Vitara visit turbo town
Suzuki added some power to its popular Vitara model line-up with the introduction of a Boosterjet engine.
Alongside the introduction of the latest Swift Sport, Suzuki South Africa revealed, the Vitara Turbo at Red Star Raceway. The new model which will now take its place at the top of the range shares the same specification and equipment of the GLX trim option. This will see the Vitara driving on 17-inch alloy wheels and come in either five options of solid colours or a choice of seven dual-tone combinations which sees the body colour contrasted with either a black or white roof. On the front, you will find LED headlamps and daytime driving lights fitted as standard and chrome details garnishing the grille and fog lamps. A set of silver roof rails leads to the rear of the car where you will find LED brake lights.
On the inside of the Turbo derivative, you will find a multifunction steering wheel to operate the cruise control as well as the 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system which features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink systems as well as an SD card slot, a USB port, Bluetooth connectivity. In addition to the front and rear park distance control, the Suzuki also comes with reverse camera. Hidden away from sight you will find a range of safety systems such as electronic stability control, ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and a brake-assist system. The Turbo Vitara also comes with seven airbags on all models and Total Effective Control Technology body-design which sees the strengthening of side and cross-impact zones.
Although most of the vehicle is similar in style to other derivatives in the range, it is under the bonnet where you will find the most significant change. The Vitara Turbo now offers up a 1.4-litre Boosterjet engine, the same one found in the Swift Sport, which can be specified with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, the latter adding shifting paddles to the steering wheel. The new engine produces 103 kW and 220 N.m of torque. While the new powertrain inspires more performance, the Vitara does benefit from its efficiency with a manufactured claimed fuel consumption of 5.8-litres/100km for the manual gearbox while the auto returns 5.9-litres/100km.
“The Vitara has always offered an exciting drive, thanks to its low weight and very rigid TECT platform. With the added power from the BOOSTERJET-engine, we can now let the Vitara’s sporty handling truly shine,” André Venter, divisional manager of sales and marketing, Suzuki South Africa.
The Suzuki Vitara 1.4 GLX fitted with a manual gearbox will cost R378 900 while the automatic derivative will come in at R397 900. The retail price includes a 4-year/60 000km service plan and a 5-year/200 000km.
