite” later than most drivers would expect. Performance is leisurely up to 4 000 r/min, but picks up appreciably thereafter. Even so, the 151 N.m of available torque means overtaking in higher gears is not a strong point, and the superb ride and handling balance suggests a punchier engine would have complemented the newcomer admirably.

Still, the test unit consumed a miserly 5,7 L/100 km on the standard fuel route, which is even better than the manufacturer’s claim and we expect commuters would favour economy over pace in the Vitara’s default application. Overall, the 1,6 GL+ delivers surefooted road holding; the steering, if a trifle restless at the straight-ahead position, is satisfyingly sharp and accurate; and the overall ride quality pleasingly pliant.

An attribute of the Vitara that should appeal to prospective buyers, especially those with small families, is the newcomer’s class-leading safety specification. Front, side and curtain airbags (plus a driver’s knee bag), complement ABS with EBD and brake assist, as well as the electronic stability control system.

In terms of value for money, the GL+ is well equipped in that it has a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel, power windows all round, cruise control and climate control, plus a versatile audio system, but there are not many nice-to-have items such as automatically activated lights/wipers, a reverse camera, PDC (at either end) or roof rails, to name a few examples.

What’s more, while it can be argued the GL+ is at least prudently specified, which explains why it compares well price-wise in the adjacent match-up box, the Vitara lacks that unique selling proposition that would give it the edge when its specification sheet are compared and contrasted with its rivals’.



TEST SUMMARY

The test team was unanimous in declaring the Vitara a well-engineered, solidly made newcomer - one that incorporates Suzuki’s best attributes. Even though not every tester was won over by the aesthetic qualities of the 1,6+, the test unit performed ably and we have no hesitation in recommending the Vitara to those who simply seek solid, fuss-free motoring from a light crossover vehicle.

Much like the Renault Duster, the Suzuki offers a more stubbled execution in a market dominated by cutesy boutique contenders. The Vitara does feel better engineered than its French rival, however, and its well-known moniker should stimulate a modicum of showroom traffic in itself.

Even though the Suzuki Vitara is also available in all-wheel-drive configuration (in both GL+ and GLX spec), those models demand premiums, let alone a significant 95 kg weight penalty - and that’s why we think this version represents the sweet spot in the range. Suzuki is on the up and the Vitara has its charms, but whether it can succeed where the SX4 hasn’t remains to be seen.

Original article from Car