BUYER'S GUIDE: 2018 Suzuki Vitara

The 2018 Suzuki Vitara is one of the original compact SUVs in history, so it pretty much has been around for a long time. And just because it dropped the "Grand" in its name doesn't make it any less better. No--far from it. It's still as "grand" as it can be, with the only difference is that it's less "off-road" compared to its predecessors--at least locally--and more feature-packed.

Exterior

One look at the Vitara, and you'll observe a bit of Range Rover Evoque silhouette to it--but with more simple, straight and down-to-earth lines to make it look more distinct in design.

Its unibody construction now offers lesser curves (except for the roof-line and newly-designed headlights) so space isn't compromised inside. It's testament to Vitara's practicality, which has been one of its strengths as a crossover.

Interior

The small SUV's practical exterior extends to its interiors, offering simpler and straightforward features that aren't distracting and confusing to use.  All variants come with a standard, 12-volt power socket and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports an AM/FM radio, USB, Aux and Bluetooth.

Meanwhile, the higher GLX grade boasts of a more luxurious touch and a darker theme to the design, with the leather seats showing off suede accents to add more elegance inside. It also offers an Android Infotainment Audio System that includes a 10-inch capacitive touchscreen, Android OS, infotainment unit with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB Connectivity equipped with GPS Navigation System. You can also enjoy a panoramic sunroof, with the biggest opening area in its class.

One thing we would like though, is that they lessen outside noise, which transfer inside the cabin. If they can integrate and make the A-pillars and side mirrors more aerodynamic in design, then they can significantly lessen the wind noise generated when it's speeding on the road.

Performance

One of Vitara's biggest points for its six-speed automatic is better climbing abilities at start off, and its paddle shifters allows you to manually shift for a sportier driving experience. Its brakes are responsive and accurate, and its good dampers allow better versatility in driving through different terrains.

Still, we think the Vitara is more suited to light off-roading. It's fun to drive, thanks to its more lively, and efficient engine. Its responsive steering is light to maneuver, making it easy to drive. However, a handful might complain that the steering wheel can be too light to the point of being too "overeager" when taking a sharp turn around corners or driving on bumpy roads. This makes the driver compensate and perform more corrections occasionally.

Comfort and Convenience

The 2018 Suzuki Vitara offers six ways for you to use the driver's seat, which can be a helpful feature during those long drives on the road. Another thing you can enjoy are the numerous kits available--even lower variants. It becomes even more impressive when you know you're buying it at such a spectacularly low price of less than a million.

You can can comfortably fit around two adults in front and three passengers at the back, although "third wheel" passengers with more robust and full-bodied figures might have to channel their inner-Houdinis for a bit of squeeze.

It's luggage space, however, is quite huge at 375 liters. This makes it easy to store a golf bag even when the rear seats are not folded. The tailgate opening height from ground has also been lowered to make loading and unloading easier than ever.

Fuel Efficiency

The Vitara's impressive, fuel-efficient engine sips around 17- 19 km/L for highways and 10-12 km/L for city driving when driven at low-medium speeds.

Safety

This vehicle offers good safety features for a spectacular price. They include Parking Sensors (GLX), Pedestrian Protection, Brake Pedal Release System, Lightweight Impact-absorbing body (TECT), Six Point Airbag System (GLX), Hill Hold Control, and Electronic Stability Program. Of course, there are also the Push-Button Engine Start/Stop and Power Folding Mirrors standard to all models.

Engine and Specifications

The 2018 Suzuki Vitara is powered by a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder gas engine. It's a front wheel drive that comes in two variants: the GL+ and GLX. An entry-level GL will be available in the near future.

Now with a lighter engine weight, its maximum output is at 115/6,000 hp/rpm while its maximum torque is at 156/4,000 Nm/rpm.

The newest Vitara was launched locally in November 2017. It competes head-to-head with the Ford EcoSport, Nissan Juke and Mazda CX-3, and is priced at PHP938,000 for  Vitara GL+ and PHP1.048 million for Vitara GLX.

Our Verdict

Three decades have passed, and the 2018 Suzuki Vitara offers good performance on the road PLUS lots of features and kits at such a spectacular price. Its fuel efficiency makes it a must-have for our traffic-infested streets, and its design is enough to impress your family, friends, and colleagues without being too obvious about it.

Really, it's enough to make you stop and think twice about buying any other else.

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