Suzuki Philippines (SPH) recently launched the all-new Vitara – the latest addition to their growing stable of locally available vehicles.
With a history that spans over more than three decades, the modern- and younger-looking Vitara is now smaller than it’s predecessor and sits in the competitive subcompact SUV category. The updated design, while still reminiscent of the Suzuki SUV legacy, is said to target the tastes of the millennials incorporating modern elements and making it perfect for city driving while enabling customers the individuality and personalization they look for in a vehicle.
“Equipped with top of the line features, the new Vitara will enable the Filipino driving public to freely express their individuality through its unique design and a wide selection of colors to choose from. Apart from this, the Vitara is designed with enhanced safety features and superior fuel efficiency. Backed by all these features, we are hopeful that the new Vitara will appeal to the Philippine market especially among millennials,” said Suzuki Motor Corporation Global Automobile Planning Department General Manager Nobutaka Suzuki.
(L-R) Mr. Norminio Mojica, Managing Director & Treasurer, Suzuki Philippines; Mr. Shigeo Takezawa, Department General Manager, Asia Automobile Department Asia Automobile Division; Mr. Hiroshi Suzuki, President, Suzuki Philippines; Mr Shuzo Hoshikura, General Manager for Automobile, Suzuki Philippines; Mr. Nobutaka Suzuki, Department General Manager, Global Automobile Planning Department, Global Business Administration & Planning Division; Mr. Cecil Capacete, Assistant General Manager for Automobile, Suzuki Philippines / Photo from Suzuki Philippines
Design
Faithful to Suzuki SUV’s original styling, the exterior design of the new Vitara exudes a strong yet sophisticated presence achieved through the modernized Suzuki SUV signature clamshell bonnet. The side press lines and smooth roofline suggest a youthful, rugged look, and strong aerodynamic performance, respectively, complemented by the rear that gives off a stable look. It has an overall width of 1,775mm, a height of 1,610mm, length of 4,175mm and a minimum ground clearance of 185mm.
Unique daytime running lamps with vertically placed LEDs are standard in the GLX model, while Energy-saving LED headlamps with a blue projector cover comes standard with the GLX model. Projector halogen headlamps featuring good light distribution for the low beam are used in the GL and GL+ models. Polished alloy wheels that complete the sleek vibe of the SUV is available in 17 inches for GLX variant, 16 inches alloy wheel for GL+ and 16 inches steel wheel with full caps for GL variants.
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Inside, the instrument panel conveys a youthful look with its upper linear design that includes a round analog clock and air vents. The seats are made of high-quality fabric, with the GLX model featuring a combination of leather and suede-type fabric for an even classier feel. The Vitara GLX also features a panoramic sunroof designed with two glass panels that can both slide open to provide the biggest opening in its class.
All variants of the all-new Vitara are equipped with 6-speed automatic transmission, paddle shifters, and audio steering control. The GL+ and GLX models also feature a footwell lamp and keyless push start system.
The new Vitara’s Infotainment audio system has handsfree connectivity, navigation, Bluetooth audio, and a USB port. The GLX variant enables on-the-go connectivity via its Wi-Fi support, while the MirrorLink function links the rider’s smartphone with the vehicle’s Android-based operating system. The GLX trim comes with a 10-inch screen, while the GL+ and GL variants enjoy the same features at 7 inches.
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The luggage space can accommodate up to 375L, expandable by lowering the luggage board or removing the dividers on both sides of the luggage area. To accommodate large suitcases, the rear seats can be folded to make way for up to 710L.
To allow millennials to express their individuality, the Vitara comes in various colors and designs. With two-tone options available for the roof, pillars and door mirrors for GLX and monotone colors for GL + and GL models, the Vitara offers accessory packages meant for the adventurous and urban drivers.
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Power and Safety
The all-new Vitara is powered by a 1.6-liter petrol engine that produces 115 HP at 6,000 RPM, and 156 Nm of torque at 4,400 RPM. The powerplant is mated to a newly-developed 6-speed AT system that promises better fuel economy. In a recently held DOE fuel economy run, the Vitara achieved 20.57 kilometers per liter using the organizer’s predetermined expressway route.
The Vitara’s safety features include a 6-point airbag system comprising of dual, curtain and side airbags for the driver and passenger provides greater protection. It also comes with a cruise control system and speed limiter, ultrasonic sensors in the front and rear bumpers with a reverse camera that detect obstacles during parking, an automatic light system that turns headlamps and tail lamps on and off, and automatic wipers triggered depending on the extent of rainfall and vehicle speed.
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The Vitara’s electronic stability program (ESP) automatically controls the engine torque and brakes upon detection of a wheelslip to ensure the driver maintains directional control. The hillhold control helps the driver to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward on an upward climb.
In the event of a collision, the new Vitara has an impact-absorbing design focused on the front bumpers. The brake pedal release system limits the pedal’s movement toward the driver in case of a frontal impact. For further protection for the occupants, the Vitara’s Total Effective Control Technology (TECT) absorbs impact and the seatbelts use force limiter to mitigate impact to the chest.
Availability and Pricing
The all-new Vitara is priced at Php 1,048,000 for the GLX variant and Php 938,000.00 for the GL+. As of launch date, pricing for the base-unit GL trim was not yet available due to stock availability.
GLX variants come in two-tone colors, namely Atlantis Turquoise Pearl, Horizon Orange Metallic, and Bright Red Metallic. GL+ and GL variants are available in Cool White Pearl, Silky Silver Metallic, Galactic Gray Metallic, Cosmic Black Pearl Metallic, and Atlantis Turquoise Pearl Metallic.