Search CarGuide.PH

November 28, 2017

First Drive: 2018 Suzuki Vitara GLX


When the original Suzuki Vitara first appeared in the market close to 30 years ago, people bought one mainly as a fashion accessory, despite it being a genuinely capable off-roader. In the three decades and two Vitara generations that followed, Suzuki continuously shifted towards family-oriented buyers who wanted a utilitarian edge. The latest one, the fourth-generation Vitara, completes that transformation. Chucking what’s left of its off-road credentials out the window, the all-new Vitara is now a purely urban, on-road sub-compact crossover. And that’s all for the better.

Realizing the insatiable demand for small crossovers, Suzuki had a stroke of genius by deciding to graft a chunkier, taller riding body on its existing SX-4 platform. It worked. Filling it with nods to previous Vitara design cues such as the clam shell hood, faux fender air vent, and wedge-styling, it’s managed to look tougher next to market rivals that include the Ford EcoSport, Nissan Juke, and SsangYong Tivoli. An even more pleasant surprise is how Suzuki’s managed to load the Vitara up with features normally reserved for expensive SUVs such as automatic LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, a panoramic sunroof, and even 17-inch polished wheels with Continental tires.




The surprise continues inside with a pleasantly modern, well-executed cabin. Though the Vitara could use plusher plastics (and more solid sounding doors), at least everything feels neatly assembled and durable. All of the controls are intelligently laid out with some nifty design details thrown in such as the analog clock.

With a driver’s seat that moves 6 ways manually and a steering column that adjusts for both height and reach, finding a comfortable driving position is quite easy. The seats, executed in a combination of leather and suede don’t just look good, they’re functional too: they keep you in place during cornering. Interestingly, even at the lowest setting, the seats are perched high. This gives a commanding view of traffic (all around visibility inside the Vitara is great), but perhaps at the expense of a sporty feel.




Rather unexpected is the Vitara’s better than most interior space, despite its small exterior dimensions. It’s already a given that those in front will have little problem with generous shoulder and leg room (the panoramic sunroof does rob some headroom for taller drivers), but those in the back will also enjoy decent knee room as well. Yes, the panoramic sunroof robs passengers of usable headroom (especially for the rear center passenger), but squeezing in four passengers (five is a bit tight) is no problem. There’s also an abundance of storage space including a decently sized cargo hold.

In general, no one expects a value-oriented sub-compact crossover to handle well, but thankfully, the Vitara has thrown in a rousing performance. Being the maker of the Swift, Suzuki’s already got the reputation when it comes to making nimble small cars and the Vitara isn’t far off that mark. The extra weight (1,120 kilograms) and higher center of gravity (185 millimeters of ground clearance) means it tends to tip more through corners, but it still clings nicely even when you drive it spiritedly. The steering itself is light in both effort and feel, but it weighs up nicely on the highway.




On the flipside, the Vitara’s ride is on the firm side. Though the suspension itself is well-damped, big bumps do find their way through the cabin. And though it’s not tiring to drive for long distances, there’s some audible tire noise. There are also some shimmies and rattles in the cabin that make it feel less solid than it really is.

Powered by a 1.6-liter gasoline engine with 115 horsepower and 156 Nm of torque, Suzuki says that the Vitara reaches the century mark in 11.5 seconds, which is pretty good in itself. It takes a stronger prodding on the throttle pedal to poke the engine to life, but once it does, it settles into a nice, even rhythm. The engine itself is rev-happy and not too coarse even at full song. But as good as the engine is, the Vitara’s secret sauce is the 6-speed automatic. The well-spaced ratios not only promote acceleration, but fuel economy and quietness as well. During this drive to La Union, it averaged an 18.87 km/L figure (average speed of 52 km/h). For sportier drivers, the Vitara has paddle shifters, while those wanting extra comfort can rely on the cruise control with a speed limiter function.




For all of the Vitara’s strength in design and on-road performance, the reason why it’s so talked about is because of its high value-for-money quotient. It ticks all the right boxes when it comes to exterior (LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof), interior (leather/suede seats, 10-inch Android-based infotainment system), convenience (push-button engine start/stop, power folding mirrors, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers), and safety (6 airbag, anti-lock brakes, stability control, front and rear sensors with back-up camera) features. And the price isn’t too steep too since all of these features come with a price tag of just P 1,048,000.

Though the nameplate sounds familiar, this isn’t the Vitara of old. After spending almost three decades running around the rugged bush, the all-new 2018 Vitara finally sheds all of that and trades that for civility, comfort, and refinement. It certainly took Suzuki engineers a while to get all of the elements right, but it’s finally all come together now. There are still some areas for improvements for sure, but for the most part, this sub-compact crossover’s bound to be a winner.






39 comments:

  1. How is the sunroof shade? Can it really block the heat from direct sunlight?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's not opaque...it let's some light through. It wasn't a concern during our test drive event, but you're right about it being a concern during long term ownership.

      You can tint your roof though 😂

      Delete
    2. Are we getting a diesel variant? Please please please?

      Delete
    3. Even with a dark tint and with the sunshade closed, the heat from direct sunlight will always be an issue......I think the sunshade is just too thin.

