A compact SUV produced by Suzuki since 1988, Suzuki recently launched the Fifth generation Vitara in grand fashion to claim their stake in the highly competitive domestic compact SUV market. Known in Japan and in other markets as the “Escudo”, the latest iteration of the Vitara aims to lock horns with the Subaru Forester, Mazda CX-3, Honda CR-V, Nissan X-Trail, Ford Escape, and the Hyundai Tucson. Held at the Metrotent in Pasig City, the launch was headed by Suzuki Ph executives, banking executives, media personalities and members of the Vitara Club Ph.
As a reliable compact SUV with a history spanning three decades, the Vitara has endeared itself to a loyal customer base by its enhanced driving performance and off-road capabilities. In addition to its brutish appeal and technological innovations, the latest version remains consistent to the brand’s styling cues, which exudes a strong yet sophisticated design engineering.
“Equipped with the longest, and widest dimension in its class with the best radius performance, the features of the new Vitara are aimed at providing the best value in terms of design, performance and fuel efficiency. Setting it apart from competition, the subcompact SUV allows drivers to freely express their individuality and personalize their vehicles with its wide array of colors and accessory packages,” said SPH Automobile Division General Manager Shuzo Hoshikura.
The new Vitara has an overall width of 1,775mm, height of 1,610mm, length of 4,175mm and a minimum ground clearance of 185mm, making it the longest and widest in its class with the best turning radius performance.
Boasting the lightest curb weight in its category, the new Vitara delivers enhanced fuel efficiency. The SUV’s updated 1.6-liter engine is designed to deliver the highest torque performance of 156Nm at 4,400rpm and best maximum output in its class at 115hp at 6,000rpm. The newly developed 6-speed AT system ensures better response to the 1.6L-petrol engine. These combined address the challenges of city driving and traffic through reduced friction, weight and idling speed, all toward achieving better fuel economy.
“Equipped with top of the line features, the new Vitara will enable the Filipino driving public to freely express their individuality through its unique design and a wide selection of colors to choose from. Apart from this, the Vitara is designed with enhanced safety features and superior fuel efficiency. Backed by all these features, we are hopeful that the new Vitara will appeal to the Philippine market especially among millennials,” Suzuki Motor Corporation Global Automobile Planning Department General Manager Nobutaka Suzuki says.
The new Vitara comes in the following prices: (GLX – Php 1,048,000.00; GL+ Php 938,000.00 and GL (TBA)
GLX variants are available in two-tone colors, namely Atlantis Turquoise Pearl, Horizon Orange Metallic, and Bright Red Metallic. GL+ and GL variants are available in Cool white Pearl, Silky Silver Metallic, Galactic Gray Metallic, Cosmic Black Pearl Metallic and Atlantis Turquoise Pearl Metallic.