2016 Suzuki Vitara video review
Great value, good kit, better to drive than you thought
By Shahzad Sheikh
I’ve driven Suzuki Vitaras before, but not for a while. Now there’s an all-new version which is, rather unusually, smaller than the outgoing model. So are you losing out with the new car? Not at all it seems. If anything, the new Vitara is a great value proposition not to be overlooked.
See our video review of the car by clicking below.
This Four-wheel drive version is only AED72,000 ($20k) with a front-drive version weighing in at just AED67k ($18k). We reckon it’s worth spending the extra and getting the 4×4 or AllGrip as they call it, especially as it comes with terrain response system, of sorts.
It has an auto mode, ‘sports’ mode and a ‘Snow’ mode, but that’s also for mud, and we’re assuming (we didn’t take it deep off road) for sand too, as you need that mode to be able to lock the diff – yes you CAN do that. It also has a traction-off button and hill-descent control.
‘Pretty well equipped then’ you’re thinking? Oh there’s more good news: for your 72k you get climate control, alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, fog lamps, leather-trimmed steering wheel, suede-like door trim, cruise control and Bluetooth audio both with remote buttons on the steering wheel, keyless start, six airbags, brake assist, auto wipers and more.
Does a smaller size equal less space? Well no, because I could easily fit my tall frame into the rear seats behind the driver’s seat set for me. The front seating position is comfortable too, and there’s lots of practicality here with places to put stuff. Talking of which, the boot is a generous size too with a split folding rear seats and a two-level adjustable floor.
I even like the way it looks with its funky two-tone colour scheme, similar to what Renault is doing with the Captur, although it’s not quite as sharp-suited as the previous Vitara, it does retain the signature clamshell bonnet with the trailing edge vents on the fenders.
It has a 120bhp 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine employing a 6-speed auto putting down 115lb ft of torque that feels sprightly and eager enough to make the 0-100kph time of 12.0 seconds seem like an outright lie. Top speed is 180kph and it sips fuel at a rate of just 5.6L/100km.
Most astonishingly of all, it’s game for a bit of chucking around corners and roundabouts with good composure and excellent grip from its premium Conti tyres. As I said in the video, I could almost describe it as ‘sporty’ but that’s partly due to the undiluted feel of the driving experience.
Verdict
This is a very good value, honest and solid offering that is easily overlooked when out shopping for a compact SUV as there is such a huge selection at the moment. 4
But at this price level, very few offer the kit and practicality of this car. Combine that with a remarkably entertaining drive (ignore the specs on paper) which feels far peppier and enjoyable than the figures might suggest, and there’s a great deal of appeal here.
It certainly caught our eye and it’s a thumbs up on this one from us!
2016 Suzuki Vitara – The Specs
Price:
1.6 4WD AllGrip: AED72,000 ($20k))
Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cylinder, 120bhp @ 6000rpm, 115lb ft @ 4400rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic, Four-wheel drive
Performance: 0-100kph 12.0 seconds, Top Speed 180kph, 5.6L/100km
Weight: 1160kg
Let us know what you think of the 2016 Suzuki Vitara below in the comments!
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is it good for highway riding & overtake ?
Should be fine, just as long as you’re not expecting punchy performance for overtaking. But in most driving conditions you won’t have a problem.
Suzuki should be add hand rest & digital speedometer….as we can see renault Koleos 2017
Hi. I had posted this comment earlier as well but it isn’t showing up here. My question is – what is the actual bhp output of the 1.6l engine? In the video you mentioned 136 bhp while in the specs it says 120 bhp. Please confirm. The Suzuki website doesn’t mention any specs whatsoever.
Take the specs to be correct. We would have received that information after filming the video.