2015 Suzuki Vitara 1.6 4WD Test Drivre
The new Vitara is the latest model in offering Suzuki, producer for many years convinces us that they can make SUV car. Just genuine, inclusive of solid off-road features, high functionality and all-wheel drive, which is missing in many competitors. And besides, Vitara comes with a modern and sporty design.
The new model is launched 25 years after the introduction of the original Vitara, a model that has set standards in the class and who is still used from real lovers of driving off the road. But aside driving on the terrain, does the new Vitara have enough aces up in sleeve for setting a real blow to best in class?
Design
The new Vitara follows the design of its predecessor and from the model Jimny, but with completely much more dynamic and sportier look. Particularly striking front grille, constructed with trapezoidal air vents and angular lights, while from side, thanks to the small windows and high pages, gives a sense of robustness. Aerodynamic view the full body highlights the dynamic and sporting character.
In the interior, there is enough change from other models of Suzuki, to capture sporting effect. Ventilation holes are circular, while the center console is made with a special frame, which emphasizes luxury. Totally speaking, Vitara is a true refreshment in the range of Suzuki.
Performance
The model that we had the test was equipped with the well-known 1.6 liter petrol engine with 120 hp at 6,000 rev / min and 156 Nm at 4,400 r / min. The atmospheric engine naturally requires turning to red field to achieve maximum performance, and despite having no turbocharger, enough is elastic and has an extremely linear delivery of power.
The numbers say that the acceleration to 100km/h is 12 seconds for the model with all-wheel drive (11.5 for that drive only the front), a figure which in reality appears as very high, that feeling is like a car accelerating and under 11 seconds. The maximum speed is still 180 km / h, which is probably more than enough for a compact SUV.
Manageability / Comfort
The sporty exterior design, announces that Vitara is a dynamic and agile car. Indeed, the choice of mode Sport, Japanese SUV is pretty fun, and allows quick changes of direction, especially because it is not tilted too much in a whirl. In this mode steering is precise and direct and the engine quickly match the accelerator.
Mentioned mode Sport? Yes, AWLGRIP with all-wheel drive available are four different operating modes. Auto is designed to save fuel and mostly uses only front-wheel drive, but need to include the rear wheels in order to maximize security. Sport longer use rear wheels and brings several other improvements that we have mentioned above.
Snow is for slippery surfaces such as snow, mud, etc. and prevents the vehicle slipping off the set line. Lock mode continuously transmits power to all wheels and is intended to drive the field. In this mode we were able to have fun and off-road, the gravel as rally car, something that can hardly any other car segment.
Refinement
We were happily surprised by the high level of sound insulation. The engine is heard only at the highest speeds, while at higher speeds there is not much wind and the sound of wheels. The interior is great and isolated from vibrations from the engine, who also works quite smoothly.
Area / Practicality
Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the cabin has room for adult passengers in the front and rear seats, and 375 liters of trunk, which is also a good figure. Throughout the cabin, there are enough places to delay trifles and we especially liked those phones that are put on a great place and great keeping our devices. Rear seat can be folded and then gets flat and usable floor to load long items. Complete, in terms of convenience and offer comfort, Vitara is among the best models in the segment.
Besides the correct price, very strong side by the Vitara is low consumption, even in petrol model. On the test, spent 7.6 liters in city (6.5 default), or less than 6 liters of open, that for petrol SUV with all-wheel drive is an excellent result.
Conclusion
The compact SUV cars are becoming more popular among customers, and consequently, manufacturers extract more and more such models, making the choice more difficult. However, many of the models in the class are just ordinary compact cars, slightly raised off the ground, making it Vitara one of the few that brings real benefits of an SUV car or real off-road capabilities, improved traction with all-wheel drive and higher levels of functionality. And all this accompanied by a modern and appealing design.