Suzuki is certainly one of the car brands which invented the small SUV. The Vitara has a long history since 1988, much longer than some of the brand new models from other manufactures and Suzuki benefits from these decades of experience.
The new Vitara looks sportier than the previous model and reminds me a bit of the expensive Ranger Rover Evoque which is almost three times the Vitara’s price. With the Vitara, Suzuki follows the trend for small crossover SUVs rather than small off-roaders.
The Vitara available in the UAE has only one engine package – the 1.6L, 4-cylinder (118HP) with 6-speed automatic transmission and either 2-wheel or permanent four-wheel drive. The car is loaded with many great standard features like cruise control, Bluetooth handsfree, automatic air conditioning, automatic LED head lights, power mirrors and windows, keyless entry, parking sensors, MP3 radio with USB, leather seats and much more. Combining value, style, safety and versatility in a good-looking package at a great price, Suzuki will certainly take a big market share of the growing market of small SUVs while people in the UAE start looking at fuel efficiency and value for money.
Driving the car in the city is great, you have all the comfort and features you would not expect from a car at this price and the car’s fuel efficiency is great and yet the car is agile and fun to drive especially if switched into sports mode (0-100km/h in 13sec). The relatively small engine compared to popular big engines in this market provides enough power for the weight of the car. Lightweight build and efficient powertrains make the Suzuki Vitara one of the most economical car in the crossover class. We drove at a cost of 10 AED/100km (approx 7L/100km) which can certainly be reduced with a more conservative driving style. With the 47L tank you should be able to reach 650km. The car lost a bit of its off-road heritage towards a more versatile use. For going into the sand you should switch into the Snow mode which is designed for more slippery ground (for this market it should be called Sand). Despite the SUV’s great cosmopolitan look, the car did surprisingly good in sand, this is where you can feel its heritage from the previous models. Actually the biggest limitation off-road is not the small sized engine; it is the ground clearance and the alloy sport wheels. I am sure if the car is lifted and equipped with off-road tyres, it would do exceptionally well in the dunes due to its light weight. So if you are only planning to go for a desert BBQ or to the beach, the new Vitara will certainly get you there and back.
The boot space of 375 litres (increasing to 1,120 litres with the rear seats folded) is also enough to take all your gear out in the mountains, desert or to the beach.
The Vitara is a great choice in the class of small crossover SUVs with a very nice an appealing new fancy look as well as loaded with a lot of standard features.
- GLX 2WD 67.000AED
- GLX 4WD AllGrip 72.000AED
- GLX+ 4WD AllGrip 81.000AED (Panoramic sunroof, navigations system)
Words By: Daniel Birkhofer
Photos By: Jung Francisco
