Suzuki recently added a brand-new Boosterjet engine to its Vitara range, basically fixing the only gripe we ever had with that car.
In an otherwise brilliant package, the naturally-aspirated engine was fairly asthmatic at Gauteng altitude. For the record, the 1.6-litre engine soldiers on as is in other models, but the new turbocharged engine is undoubtedly the pick of the bunch.
It’s a turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which delivers 103kW at 5 500 r/min and a healthy 220 Nm in a completely linear way from 1 500 to 4 000 rpm. By comparison, the Vitara 1.6 litre GLX delivers 86 kW at 6 000 rpm and 156 Nm at a peak of 4 400 rpm.
Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic gearbox, with the latter offering manual shifting via steering-mounted paddles.
Suzuki also claims a fuel consumption figure of 5.8 litres/100km for the manual and 5.9 litres/100km for the automatic.
The turbocharged Vitara is only available in range-topping GLC specification, which includes 17-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, LED head- and brake lights and silver roof rails.
On the inside it comes with steering mounted controls for the audio and cruise control systems park distance control both front and rear, automatic climate control, a 4.2-inch multi-information full colour display in the instrument binnacle and electric windows and mirrors.
Suzuki has also added its seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity and reverse camera to the Turbo, which offers complete mobile phone integration with in-build Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink systems. The system includes an SD slot, a USB port, Bluetooth connectivity for hands free dialling and voice control for many of the infotainment features.
All models in the Suzuki Vitara range are fitted with a comprehensive list of active and passive safety features. Active safety features include electronic stability control (ESP) with traction control, ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and a brake-assist system (BAS).
Passive safety features include seven airbags (dual front, front side, side curtain and driver knee airbags) on all models, 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 Suzuki Vitara Turbo is sold with Suzuki’s promotional 200 000 km / 5-year mechanical warranty and a full 6-year / unlimited kilometre warranty against corrosion. Suzuki has also added a 24//7 roadside assistance plan for the same period as the warranty and a comprehensive 4-year / 60 000 km service plan.
Pricing:
1.6 GL 5MT 287 900
1.6 GL+ 5MT 325 900
1.6 GL+ 6AT 345 900
1.6 GLX 5MT ALLGRIP 383 900
1.6 GLX 6AT 373 900
1.4 TURBO GLX 6MT 378 900
1.4 TURBO GLX 6AT 397 900