Search CarGuide.PH

November 13, 2017

UPDATED: Suzuki Philippines Launches 2018 Vitara (w/ 23 Photos, Brochure)


UPDATE: We have included the brochure below (11/14).

Leveraging the compact carmaker’s SUV heritage, Suzuki Philippines brings back a storied nameplate to the country: the Vitara. Designed to match the growing demand in the sub-compact SUV segment in the country, the 2018 Vitara encourages individuality, fuel efficiency, and safety to its target market: millennials.

With a history going back more than 30 years, the Vitara has been known for its driving performance and off-road capabilities. And now, Suzuki has incorporated modern elements making it a great sub-compact SUV for city driving while still affording a sense of individuality and personalization sought-after in modern vehicles.

“Equipped with the longest and widest dimension in its class with the best turning 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.



Faithful to Suzuki SUV’s original styling, the exterior design of the new Vitara exudes a strong presence that contains the brand’s signature clamshell hood. The sharp lines and smooth roofline offer a strong and stable look while exuding a youthful presence.

The 2018 Vitara offers an overall width of 1,775 mm, a height of 1,610 mm, and a length of 4,175 mm making it the longest and widest in its class. In addition, the 185 mm ground clearance make it adept at tackling moderate floods and rough roads.

The top-of-the-line GLX model receives vertically-placed LED daytime running lights along with LED headlights with a blue projector cover. Meanwhile, projector halogen headlights are used on the GL and GL+ models. The GLX runs on polished 17-inch alloy wheels while the GL and GL+ both run on 16-inchers. The GL+ has alloy wheels while the GL gets 16-inch steelies with full covers.



Plus, the Vitara comes in various colors and designs. Two-tone color options area available for the roof, pillars, and door mirrors for GLX and monotone colors for GL+ and GL models. Various accessories will also be made available during the launch.

Inside, the 2018 Vitara gives off a sporty vibe with its muscular contours. The instrument panel features round air outlets and a round analog-type clock. The GL and GL+ variants use high-quality fabric seats while the GLX model receives a leather/suede-combination for an even classier feel. The Vitara GLX also gets a panoramic sunroof.

All variants get steering wheel controls with the GL+ and GLX benefitting from footwell lighting and even a push button start/stop system with passive keyless entry.



The 2018 Vitara’s infotainment system also packs quite a punch. Besides Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, the system packs navigation, audio streaming, and a USB port. The GLX also gets Wi-Fi and MirrorLink functions for true connectivity on the go. This Android-based system is controlled via a 7-inch touchscreen on the GL and GL+ and a 10-inch (biggest in its class) touchscreen for the GLX.

While it may have a small footprint, the Vitara’s luggage space can accommodate up to 375 liters. It’s also expandable by lowering the luggage board or removing the side dividers of the luggage area. The rear seats can also be folded in a 60/40 split, expanding the cargo hold to 710 liters.

Boasting the lightest curb weight in its category, the 2018 Vitara promises enhanced performance and fuel efficiency. The 1.6-liter gasoline engine delivers 115 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 156 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm. This is combined to a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters which is standard on all grades.



“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 2018 Suzuki Vitara GLX offers enhanced safety above and beyond its class. It has a suite of 6 airbags and it also offers electronic stability control (Electronic Stability Program or ESP) that helps drivers keep directional control even in inclement weather.

Furthermore, the 2018 Vitara also features cruise control system with speed limiter, ultrasonic sensors in the front and rear bumpers with reverse camera that detect obstacles during parking, automatic on/off lights, and rain-sensing wipers.



Even in the event of a collision, the Vitara also has a special impact-absorbing design. The brake pedal release system limits the pedal’s movement toward the driver in case of a frontal impact while the Total Effective Control Technology (TECT) absorbs impact and minimizes damages to the critical passenger safety cell.

The 2018 Vitara comes in three variants with the following prices: GL (TBA), GL+ (P 938,000), and GLX (P 1,048,000).

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.




55 comments:

  1. Impressive equipment list for the top of the range model. This might be the best selling trim.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. By best selling you mean 5-10 units a year right? These things are not selling very well.

      Delete
    2. Are you from the future? Did you take a time machine from 2019? How can you say that "these things are not selling very well" when it's just been launched here?

      And don't tell me that you mean other countries, because no car market is the same.

      Delete
    3. I'm from 2022. No the Vitara is not selling well... and yes you're still a virgin.

      Delete
    4. I did say trim, meaning, the top of the range trim might be the best selling among the three Vitara models.