      But spec wise, the GLX variant is definitely a good buy. Just wish they have a GLX version without the panoramic sunroof

      Delete
  2. Price is decent but at that price its basically the same price as the Tucson with their 2.0L gas engine after their six figure discount

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The base Tucson isn't as well equipped nor is it as fuel efficient. This Vitara is far lighter than its competitors like the HR-V, Juke and Ecosport. At just 1120 kg, it's around 150 kg lighter than the Ecosport and more than 200 kg lighter than the HR-V and Juke. The Soul is heavy too, but it's a diesel so it doesn't matter. A difference of 150-200 kg is A LOT, particularly for naturally aspirated gas engines.

      The reviews of the Vitara with the 1.6 gas engine in other countries have noted that it's notably more fuel efficient than its gas-fed competitors. There's no way a gas-fed Tucson, which weights much heavier than any of these cars, will get anywhere near the Vitara's fuel efficiency.

      Delete
    2. The gas Tucson will not be as fuel efficient since its nearly a foot longer and powered by a 2.0L engine. You get a lot more space and power with the Tucson compared to the Vitara though

      Delete
  3. Does it really have an Active Cruise Control?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It has cruise control and a speed limiter function. It doesn't have active cruise control though.

      Delete
    2. Hi Uly,
      Can you expound more on the "more solid sounding doors" that you commented above? Do you think that this will be an issue durability wise in the long-run?

      Delete
    3. It won't be an issue in terms of durability. It's just that the doors don't sound solid...it's like they're hollow.

      Delete
    4. That should not be an issue, try closing the door s of a 2M Fortuner and you will hear how thin & hollow it is. The doors sound more solid & heavier on a previous-gen CR-V than on the bigger & more expensive Fortuner. I know because we currently own both. That's a 3rd-world SUV for you. I expect the Vitara's door closing to sound better than the current Fortuner.

      Delete
  4. Is this made in China?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It sounds unfathomable they could make this in Hungary at less than a million. High transportation costs and tariffs would make this prohibitively expensive.

      Delete
  5. i hope this is the start for Suzuki PH to bring in their other cars like the Baleno, Ignis, SX4 S-Cross and Swift Sport.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. All-new Swift, yes. Swift Sport...they said "malabo." We won't get the S-Cross too since the Vitara IS the S-Cross.

      Delete
  6. Do you know the PMS intervals for this, is it also every 6 months?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Assuming this follows the rest of the lineup, Suzuki PMS intervals are every 4 mos. Or 5,000 kms whichever comes first. Heavy maintenance every two years, medium every eight months, light for the rest.

      Delete
  7. Uly do you think we can get the GLX line with other colors? such as the metallic gray that is available in the lower trims.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem so at the moment. Colors like the Metallic Gray is reserved for the GL and GL+ trims.

      Delete
    2. They have other color trims aside from the three. They also have monotone colors for the glx. I own a monotone gray glx.

      Delete
    3. Boss san po kayo dealership nakakuha ng monotone? laht kasi ng natanungan ko iisa sagot wala daw ganun na glx. salamat

      Delete
  8. Thank you Suzuki for not putting an antiquated 4AT! Ganda.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Will Suzuki launch a diesel version of this? I'm really interested in the diesel.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Sir when you quote fuel consumption and ave speed, do you rely on the cars information display? Are these reliable? The 2011 tucson for example does not appear reliable compared with fill up divided by total km run.

    ReplyDelete
  11. The only con about GLX is the sunroof. Useless in Ph climate during summer. Wish Suzuki will offer GLX with no sunroof.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah. More than that, I hope there will be a diesel! Remove the sunroof, a diesel is what I really want!

      Delete
  12. Diesel engine and manual transmission a sure hit like a hotcake

    ReplyDelete
  13. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Can you guys create a comparison between ecosport and vitara? their both top variants. I think both of them in their category should have a proper comparison to help car buyers especially the new guys.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We can try. Although the Ford EcoSport is due for a refresh. It's rumored to get a different engine and transmission...perhaps it's good to wait until then.

      Delete
  15. For sporteir looks suzuki can add an spoiler and take away the sunroof for the philippine version..

    ReplyDelete
  16. I have one of the 2017 vitaras .. My comments are the radio needs better graphic equaliser.. very limited.. the 1.4 turbo is great.. but the paddleshift needs to be on the gearshift in my opinion as you cannot change when cornering ....it is a hard ride .. but scoots along .. great round town car too.. open rd is great .. but does sound a bit 'tinny'

    ReplyDelete
  17. I'm really interested in this Vitara. I have a Swift and want to sell it for this. Would this be a good choice for long drives say going to Baguio? I really like the looks too :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. This all new grand vitara 1.6 can capable to climb up hill with rough road?

    ReplyDelete
  19. Uly, do the paddle shifters rotate with the steering wheel or are they fixed to the steering column? How is the transmission shifting response, is there a lag when engaging the paddle shifters? Thanks. This looks like a a very good bang-for-the-buck car. Suzuki PH should be doing better here in the country considering they are the #2 car manufacturer in its home country (yes folks, Suzuki beats Honda/Nissan/Mazda/Daihatsu/Subaru in Japan due to the popularity of small cars there).

    ReplyDelete
  20. Uly, based on the pics, the 2-tone variants for the GLX are: red w/ black top, blue w/ black top, and orange w/ white top? I wish the red can come w/ a white top and the orange w/ a black top, hehe.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Is the projector shroud blue for all of the available vehicle colors, body colored, or is it specific to this color? I think it kinda looks tacky.

    ReplyDelete

Feel free to comment or share your views. Comments that are derogatory and/or spam will not be tolerated. We reserve the right to moderate and/or remove comments.