By Mark Slack • Published: 30 Dec 2021 • 11:25 • <1 minute read
SUZUKI VITARA: Remains a popular choice.
With so many cars appearing to share style, equipment and technology these days manufacturers have to identify that special something which sets them apart from the competition. Some do it via special offers, extra equipment and regular facelifts and others take a simpler route to success. One such maker is Suzuki.
The Japanese car maker is known for small cars, SUVs and motorbikes along with marine engines and ATVs. One of their best known, and most admired, SUVs is the diminutive Jimny (now only available in commercial form), which is a formidable off-road performer. There is also the newly launched Across SUV.
In slightly larger form their Vitara makes for a practical and comfortable on and off-roader, with more than a dash of old fashioned style. Thanks to its straightforward boxy design you can pack a lot into the Vitara and it comes with a no nonsense, well-built feel.
Prices start from €24,272 (£21,749) for the lead-in SZT which comes as standard with alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, automatic air conditioning, automatic lights and wipers and Bluetooth.
There’s just one power unit for the range and it’s a very good one too. The 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine also has an electric motor that helps economy, lowers emissions and gives a performance boost. In a week of sometimes not so leisurely driving I notched up an average 46 mpg.
It’s a smooth and refined unit and possessed of enough power to nip past tractors and other slow traffic. The benchmark 100kmh (62mph) is passed in 9.5 seconds with a top speed of 190kmh (118mph). It’s no performance powerhouse but has more than enough capability to deal with motorway cruising speeds and overtakes on single carriageway roads.
Inside, the no nonsense approach continues with a comfortable look and feel, albeit lacking in the interior fripperies of more flouncy rivals. Everything looks well able to stand the daily scuffs and knocks of everyday family and working life. A welcome lack of digital nonsense is heralded by buttons, and even on the touchscreen there’s minimal tapping required. Volkswagen Audi please note!
Options include four-wheel-drive along with some rather snazzy colour combinations and very sensibly priced styling upgrades. The Vitara makes a sensible purchase given their well-earned reputation for reliability. Add in the generous levels of standard equipment and it’s not hard to see why the Vitara remains a popular choice.
Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets.
Share this story
Subscribe to our Euro Weekly News alerts to get the latest stories into your inbox!
By signing up, you will create a Euro Weekly News account if you don't already have one. Review our Privacy Policy for more information about our privacy practices.
If you're a petrol head you're in good hands with Mark Slack, whose expert take on the latest car releases will help you make your next purchase.
Download our media pack in either English or Spanish.