Suzuki Vitara receives subtle tweaks for 2019

Martin Pretorius

With the small SUV market showing steady growth over the past few years, the Suzuki Vitara has been perfectly placed to take advantage of surging demand. But, because it’s been around since 2015, the time has come for some all-round improvements – improvements which have now reached South Africa as well. And, while it’s nicer inside and out, the biggest news will come in a few months’ time, when an exciting new engine will get added to the mix.

Sensible, practical, and relatively affordable, the current-generation Suzuki Vitara stepped into a growing market segment, and immediately made its mark. While it carries a storied nameplate, hinting at genuine off-road prowess, this Vitara has never been much of a machine for going off the beaten track, although its chunky styling certainly suggests otherwise. 

Instead, the Vitara became a popular choice for those who want SUV styling without compromising on real-world usability. This mid-life facelift sharpens its strengths, and addresses some of the points of criticism levelled at the outgoing model. They should also keep the Vitara fresh enough to withstand intensified challenges from the likes of the Ford EcoSport, Hyundai Creta, and soon-to-arrive Mahindra XUV300.

What’s new?

The general exterior styling themes remain unaltered, with a blocky profile, clamshell bonnet, and two-tone paintwork on most variants. However, the light clusters, bumpers, and grille design have all been brought up to date, and top-spec GLX versions receive new alloy wheels as well.

A new trapezoidal air intake defines the new front bumper, with a new upright DRL design to bracket its extremities. Higher up, the headlamps now feature clear lenses (with the GLX derivatives still boasting LED main beams), while a redesigned grille with vertical chrome inserts fills the gap between them. The rear lights are similarly redesigned, and feature LED technology as well. 

What’s new inside?

One of the criticisms frequently leveled against the Vitara concerned its plasticky interior trim. Yes, it all fitted neatly, and it was always screwed together really well, but the hard, scratchy plastics all over never went over well with onlookers.

Fortunately, this model update addresses this problem, through the addition of soft-touch plastics on the dashboard top. Other, less-obvious improvements include new seat upholstery for the Alcantara/synthetic leather-trimmed GLX, and the addition of white stitching on the fabric seat upholstery in GL+ variants.

The biggest news is however the addition of a new touch-screen infotainment system on GL+ and GLX trim levels. It’s similar to the one in the new Jimny, and now features a rear-view camera, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, in addition to the old system’s Bluetooth- and USB connectivity and steering wheel controls. These two trim levels also receive a new colour display in the instrument cluster, which is sure to look far more appealing than the monochrome effort in the older cars.

As before, all Vitaras are quite well-equipped, with 7 airbags and stability control, electric windows (front only on the GL model), central locking, air conditioner with pollen filter, power steering and foldable rear seats standard across the range. GL+ trim and upwards add electronic climate control, cruise control, and the multi-function steering wheel, while GLX trim (available with either FWD and an automatic gearbox, or with AllGrip AWD and a manual gearbox) gets shiny roof rails, the aforementioned LED headlights, and a panoramic sunroof (and a few other nice-to-haves).

And under the bonnet?

For the time being, the Vitara will carry on using the same, proven drivetrain components as before. This means a 1.6-litre non-turbo petrol with 86 kW and 156 Nm, mated to either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. It’s a competent base engine, and is known for its real-world fuel-efficiency and durability.

It is however not really known for the exciting performance on offer, but that’s where a later addition to the range will change everything. Due to arrive later in 2019, the new 1.4-litre BoosterJet turbo petrol produces 103 kW and 230 Nm in the new Swift Sport (which we’ll see around mid-year), and will make a big impact in the Vitara.

Financial sense

The updated Vitara will cost the same as the outgoing model, in spite of its additional kit and fresher appearance, with a deal sweetener of a promotional 200 000 km / 5-year vehicle warranty thrown in for good measure. It also has a 4-year / 60 000 km service plan, and roadside assistance for the duration of the vehicle warranty. 

Pricing for the current range:

Suzuki Vitara GL (man):                            R281 900

Suzuki Vitara GL+ (man):                          R318 900

Suzuki Vitara GL+ (auto):                          R337 900

Suzuki Vitara GLX (auto):                         R359 900

Suzuki Vitara GLX AllGrip (man):           R374 900