Exterior styling changes
Subtle, yet effective refreshments in the front and back
As with any facelift, manufacturers upgrade styling details but the basic shape and design remains the same. The 2015 Vitara had an attractive, upmarket design to begin with, and when Suzuki brought out the 2019 model, there was not that much to be improved upon.
The 2015 model has aged rather well and only the well-trained car aficionado's eye will be able to tell the difference between the old and the new, if the two cars aren't parked side by side. The chrome grille slats seen above on the GLX model still feature the horizontal design.
Note the new clear headlamp clusters, redesigned grille with horizontal slats, large trapezoidal air intake with deep-set fog lamps (on the 2019 GLX specification level, below). Front headlights are LED. The vertical LED daytime running lights "are enclosed in a new J-shaped chrome insert (black on the GL spec level), which extends from the edges of the black number plate housing to the top of the fog lamps", says Suzuki.
Visually, the 2019 model's biggest changes in front are the vertical chrome slat design and daytime running lamps at the outer edges of the Vitara.
We love the 2015 model's minimalistic rear-end. The taillight design is fuss-free; all in all, its proportionally correct and pleasing to the eye.
Clean and simple, the 2015 model's rear-end doesn't look at all dated.
On the 2019 Vitara (pictured below), new combination rear lamps now have LED lights to match the front. (Suzuki also refreshed the optional silver scuff plate and side mouldings to fit in with the front and rear bumper design.) GLX models are equipped with flush-mounted parking sensors on both the front and rear bumpers.
Suzuki didn't mess much with their winning design recipe.
Fresh new alloy wheel designs
Again, the side profile is not very different, and the alloy wheel design on this GLX model remains stylish and fashionable.
New 17-inch alloy rims look good on the 2019 Vitara GLX model.
On the inside
I remember being a little underwhelmed by the 2015 Vitara's interior. It was well put together, but rivals seemed to have a little more personality. Ergonomically it was sound, though, and it seemed robust.
The 2015 model's interior was quite plain with a no-frills infotainment system, but build quality was solid.
The 2019 model is an entire different kettle of fish, however. The layout stays more-or-less the same, but the tactile quality is much improved. Soft touch materials now feature on the upper instrument panel, and GLX models have a new seat trim material that is an ultra comfy mix of suede and faux leather. The biggest change here is the new full colour Smart Linkage Display Audio touch screen system with smartphone integration. It displays the reverse camera image as well.
With the last facelift, GL+ and GLX spec levels gained climate- and cruise control, a multifunction steering wheel, all-round electric windows and chrome detailing. GLX models have a unique instrument panel trim, keyless access with push-button start and an electric tilt/sliding panoramic sunroof with chrome roof rails.
Welcome to the more swish present-day Vitara interior, now with a touch-screen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. This is the GLX variant.
Engines: A new turbo joins the line-up
When the Vitara launched, there was only one engine in the line-up: The 1.6VVT petrol-engine, naturally-aspirated, with 88kW. Since 2019, Suzuki's feisty 1.4-litre turbocharged BOOSTERJET engine has become available. The Suzuki Vitara Turbo with 103kW and 220Nm offers easy acceleration while remaining light on fuel.
Safety features remain top-notch
The Vitara already had a five-star EuroNCAP safety rating in 2015. Older and current-generation models have ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), a brake-assist system (BAS), and electronic stability control (ESP) with traction control.
"Passive safety features include 7 airbags as well as Suzuki’s Total Effective Control Technology (TECT) body-design, which features side and cross-body impact zones, ultra-high strength steel and additional bracing for a body that is both highly rigid and impact absorbing", the automaker says.
Hill-start assist is standard on GLX models while AllGrip models have hill-descent control.
Source: Suzuki SA
