2019 Suzuki Vitara Review: A Modern Compact Crossover

Most new car buyers these days prefer to drive an SUV instead of the traditional hatchback or small sedan. What these buyers are usually searching for is a compact crossover that is also affordable. Crossovers are currently very popular, prompting carmakers to produce them at an impressive rate.

One of these carmakers is Japan's Suzuki, and their latest offering in this segment is the Vitara. Not to be confused with its larger sibling with a similar name, the Suzuki Vitara is a sub-compact crossover. In the UAE, the 2019 Suzuki Vitara competes with the likes of the Nissan Kicks, Kia Soul, Chevrolet Trax, and Mazda CX-3.

Exterior Design

The 2019 Suzuki Vitara features a thoroughly revised exterior design that appears modern and trendy. The front fascia includes a double-slatted grille with a prominent Suzuki logo, flanked by taut, angular headlamps, and a robust front bumper that houses fog lamps and LED daytime running lights.

The side profile of the new 2019 Vitara showcases a traditional SUV squared-off stance, evident from almost every angle. Notable features include:

• Large amounts of black plastic cladding
• Flared wheel arches and fenders
• Blacked out door pillars
• A vivid bulge on the lower part of the doors

The rear of the vehicle features large and prominent taillights, a well-designed tailgate, and a chunky bumper with an integrated air diffuser.

The 2019 Suzuki Vitara measures:

• Length: 4.175 meters
• Width: 1.775 meters
• Height: 1.610 meters
• Wheelbase: 2.500 meters

This five-seater crossover can hold up to 375 liters of cargo with all seats in place.

Interior Comfort

The cabin of the 2019 Suzuki Vitara offers adequate space for five adults, though it is not overly spacious. The seats provide decent cushioning and support, with ample headroom. While the design may seem lackluster and not particularly premium, the build quality is satisfactory for the price. However, some trim pieces feel a bit flimsy.

For those seeking a more vibrant interior, a dual-tone effect can be chosen for the dashboard. The features of the 2019 Suzuki Vitara include:

• Automatic headlamps
• Electric sunroof
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Automatic climate control
• Cruise control
• Keyless entry with push-button start
• Leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel
• Parking sensors

In terms of safety, the Vitara is equipped with:

• ABS with EBD and brake assist
• Dual airbags
• Electronic stability program
• ISOFIX anchor points
• Hill-descent control

Engine and Performance

Under the hood, the 2019 Suzuki Vitara houses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 115 hp and 156 Nm of torque. It is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, with power sent to all four wheels in the AWD variant only. The 2019 Suzuki Vitara is not particularly fast, taking 13.0 seconds to reach 100 km/h, with a top speed of 180 km/h. However, it boasts a strong fuel economy, rated at 5.8 L/100 km.

Verdict

The new 2019 Suzuki Vitara is priced at AED 69,900 for the base GLX with FWD, while the top-of-the-range variant, the fully-loaded GLX with all-wheel-drive, is priced at AED 83,900. The latter variant also features a sunroof. Insurance premiums range between AED 1,573 for the base model and AED 1,888 for the fully-loaded variant with all the features.