      Delete
    5. I seldom see vitara on the road.its not selling very well

      Delete
    6. Natural dahil kaka-release pa lang at limited pa availability at pati colors nga 1 lang sa GLX available until now. Utak Toyota gaya-gaya kasi karamihan ng Pinoy.

      Delete
  2. Wow but many people are saying that past vitara models are not fuel efficient. But i really like this one. Hope to see a review very soon sir uly! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. For fuel economy, check out this review:
      https://youtu.be/WUBQdAKT4S8

      Delete
  3. GL+ has 6 airbags too? Does it have gps navigation for google maps in the GL+?

    ReplyDelete
  4. The BRV now looks like a bargain compared to this

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It should cause it's ugly but it's not. It's more expensive across all models. I don't know why you said it's a bargain, because of the 3rd row? That 3rd row is for kids or midgets only so it's of limited use. Oh, I almost forgot it's cvt and did i say already, it's ugly?

      Delete
    2. They actually look kinda similar.

      Delete
    3. @Anon 5:00pm - CVT is more fuel efficient than 6AT. With our traffic, I'll take that over, "fun-to-drive yada yada" for subcompact crossover. It has bigger interior space, too. Oh, Honda has much better aftersales and customer services than Suzuki. Yes, 3rd row is for kids, but kids are a LOT here in our country, so yes it's still useful.

      Delete
    4. Yup there are a lot of kids here. Just go ask your mom... BOOM!

      Delete
    5. If it's for kids only then it's still limited... and what's the BOOM all about, did you just farted?

      Delete
    6. Its direct competitor is the HRV, not the BRV. How much does the HRV cost? 1.2M? It's the Vitara that looks like a good bargain!

      Delete
    7. CVT may be more fuel efficient than a 6AT but a traditional torque converter AT has better reliability up its sleeve.

      Delete
  5. i thought they will offer a diesel ? Wah! happen suzuki ..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope they bring in a diesel! Would buy one even if it's priced between 1.2-1.3M.

      Delete
  6. Suzuki has one of the worst service no wonder resale values are very low

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's Honda that has the worst service!

      Delete
    2. @Anon 1:24AM - You don't read reports, do you? Honda has the best service and Suzuki is one of the worst.

      Delete
    3. Honda haters everywhere :D Cheapskates.

      They keep on blabbering about worst Honda Aftersales Service. Where in fact they don't even own a Honda Vehicle.

      Go stick with your Toyota Wigo. Cheapskates. Or your Hyundai Accent that is watered down up to its security features. Cheapskates

      Delete
  7. You just can’t rely on the looks of the car alone. How ‘bout the after sales service? Nag improve na ba ang Suzuki?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Why? Was their service ever bad? I was very happy with the service I got when I had my old Swift!

      Delete
  8. Those who said it has poor service, did you experience it or just heard it? I'm asking that because the numbers seems to say otherwise. Suzuki Ciaz and Ertigas are selling like hotcakes. And that wouldn't be possible if the dealership is that crappy.
    I did google this, the car is a global car. It's in U.K. and Europe. It's in Australia, New Zealand And reviews there are very positive. The same 1.6 liter, the diesel and the 1.4 L turbo were given high marks. The gross weight is the lightest in its class it says making it very fuel efficient. Ride and handling good. Suzuki has a reputation for reliability there, as mentioned in the review. So everything seems perfect. Why the negative comments? Just wondering.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So what if its a global car? The mitsubishi mirage is a global car too.

      Delete
    2. Do you have your PMS or something? Don't be so bitchy dude. He said in his argument that the car is a global car, and is that supposed to be positive? The mirage is a global car too, plus points na ba yun? Did it make the car better?

      Delete
    3. He was not asking. He said clearly that this is a global car. What the hell was he trying to say?

      Anyway, one can infer that he was impliedly defending the vitara already based on his statements. That can be considered as an argument directed to all those persons who may read it and is against suzuki.

      Dude, bumili ka na ng napkin. Baka nag uumpisa na period mo. Wag maging diva dito.

      Delete
    4. An argumentative idiot. That's the worst kind.

      Delete
    5. So many replies already, though not the one I was expecting. Peace guys.
      I wasn't defending Suzuki, as one Anon inferred. I don't know anything about the brand. I don't own one and I don't know anything about it's services.
      That is precisely why I googled it and was surprise that it's a global car. I don't know about the Mirage but I know our very popular Fortuner is not. It hasn't set foot in Europe and the US if I'm not mistaken. Anyway, my only intention to mention that its a global car was that there were lots of reviews on the car already which were markedly rated very high. That's all, I hope this clears everything up.

