By: IOL Motoring Staff
Johannesburg - The Suzuki Vitara has been perhaps the most enduring success symbol of the Japanese maker's commitment to compactness.
So the all-new Vitara, released in South Africa this week, 27 years down the Vitara line, is a completely different kind of compact SUV. While previous Vitaras were genuine bundu bashers, the new one has followed market trends to become more of an urban warrior, with most models being front-wheel driven.
Two of the models do, however, offer Suzuki's AllGrip all-wheel drive system with four selectable-on-the-fly drive modes, including a Lock mode that uses a limited-slip differential to individually brake that spinning wheel that would otherwise have gotten you stuck.
As for design functionality, short overhangs allow approach and departure angles of 18.2 degrees and 28.2 degrees respectively; ramp breakover angle is 17.7 percent an minimum ground clearance is a useful 185 mm.
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The tailgate aperture is a gaping 1120mm wide and 730mm high, accessing a cargo bay that'll hold 375 litres with the 60:40 split rear seat-back up, and 710 litres with it down; there's even a luggage board to keep Fido out of the shopping (or vice versa!).
All five SA versions have the same 1586cc M16A petrol four with variable valve timing, rated for 86kW at 6600 revs and 151Nm at 4400rpm, mated to either a five-speed manual or a six-speed auto transmission with flappy paddles.
THREE TRIM LEVELS
The entry-level GL comes with a five-speed manual 'box, and front-wheel drive, wheel-arch extensions over 16 inch steel rims wearing 215/60 radials and bash plates at both ends; grille, door handles, side mirrors and fender trims are black.
The air-conditioned cabin is trimmed in fabric and features power front windows and side mirrors.
The GL+ adds 16 inch alloy rims, fog lights, dark-tinted privacy glass, colour-coded grille, door handles and exterior mirrors, and grey fender trims. Five-speed manual transmission is standard, with either front or all-wheel drive, including the four-way drive selector on the centre console.
The interior gets chrome and silver trim elements, contrast stitching, leather trim on the steering wheel, climate control, electric windows all round cruise control and an analogue clock in the middle of the dashboard.
The flagship GLX also comes with either front-wheel drive and six-speed auto transmission, or all-wheel drive and a five-speed manual transmission.
Exterior features include 17 inch alloys with 215/55 rubber, a standard-fit, electrically operated glass sunroof with a motorised internal blind, silver roof rails, chromed grille and fender garnishes, and LED low-beam and daytime running lights.
The seats are upholstered in suede, front and rear parking sensors are standard, as are hill hold, automatic headlights and keyless starting.
PRICES
GL - R239 900
GL+ - R269 900
GL+ AWD - 291 900
GLX AT - R299 900
GLX AWD - R319 900
These include a three-year or 100 000km warranty, a four-year or 60 000km service plan and a three-year roadside assistance package. Services are at 15 000km intervals.
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