The replacement for Grand Vitara is here. Two engines will be offered: a petrol and a diesel, both 118bhp units displacing 1.6 litres, but with the petrol delivering 115lb ft of torque and the diesel 236lb ft. The petrol gets a five-speed manual gearbox, the diesel six speeds, and there’s a six-speed automatic to follow for the petrol. Performance and fuel consumption details are scant, but the 4x4 petrol car we tested delivers official average fuel consumption of 50.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 130g/km.
The Vitara is based on the SX4 S-
Cross, which is Suzuki’s larger and more practical offering in this market. And the four-wheel-drive system is similar to the SX4’s, with an electronic/hydraulic controlled clutch pack and a more sophisticated and stronger cam-based engagement
system than some rivals. It is
controlled by a switch down beside
the (mercifully manual) hand brake.
In the ‘Auto’ setting, the Vitara is front-wheel drive unless slip is
detected, whereupon the rear wheels are clutched in. ‘Sport’ diverts 20 per cent of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels when it determines the car is being driven in a spirited manner. ‘Snow’ switches to a default setting of four-wheel drive, diverting different amounts of torque to the rear according to steering and accelerator. And ‘Lock’ simply splits the torque equally between front and rear. In addition the Vitara gets a hill-descent control
system, which modulates the brakes to help you descend steep and slippery hills slowly.
The interior is generously
proportioned, with plenty of room
around the front seats and decent- sized if shallow door pockets. What’s more, the steering wheel adjusts for reach and height and all models have
a height-adjustable driver’s seat, so it simple to find a good driving
position.
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