Test drive Suzuki Vitara: back in shape
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Briefly presenting our impressions of the updated Suzuki Vitara
Partial restyling of the Vitara became a fact around the middle of the car's model life. On the outside, the compact SUV gets a modernized and fresh look, but the real progress is evident when you get into the car.
Objectively speaking, the stylistic and ergonomic concept has remained unchanged, but the quality and type of materials used is a huge leap over the previously known version. Rough plastic with a characteristic smell is a thing of the past.
Other major innovations were not particularly required here - functionality and ergonomics deserve serious attention, and equipment is at a very good level for its class.
Energetic petrol turbo engine
The test car engine was a 1,4-liter direct injection gasoline engine with 140 hp. It is an order of magnitude higher than the new offering with three cylinders, turbocharging and 112 hp.
As you probably guessed, a much more important advantage of the new creation of Japanese engineers is its torque - the maximum value of 220 Nm is already available at 1500 rpm of the crankshaft and remains unchanged in a surprisingly wide range (up to 4000 rpm). min).
It is an indisputable fact that the aluminum engine has good responsiveness and excellent intermediate thrust when accelerating. Thanks to the good efficiency of the internal combustion engine of 99 percent, the driver can safely use the 2500-3000 rpm range.
Otherwise, gear shifting is precise and pleasant, and the six-speed manual transmission is tuned to match engine parameters.
More sophistication
Progress has also been made in terms of acoustic comfort and ride comfort – overall the Vitara is far more advanced than before. In addition, especially in versions with all-wheel drive, it remains one of the representatives of the category with really good behavior on the road.
The front-wheel drive model tested, as expected, has all the functional benefits of the SUV's bodywork, but this is not the case for road behavior, which, especially in harsh winter conditions, cannot match that of its 4x4 counterparts.
However, sales of this type of vehicle with only one drive axle seem to continue to grow, so it's not hard to see why most manufacturers have similar versions in their lineup. Otherwise, which is typical for the brand, Vitara, as always, refers to the cost-effective offers in its segment.
