This striking looking crossover from Suzuki was revealed officially to the public at the Paris Motor Show. It is based on the iV-4 concept first shown at the Frankfurt motor show in 2013. This time it is smaller and boasts of fresh design elements.
The Grand Vitara has been discontinued in Europe and this 2015 Suzuki Vitara offers the vehicle a new lease of life. Externally it carries a lot of design cues from the iV-4 concept including a sharp crease along its flanks, wraparound headlights and a Range Rover Evoque-style nose. But it looks rather toned down, with a massive chrome radiator grille and integrated LED daytime running lights in the front bumper.
The new Vitara is powered by the M16 1.6-litre petrol engine or the D16AA 1.6-litre diesel engine. Both have a peak power of 118bhp, but the diesel has 320Nm of torque against 156Nm for the petrol. A five-speed manual transmission will be available for the petrol engine, while the diesel gets a six-speed manual. The M16 can also be equipped with a six-speed automatic gearbox. Front-wheel drive will come as standard, while the ALLGRIP all-wheel drive system sourced from the larger SX4 S-Cross will be offered as an extra paid option.
Suzuki is offering its customers scope for personalization, inside-out, with a range of 15 bright colour schemes. It also comes in a 'rugged' package for the outside, adding front and rear skidplates and body side mouldings, a sign that off-roading with the car will be fun. All models have seven airbags, and the Vitara can even be specified with adaptive cruise control, a panoramic sunroof and a smartphone connection.
This Renault Captur rival will hit the European markets in 2015 and its coming to India, is uncertain but there is still hope. Maruti Suzuki, its Indian subsidiary is busy with the SX4 S-Cross at present. The Indian market used to get the Grand Vitara, so may be the Suzuki Vitara may come here sometime in the future.
