The Suzuki Vitara is one of the first compact crossover SUVs to set foot in the country, long before the term “crossover” became mainstream. The nameplate has been around since the 1990s, so it’s got some history behind it.
The latest model, which launched in November of last year, is a completely-built-up unit from Magyar Suzuki Corporation in Hungary. So how does it compare with the outgoing version? We break down the differences between the old and new Suzuki Vitara to see how the vehicle has evolved between its latest iterations.
The 2015 Suzuki Vitara was available solely in rear wheel drive. Powering this old model was a 2.4-liter engine (J24B) with 168hp and 227Nm of torque, mated only to a 4-speed automatic transmission. The all-around independent suspension consists of a MacPherson strut front and multi-link back. Braking is handled by vented disc brakes front and rear.
The new Suzuki Vitara is propelled by a 1.6-liter engine that delivers 115hp and 156Nm of torque, mated with 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shift. As opposed to the old model. The drivetrain of the new Vitara has been moved to the front. Suspension now makes use of a torsion beam system at the rear, replacing the multi-link system of old. Brakes remain to be a ventilated disc at the front and solid disc out back.
Although new Suzuki Vitara changes to the rear are quite limited, they still manage to make the new car completely different from the old. The tweaked nose is now adorned with a new toothed grille design, replacing the horizontal type. This aligns the look of the new Vitara with the rest of Suzuki Cars lineup, like the Jimny. Likewise, the front bumper also enjoys a slight makeover, with the new appearance delivering a more layered look. At the back, there’s only a mildly restyled lower bumper and a new lighting design for the LED tail lamps. A two-tone paint finish further gives the model an elevated aesthetic. Buyers also get to enjoy a panoramic sunroof, with reportedly the biggest opening area in its class.
If you think the Suzuki Vitara exterior changes are minimal, then brace yourself for the Vitara’s cabin, because save for the seat upholstery and new touchscreen infotainment system, there’s been zero updates done to the Vitara cabin. So, the new Suzuki Vitara continues with an all-black cabin with piano-black inserts around the center console and air vents. The silver garnishes on the passenger side above the glove box and on the door pads break the monotony.
The Suzuki Vitara’s unibody construction helps maximize this European-built car’s cabin spaciousness. The dashboard offers simple and straightforward features that aren't distracting and confusing to use. The lone GLX 1.6L A/T variant comes with a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports an AM/FM radio as well as Bluetooth, USB, Aux, and Android Auto connectivity. Meanwhile, the higher GLX grade boasts of a more luxurious touch and a darker theme to the design, with the leather seats matched with suede highlights for added elegance.
The 2015 Suzuki Vitara came in five different colors: White, Silver, Gray, Black and Brown. It came in three different variants, priced at PHP1,048,000 for the GLX and PHP938,000 for the GL+.
The 2020 Suzuki Vitara is available solely as the GLX A/T variant, with a starting price of PHP 1,038,000. It provides buyers with five two-tone and three monotone colors to choose from. Two-tone paint options include:
Meanwhile, here are the monotone colors:
Ready to shop for a Vitara? Carmudi has both new and used Suzuki Vitaras available on our website.
Photos from Suzuki, Patrick Tadeo
Also read:
2020 Suzuki S-Presso vs. the competition: Your other small hatchback options
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