Leading compact car maker Suzuki Philippines (SPH) finally ended the wait with the official launch of the new Suzuki Vitara.

Designed to match the growing automotive market in the country, the new-generation Vitara encapsulates the Suzuki SUV legacy while capturing modern design trends to target the millennial market.

With a history of more than three decades, the Vitara has been known for enhanced driving performance, and off-road capabilities.In addition to the technological innovations, the Vitara has upgraded the heritage design of the Suzuki SUV through incorporating modern elements and making the subcompact SUV perfect for city driving while enabling Filipino drivers, specifically millennials, the individuality and personalization they look for in a vehicle.

“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.” – SPH Automobile Division General Manager Shuzo Hoshikura.

He shares, “Through these, we believe we will enhance the Filipino driving experience, which is at the core of bringing drivers closer to the Suzuki Way of Life. Millennials can look forward to a safe, comfortable and optimum driving experience that for many years Filipinos have anticipated with the next-generation Vitara.”

Modern and sophisticated design

Faithful to Suzuki SUV’s original styling, the exterior design of the new Vitara exudes a strong yet sophisticated presence achieved through the modernized Suzuki SUV signature clamshell bonnet. The side press lines and smooth roofline suggest a youthful, rugged look, and strong aerodynamic performance, respectively, complemented by the rear that gives off a stable look.

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.

Unique daytime running lamps with vertically placed LEDs are standard in the GLX model. Energy-saving LED headlamps with a blue projector cover come standard with the GLX model, while Projector halogen headlamps featuring good light distribution for the low beam are used in the GL and GL+ models. Polished alloy wheels that complete the sleek vibe of the SUV is available in 17 inches for GLX variant, 16 inches alloy wheel for GL+ and 16 inches steel wheel with full caps for GL variants.

The interiors combine muscular contours and a sporty feel. The instrument panel conveys a youthful look with its upper linear design that includes a round clock and a round air outlet. The seats use high-quality fabric, with the GLX model featuring a combination of leather and suede-type fabric for an even classier feel.

The Vitara GLX also features a panoramic sunroof designed with two glass panels that can be both slid to provide the biggest opening in its class and added premium to the unit.

The interior design fuses comfort and utility. All variants feature 6-speed automatic transmission, paddle shifter and audio steering control.

The GL+ and GLX models also feature a footwell lamp and keyless push start system.

The new Vitara’s Infotainment audio system ensures a more enjoyable ride. Besides handsfree connectivity, the system packs navigation, Bluetooth audio and a USB port.

The GLX variant enable on-the-go connectivity through its Wi-Fi support while the MirrorLink function links the rider’s smartphone with the SUV’s Android based infotainment system. Available in 10 inches for GLX, the biggest in its class, while GL+ and GL variants may enjoy the same features at 7 inches.

The luggage space can accommodate up to 375L, expandable by lowering the luggage board or removing the dividers on both sides of the luggage area. To accommodate large suitcases, the rear seats can be folded to make way for up to 710L.

Top-tier personalization, individuality

To allow millennials to express their individuality, the Vitara comes in various colors and designs. With two-tone options available for the roof, pillars and door mirrors for GLX and monotone colors for GL + and GL models, the Vitara offers accessory packages meant for the adventurous and urban drivers.

Safe and comfortable ride

The new Suzuki Vitara GLX delivers enhanced safety on the road. It model’s 6-point airbag system comprising of dual, curtain and side airbags for the driver and passenger provides greater protection.

The Vitara also features cruise control system and speed limiter, ultrasonic sensors in the front and rear bumpers with reverse camera that detect obstacles during parking, an automatic light system that turns headlamps and tail lamps on and off, and automatic wipers triggered depending on the extent of rainfall and vehicle speed.

The SUV’s electronic stability program (ESP) automatically controls the engine torque and brakes upon detection of a wheelslip to ensure the driver maintains directional control. The hillhold control helps the driver to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward on an upward climb.

In the event of a collision, the new Vitara has an impact-absorbing design focused on the front bumpers. The brake pedal release system limits the pedal’s movement toward the driver in case of a frontal impact. For further protection for the occupants, the Vitara’s Total Effective Control Technology (TECT) absorbs impact and the seatbelts use force limiter to mitigate impact to the chest.

Superior fuel efficiency

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.

Asia Automobile Department General Manager Shigeo Takezawa shares, “On behalf of the Suzuki Motor Corporation, I would like to congratulate Suzuki Philippines for successfully bringing in the new Vitara. May the launch of the new Vitara inspire you to show the same level of commitment and dedication to share with more Filipinos the Suzuki Way of Life. We have high hopes that the addition of the new Vitara to the Suzuki Philippines’s lineup of vehicles will drive more sales and increase customer satisfaction.”

Availability and pricing

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.