      Delete
  9. I think the bashing is driven by ignoramus. They think this is the same Vitara. The old one has a Grand attached to it. Its bigger with a much bigger engibe, 2.0 or 2.4 L I think, thus its a gas guzzler. This new one is completely different. It has a 1.6L only and smaller. Same category as Hrv, Mazda 3

    ReplyDelete
  10. The tacho pictured tops at 6k rpm... diesel model?

    ReplyDelete
  11. Makikipagsabayan pa yan sa X-Trail, Tucson, RAV4, Outlander, CRV, Escape, Tribute/CX5, Captiva.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'm digging the conservative looks.
    It's nice that this is sporting a 6AT now not the archaic 4AT of the Ciaz, Ertiga.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Test drove one (glx) and it was really fun. Even if a couple of my friends said service takes forever. Never had an after sales issue with our previous suzuki (swift 1.5). Hoped for hydraulic steering but at that price, with all the bells and whistles. Still ended up reserving one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Let us know if you end up with one, and the experience. Looks nice. Me hope maglabas ng entry level MT.

      Delete
  14. Would love to have this car.... in fact am ready with my DP for GLX variant. Was initially informed by a car dealer that the DP is 123K, only to learned later (after a week) that it will be 200K. I hope Suzuki Philippines will set the limit for DP as I there are many buyers who would like to have this car but cannot afford a very high DP. 5 yrs MA - 21,086. FYI.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Buying with low DP or low MA is stupid. Do the math and you will realize that at the end of the 5 years you are paying for the car, you are actually paying more than 40% in interest. That's nearly half a car more. You could easily get a car worth 1.4-1.5M worth already. Just stick to a bank financing of your own banking preference and they will get you a loan with a significantly lower interest. Do not get in-house financing not unless you want to get ripped off.

      Delete
  15. Is this will be available before the year end? I hope. One brand launched one model last April 2017 and up to this date, it is still on a drawing board.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Care to share what brand and model?

      Delete
  16. Can we opt to get the top GLX variant with the Galactic Gray Metallic color? I dont fancy the available colors it's too loud and wacky.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Sir Uly, will Suzuki come out with a 1.4 Turbo or a 1.6 Diesel for the Vitara?

    I am interested but the 1.6 is out of my flavor in terms of power/torque and fuel consumption. I would prefer a smaller displacement turbo for efficiency in traffic idling with good power when the roads open up or a diesel that does a good job on acceleration and fuel economy, not to mention lower fuel cost.

    ReplyDelete
  18. When will this be available daw?

    ReplyDelete
  19. only 1 color available for glx model,yung blue lang 12/9/17

    ReplyDelete
  20. Good day mga sir.

    May ALLGRIP technology ba yung GLX unit? Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Sa mga mahihilig sa hatch katulad ko, ito na yung big brother nila! Bili na tayo! Nice one Suzuki!

    ReplyDelete
  22. hi, does anyone know when will this unit be available for 2018? Tnx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It should be available, although stocks are limited. From what I hear, only the blue color is available for now.

      Delete
  23. This looks like the best bang-for-the-buck vehicle in this price segment. Fully-equipped for just 1M. I hope they could fix the availability issues, I'm digging those 2-tone body colors.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I bought the red n black GLX. primarily as a nice small car with the ground clearance. Eady to zip in and out of parking n traffic. So far I am extremely happy with the comfort.. ride..performance..price and accessories. 5 star safety with 6 airbags..can't ask for much more in terms of all the amenities. The dealer was indeed a pain and nit very good... I do hope the after service will be better..yet to find out. Over all a solid car for the money..better priced than the simaler Ford
    EcoSport but more stuff n better price. Suzuki has had a great past reputation for solid qaulity..I have no complaints and super happy

    ReplyDelete
  25. Just bought my second Suzuki car, a two-toned oranged GLX. It's been 7days now and I drove it last weekend to the hilliest part of Bukidnon - Dahilayan Nature Park. I"m so impressed with its power and fuel efficiency compared to my 1st Gen Ertiga. So far, Suzuki after-sales service is good. I claimed warranties for my Ertiga after almost 3yrs of use. Battery, 2 stabilizer links, front left Axle Assembly and a broken plastic cover of the seat sliding mechanism. After-sales is not perfect though. I still experienced minor issues like the waiting time for my parts (took 2mos to arrive) and the quality of paint job. Given the chance again, I will still buy a Suzuki.

    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.