Suzuki Vitara: the test of the hybrid SUV with all-wheel drive and automatic transmission

Concrete. This is the term that best identifies Suzuki Vitara, a compact SUV, whose name is synonymous with respectability and reliability, even and above all far from asphalt. The current range is updated, and makes available, as an option, a valid six-speed automatic gearbox. Evaluating the equipment, the Japanese model is one of the very few in its segment to offer a hybrid engine, four-wheel drive and automatic transmission. Practice on asphalt, where it consumes little and has excellent dynamism, equally convincing on off-road sections, where the sophisticated four-wheel drive allows you to overcome even challenging obstacles with excellent ease. Equipped in this way, Suzuki Vitara is available in the rich Starview set-up, with a price list starting at 31,400 euros.

Suzuki Vitara: how it’s made

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The introduction of the automatic transmission does not change the appearance of Suzuki Vitara. 4.17 meters long, it has the dimensions of a compact car. The bodywork develops on massive and muscular lines, which restore tone and presence on the road. Vitara is mainly known for its solidity and concreteness: qualities that more generally belong to the Suzuki brand and which are further confirmed here. The cabin is very spacious and allows four adults to travel comfortably and there is also room for a fifth occupant. The organization of the instrumentation is rational and most of the controls can be operated by means of physical keys. An always appreciable solution, because it is more intuitive and practical to memorize and use for the motorist.

Suzuki Vitara: AllGrip traction and hybrid system

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If Suzuki Vitara is a truly unique SUV in its segment in terms of equipment and contents, it is partly due to its sophisticated AllGrip structure. A latest generation, effective and efficient all-wheel drive which, thanks to ingenious solutions, has also allowed considerable weight savings. The latter, thanks to the presence of a viscous coupling, automatically distributes greater torque to the rear wheels when it detects a slip of the same. The propulsion structure is made up of a 129 Hp 1.4-liter Boosterjet turbo petrol engine combined with a 13.6 Hp electric unit, powered by a lithium-ion battery. The electrical architecture consists of an alternator that acts as a current generator, electric motor and starter motor: the energy accumulated during the braking phases is then released to improve performance when required and to reduce consumption and emissions. . In fact, electricity never moves the wheels but intervenes to support the heat engine, limiting its efforts. The new product concerns the introduction of an automatic transmission with a six-speed torque converter: well integrated, it has a convincing and pleasant operating logic. Fluid, it supports the demand for power with precise and rather quick couplings; at cruising speed, it maintains a low number of revolutions and off-road always makes the most of the peak of the 235 Nm of torque available between 2,000 and 3,000 rpm.

Suzuki Vitara: the driving modes

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Four modes are also available on the Vitara: Auto promotes fuel efficiency and, based on road conditions and driving style, automatically transfers torque to the rear axle to ensure maximum safety; Sport improves response to throttle commands; Snow suggests use on snow, dirt roads and other slippery surfaces; Lock on extremely slippery surfaces such as ice, mud or sand, the system maximizes the transfer of torque to the rear wheels.

Suzuki Vitara: how are you doing

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On the road the behavior of the hybrid power unit is confirmed to be excellent: the heat engine has a good reserve of power, also considering the support of the motor generator, it is not very noisy and consumption is always at a good level. The use of automatic transmission in daily life brings benefits for the motorist, who will be able to face with greater serenity and simplicity, for example, the always annoying driving sessions in traffic. off-road even of considerable intensity: away from asphalt, lightness and agility are particularly appreciated. Vitara always responds effectively, managing to solve even rather complicated situations. The 18 cm of ground clearance is a detail that demonstrates how the off-road component has not been neglected by Suzuki, indeed, how it is an aspect that can really make a difference. Although equipped with common road tires, the Vitara never gave the impression of being in trouble even on sections with poor grip. The downhill speed regulator is useful, an element that further improves stability and safety. The presence of AllGrip four-wheel drive remains an added value that leads the Suzuki SUV to stand out for its content offer.

Conclusion

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Difficult to ask for more from a model like Suzuki Vitara: it lacks nothing to be a comfortable and practical SUV on asphalt; reliable and unstoppable on off-road sections. The integration of the automatic transmission is a content that adds further value to an already very convincing product; the choice of AllGrip all-wheel drive is instead necessary for those who want to venture on routes that are not suitable for all the other SUVs in the same segment and which for Vitara instead represent the common normality. With all-wheel drive and automatic transmission, Suzuki Vitara is available in the rich Starview trim, at a starting price of 31,400 euros.

Data sheet

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Engine: displacement: 1,373 cc;
cylinders: 4 in line;
power: 129 Hp;
maximum torque: 235 Nm;
electric motor power: 13.6 Hp; electric motor torque: 50 Nm.
Dimensions: length: 4.170 mm; width: 1,780 mm; height: 1,600 mm;
wheelbase: 2,500 mm.
Performance: 0-100 km / h acceleration: 10.2 seconds; top speed: 190 km / h.
Weight: 1.345 kg.
Price: from 31,400 euros (with AllGrip all-wheel drive)