Suzuki Vitara S Review

Suzuki are a manufacturer on the move selling three million of their cars last year with their biggest volume being sold in India, and having a pedigree in more than capable off-roaders that dates back to 1988, with their Vitara,  a new generation hit the roads in April this year.  They’ve sold over 5,000 already in 2015, surpassing their original planned figure, so to capitalise on their success they’ve added a sportier addition to the Vitara line up with the new S model.

What differentiates it from the standard Vitara are some exterior visual delights like black alloys and side mouldings, a roof spoiler and satin silver door mirrors. But does its new urban looks match the drive?

The new Vitara S is the first Suzuki model to benefit from their new Boosterjet engine, the 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol variant produces 140PS with 220Nm of torque. There is no turbo lag on pick up, Suzuki engineers developed it to improve the lag you most often get and it has plenty of power as you drive off. It has a top speed of 124mph and gets from 0-62mph in 10.2 seconds, not jaw-dropping figures but it works well with the Vitara S. It’s available with a quick shift, six-speed manual transmission and an option is the six-speed automatic transmission which has smooth gear changes and shift paddles on the steering wheel, but we felt the manual worked better with the torquey engine.

Sport mode with the as standard Suzuki AllGrip system really enhances the driving dynamics with increased throttle response and plenty of stability on twisty roads.

If you’re looking for a fun car to drive then the Vitara S has light steering that's responsive, but take it on a race track and it performs superbly; who’d have thought that about a compact SUV? Steering feedback is really good, there isn’t ever any need to overcorrect, turning it in on tight hairpins and it’s precise which gives the driver a lot of confidence.

The ride is quite firm and the Vitara S tackles different forms of terrain with ease, thanks in part to the AllGrip system on the Vitara. With various modes to aid during normal driving or even snowy conditions, the car will have no problems in taking on the elements and coming out the other side without any problems. 

The new Boosterjet engine is fairly refined, isn’t too noisy at motorway speeds although there is quite a bit of cabin noise to contend with.

With an improved suspension on the Vitara model ride comfort is greatly enhanced and deals with rough surfaces well.

Sportier on the exterior, the theme continues into the cabin and red seems to be the colour of choice as it appears on the interior stitching, the air vent surrounds and the instrument display. We really liked the interior as it’s been designed to look sporty yet simple.

Smartphone connectivity is through a USB socket and Bluetooth and it can be linked up to the brightly coloured seven-inch touchscreen which displays navigation, entertainment and phone settings.

The Vitara S model comes with a long list of equipment including front and rear seatbelt reminders, keyless entry and start, front and rear parking sensors, aluminium pedals, suede seat upholstery, LED daytime running lights and rear privacy glass.

There is enough room for four adults, five might be a squeeze, but there is plenty of leg and headroom in the rear. Suzuki have also added plenty of storage around the Vitara with cup and bottle holders dotted about and the decently sized luggage space also has a removable floor for extra storage. The split folding rear seats nearly double the load capacity so makes the Vitara an extremely practical proposition.

The Vitara S is available to order in December with first deliveries in January, expected to cost from £21,000. With plenty of standard equipment, stylish in looks and high fuel economy it’s worth a look for those wanting to stray from the mainstream brands.

The model also comes with a three year/60,000 mile warranty and one years AA Suzuki Assistance.

Running costs will be good as the Boosterjet engine emits just 127g/km of CO2 so will fall into VED band D which will cost nothing for the first year then £110 thereafter. It’s expected to achieve a combined 52mpg but real world driving will probably make this figure lower.

The Vitara has fared well as a model for Suzuki in terms of reliability, don’t forget it has been around for nearly twenty years and the manufacturer offers good levels of engineering, high fuel economy and low prices. Yes, there was an issue with their small Celerio model, but Suzuki sorted it out and it didn’t affect sales of the new car, so we reckon the Vitara will continue to perform for Suzuki.

Expect to feel safe in the Vitara as it has received the maximum five stars in the Euro NCAP tests scoring highly for adult and child occupant safety. Featuring technology to protect drivers and passengers in any impacts, it also comes with seven airbags, stability control, a tyre pressure monitor and fitted as standard on the S model is adaptive cruise control.

Suzuki’s Radar Brake Support system is included on the Vitara S which can detect a collision when travelling over 3mph and will warn the driver to apply the brakes.

Thieves can be kept out of the Suzuki Vitara S with an alarm and immobiliser fitted as standard.