Suzuki Philippines (SPH) has already enjoyed quite a following for the Vitara nameplate that was served in several variants that helped the local arm of the Japanese vehicle manufacturer land to where it is in terms of vehicle sales.
Then came the news last May that the distributor will only offer the vehicle in a sole 4x4 version — giving birth to the Suzuki Vitara AllGrip (and dropping all the other trims previously offered).
The introduction of the new offering, SPH Vice President and General Manager for Automobile Division Keiichi Suzuki said, was made in the hopes of “encouraging people to drive and bring more fun into their lives.”
But can the Vitara Allgrip rise against the giants in the segment in its lonesome? Here are some of the facts to know if this model is right for you.
The Suzuki Vitara Allgrip did not grow in size as compared to what it has replaced. It is still 4,175mm long, 1,775mm wide and 1,610mm tall with a 2,500mm wheelbase. Ground clearance is still at 185mm while its approach angle is at 18.2 degrees and a steeper 28.2 degrees departure angle.
All these numbers depict one thing: this vehicle is fit for the urban jungle. While it has other features that tells that it is meant to conquer off-roads as well, we’d like to remind everyone that SPH also has the Jimny to tackle that kind of adventure.
The Suzuki Vitara Allgrip did not sport any major changes in terms of looks — meaning you still get the same city-slicker vibe despite having an athletic “Allgrip” badge to its name. Well, there is really no need to spruce up its looks, especially if you are just in the market for an elegant yet conservative daily-driven.
Surprisingly, the Suzuki Vitara Allgrip placed some chrome touches on the front and sides and light-gray matte-finish trimmings as bumper guards that served as good accents for its overall looks.
The Solid Bright Red/Cosmic Black Pearl Metallic body and the 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels exude a youthful glow, as if stating that this five-seater is in for a ton of fun. The LED lighting also in the front heightens its total modern look.
The Suzuki Vitara Allgrip features a good mix of leather and other soft materials inside— all in the shade of black that gives a premium feel. The Allgrip touch is not just seen outside but inside as well, with the nameplate seen at the far-right corner of the dashboard sitting on the shiny part of the dashboard.
What we would appreciate more with the vehicle is if it could drop the knobs for the air-conditioning system in exchange for soft-touch buttons. The lack of air-conditioning vents at the back also lessens the spoils for the rear occupants. The legroom at the back can be a little cramped up, especially if front passengers are tall.
This Hungary-manufactured model is powered 1.6-liter engine. The maximum output of 115hp and 156Nm is sufficient to get you to your destination fast.
Despite wearing the usual six-speed slushbox with manual mode and paddle shifters that are engineered more on fuel efficiency, the Allgrip system (that offers Snow mode, Auto mode, and Sport mode) guarantees the traction drivers need when it is essential.
Driven in the city, Suzuki Vitara Allgrip sips around 8-10 kilometers per liter (kpl) — depending on the traffic condition. On open highways however, the vehicle can do as much as 20kpl (especially when you have a light load.
This urban crossover is also equipped with off-roading features like the built-in clinometer, compass, and altimeter that can give owners that would help them in traversing very light trails to appreciate the life outside the city. To add to that, the panoramic sunroof assists in providing ambient lighting.
It has a sufficient combination of neo-retro fixtures, thanks to the analog speedometer, tachometer, temperature fuel gauge and in the instrument cluster as well as the embedded clock sitting between the two vents that blended well with the 4.2-inch multi-information LCD display and 10-inch multimedia audio touchscreen.
The Suzuki Vitara Allgrip is also fitted with safety and convenience tools such as keyless ignition and keyless entry, six-airbag system, hill hold and hill descent control as well as parking sensors in the front and rear.
However, the presence of electronically-adjusted seats for front passengers and lumbar support are always appreciated.
The P1.468 million pricing (P1.458 million for the monotone option) might be a little steep given for customers who just want a crossover with enough hauling space and performance to match.
Then again, no other vehicles in the segment provide that four-wheel-drive attribute so the Suzuki Vitara Allgrip leads the segment with that configuration. And a leader should always be ahead of the pack.
Photos from Ruben D. Manahan IV
Also read:
Old against new: 2015 vs. 2020 Suzuki Vitara
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