Smart little SUV just got smarter.
Japanese carmaker Suzuki has pulled the wraps off its updated Vitara SUV, taking one of our favourites in the family SUV space and making it that much smarter. We mean that both literally and figuratively here, as the Vitara’s changes for the 2019 model-year are more than just skin deep.
Of course on the outside, there are visual differences to mark it out as the newer model. The bumpers on either end have been redesigned, with the LED daytime running lights up front integrated into a chrome element (though this may be variant-specific). There’s also a redesigned grille at the front and a relocated reverse light at the back; The latter has been separated from the taillight clusters (which now feature LEDs) and is now positioned on the lower bumper, which arguably offers better illumination when backing up.
Inside, passengers will be treated to a more liberal application of soft-touch materials at important touch points, but the driver will benefit most from a redesigned instrument cluster that now integrates a colour supervision screen nestled between the dials.
The driver will also enjoy a raft of new safety kit, though whether this will be limited to Europe we are not yet certain. There, the 2019 Vitara will be offered with things like AEB, lane departure warning & lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and traffic-sign recognition, among others.
There are also benefits in terms of motive force with the updated Vitara range. Gone is the 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated petrol mill with its 86kW and 156Nm, being swapped out in favour of an 82kW turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder motor instead. Locally, the 1.6-litre turbodiesel will face the axe, though we reckon only the most travelled fleet customers will miss that.
For more information on Suzuki, check out our Showroom.
