Suzuki’s Vitara range has recently been given a boost in the form of the new turbocharged version which made its appearance about six months ago. But the current Vitara shape has been around since November 2015, and it is a vastly under-rated SUV that is extremely well-priced.
At launch in late 2015 the Vitara came in five different models. These were the 1.6 GL (R239 900), the 1.6 GL+ (R269 900), the 1.6 GL+ AllGrip (R291 900), the 1.6 GLX AllGrip (R319 900), and the 1.6 GLX Auto (R299 900). Nowadays prices range from R293 900 for the 1.6 GL to R405 900 for the very well-received 1.4T GLX Auto, the turbocharged model.
All models at launch used the 1,6-litre M16-A engine with multi-point fuel injection and variable valve timing, giving 86 kW and 151 Nm at 4 400 rpm. A sensible choice of gear ratios, as well as relatively light weight means the Vitara has excellent performance for a non-turbo SUV, and great fuel economy.
The Vitara’s dry weight is just 1 075 kg, and this means the non-turbo models perform competitively with many turbocharged SUVs in this size category. Claimed average fuel consumption is 5,8 litres/100 km.
Suzuki Vitaras are an excellent used-car buy and AutoTrader lists some 88 examples of New and Used Suzuki Vitara models on our site.
Accessories for your Suzuki Vitara 1.6 GL
Suzuki offers a wide range of accessories for the Vitara. These range from exterior style add-ons to practical accessories such as roof racks and the like.
Aldo available are various exterior dress up packs with a range of visual add-ons designed to complement each other. These can be ordered individually or as a complete package. They are known as the Rugged Pack and the Urban Pack.
We particularly like the Rugged Pack, as it gives the Vitara the kind of appeal that it deserves to go with its good on-road ability and excellent rough-road ability, even in two-wheel-drive form.
Thus our selection of Top 6 accessories here draws largely from the Rugged Pack section of the accessory catalogue.
In addition, we would suggest that the best model to benefit from the Rugged Pack is the 1.6 GL base model. This already comes with black fender extensions, so the rest of the Rugged Pack trim harmonises with this model very well.
Our Top 6 Suzuki Vitara 1.6 GL accessory pick
1. Wheels
If you are fitting a selection of the Rugged Pack gear to your 1.6 GL, the first place to start is with the wheel choice, as the standard GL comes with 16-inch steel wheels and hubcaps. The best option is to fit the matt-black-finished 17-inch alloys known as Mistis, which are part of the Rugged Pack and should be fitted with 215/55 R17 rubber.
2. Black grille fins
These are finished in grained matt black and suit the 1.6 GL model with its non-chrome black grille.
3. Side fender garnish in matt black
This is a style feature located just below the A-pillar of the roof on the front fenders. It’s a nice subtle detail that adds a bit of pizazz to the otherwise unadorned Vitara GL.
4. Daytime running light accent lines
These highlight the daytime running lights fitted next to the fog lamps in the bumper, and add a remarkable amount of extra style to the otherwise rather plane bumper.
5. Large lower side mouldings
These rugged plastic mouldings have a rugged grained black finish, and tie-in well with the other garnishing items listed here, as well as those matt black wheels.
6. Cargo Net
We are big fans of cargo nets, especially in SUVs like the Vitara. The Vitara has a generously-sized boot of 375 litres, and a cargo net plays a big part in protecting your gear, as well as the boot lining.