The Vitara has stayed popular since its launch in 2015 and solid against its competition, with the T-Roc, Seat Ateca and Skoda Karoq amid some of the small SUV’s out there challenging the Vitara. SUV Crossovers now make up 25% of the new car market and Suzuki are standing their ground.
Sales of petrol cars have grown by 20%, Diesel has dropped by 20% and other forms like Electric are on the rise. With Diesel continuing to decline, Suzuki have decided to launch the Vitara with only two Petrol engines. Suzuki are now far less reliant on the Diesel market and are preparing for their future customer demands.
WLTP models are the 1.0 Petrol dual jet only and Suzuki’s target for 2019 is to sell 1200 units.
Suzuki also answered the question on everyone’s mind but alas no, the Suzuki Jimny won’t be coming to Ireland. The smallest UK dealer will be allocated only 1 Jimny and the biggest Suzuki dealers are only getting 4-5 cars in the UK. No joy for the small Irish market then.
Back to the Vitara, it has a few new safety features including camera and radar features. Exterior design has improved and interior textile changes have been made at the request of existing Vitara customers.
Exterior changes include, new LED lights, new alloys and front bumper. Soft touch materials added to the dash and some new instrument panels. Another request which Suzuki customers asked for was the elusive centre arm rest which is now available on all models.
Further safety features new to Suzuki include Lane departure warning, blind spot monitor in the door mirrors, rear cross traffic monitor, and traffic sign recognition.
The 2019 Vitara 1.0 boosterjet turbo Petrol engine has 111hp with 170Nm torque and produces 121 g/km. It is €270 to tax.
And the 1.4 Boosterjet manual has 140hp, with 220Nm torque, produces 131g/km of CO2 and is €280 to tax.
All Suzuki 4 wheel drive cars are badged as AllGrip and the available drive modes are Auto, Sport, Snow and Lock modes. 4 wheel drive sales are 1/5th of Suzuki’s overall sales.
The SZ-T line is expected to make up the majority of Vitara sales, followed by the top spec SZ-5 which includes the top safety spec, which will then be followed by the SZ-4 base model (which still has air con and Bluetooth as standard).
Irish Prices :
SZ4 €20,995
SZ-T €22,995
SZ5 €26,495
UK Cars for demonstration and test purposes. Irish cars will be available soon.