The Suzuki Vitara 1.4 Turbo GLX is the seventh Suzuki I’ve reviewed. I’ve done Suzuki reviews from the Swift to the Ertiga. If you believe in the bible and numerology you would understand the significance of the number 7, it is a symbolic number. Above all, the number 7 is a positive number. Some numerologists believe that the number 7 is so perfect and powerful that it represents a connection to the world. This sums up my experience with the Suzuki Vitara.
It is a symbolic number. Above all, the number 7 is a positive number. Some numerologists believe that the number 7 is so perfect and powerful that it represents a connection to the world. This sums up my experience with the Suzuki Vitara.
The looks
The Suzuki Vitara is uniquely designed and a definite head-turner. The two-tone colour co-ordination coupled with the 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome details and daytime LED running lights makes it look modern yet strong and muscular. In the rear, it’s got an intricate design for its taillights. It is a stylish car.
The interior
I was pleasantly surprised when I stepped inside the Suzuki Vitara, particularly by the suede and synthetic leather seats. The door trim inserts are also covered with suede. Suzuki has done an amazing job with the interior. Compared to the previous six Suzukis I reviewed, I found the Vitara luxurious. The air vents though could use with a touch of detail. They look a bit flimsy.
The tech
I must say the Vitara is also the most technologically advanced Suzuki I have ever reviewed. It is fitted with an infotainment system that comes standard with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. The drawback however, is the touch-sensitive pad of the volume on the side. A physical dial could have been much easier. To make up for that, the steering wheel is mounted with audio controls.
Parking the Vitara is made easier as it is equipped with rear and front parking sensors. It also has a rearview camera.
One of my favourite features is the keyless entry with push-start because sometimes you are carrying a lot of things on your hands and having to take out the key to unlock the car be quite a mission. The keyless entry makes life easy by just pushing the button on the door handle or the boot as long the key is on you.
The Drive
Like I always say, the proof of how good a car is in how it drives. The Suzuki Vitara lives up to its brand promise of “Drive The Fun”. Indeed, the Vitara is a fun car to drive thanks to the responsive 1.4 L Turbo BoosterJet engine and the 6-speed manual transmission gearbox (also available in an automatic transmission). The engine produces a whopping 103 kW power and a torque of 200 Nm. Even though we are on lockdown I managed to drive the Vitara on the highway and it was a smooth drive. The cruise control left me longing for a long-distance trip.
In terms of fuel consumption, the Vitara is exceptional for a car of its size, with 5.8 litres per 100KM.
Storage
As a compact SUV, I think Suzuki has done a great job of ensuring that the Vitara has a sizeable storage capacity. The boot is large for a car its size with 375 litres 1120 litres if the rear seats are folded flat. The boot features a removable parcel shelf which creates more space, and there’s a binnacle on either side of the cargo area for smaller items. The spare wheel is the space-saver type so bear this in mind when going off-road.
There are also two cup holders in the front for the driver and passenger and pockets on the doors. There’s also storage under the central armrest.
Price
The Suzuki Vitara 1.4 Turbo GLX 6-speed manual is competitively priced at R386 900 whilst the automatic transmission is priced at R405 900.
Conclusion
The Suzuki Vitara gets a definite Pat from me. As the meaning of the number 7, it is a perfect compact SUV.