Suzuki PH Finally Launches All-New Suzuki Vitara

Suzuki Philippines (SPH) has finally launched the all-new, fourth-generation Suzuki Vitara subcompact crossover, nearly two weeks after Carmudi.com.ph first revealed the vehicle's appearance at the 2017 Car of the Year-Philippines (COTY-P) Test Fest and nearly two years after it first went on sale in its home market of Japan in October 2015.

"Equipped with the longest and widest dimension in its class, with the best radius performance, the features of the all-new Vitara are aimed at providing the best value in terms of design, performance, and fuel efficiency," said SPH Automobile Division General Manager Shuzo Hoshikura. "Seeing it apart from competition, the compact SUV allows drivers to freely express their individuality and personalize their vehicles with its wide array of colors and accessory packages."

"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," Hoshikura added.

With a length and width of 4,175 mm and 1,775 mm, respectively, and a turning radius of 5.2 meters, the all-new Vitara is indeed the longest and widest and has the best turning radius in its class.

Up front, the LED projector headlights  are fitted in the range-topping GLX variant while halogen ones are used for the mid-range GL+ and entry-level GL variants. Polished 17-inch alloy wheels are used for the GLX while the GL+ rides on 16-inch sets with the GL using fully-capped steel wheels.

Making the all-new Vitara's exterior stand out against its competitors is the two-tone treatment for the roof, pillars, and side mirrors for the GLX while the GL+ and GL are strictly monotone.

Inside, what first greets the driver and passengers are the foot well lamps and the keyless push start system. A touchscreen infotainment audio system--10 inches for the GLX, the biggest in its class, and seven inches for the GL+ and GL--provides hands-free connectivity with smartphones and has navigation system packs, Bluetooth audio, and a USB port. The GLX also has on-the-go connectivity via Wi-Fi support while the MirrorLink function links the occupant's smartphone with the Android-based system.

The all-new Vitara can seat five occupants, with a combination of suede and leather used on the seats of the GLX. The luggage space at the back is a commodious 375 liters though if more space is needed, the rear seat backs can be folded down to increase it to 710 liters.

Passenger safety is at a premium with the GLX variant as it is fitted with dual front, side, and curtain airbags while the GL+ makes do with dual front airbags. In addition, the all-new Vitara has an Electronic Stability Program that mitigates wheel slip to ensure that the driver maintains control of the vehicle, Hill Hold Control which prevents the vehicle from rolling backward when going uphill, a force limiter on the seatbelts to reduce the impact to the occupant's chest, and a pedal release system that limits the pedals' movement against the driver in frontal impacts. The all-new Vitara also benefits from Suzuki's Total Effective Control Technology (TECT) with its impact-absorbing design.

Paddle shifters for the six-speed automatic transmission and steering wheel-mounted controls for the audio system are standard across all variants. The GLX though also gets steering wheel-mounted controls for the cruise control system, along with front and rear ultrasonic sensors (front only for the GL+) in the bumpers to detect obstacles while parking, along with a reverse camera system, and automatic lights and windshield wipers.

Completing the GLX variant's package is the panoramic sunroof that has two glass panels that can both slide back to provide the biggest opening in its class.

The all-new Vitara has 1.6-liter engine that puts out 115 hp and 156 Nm of torque to the front wheels. Paired with the six-speed automatic transmission and the subcompact crossover addresses simultaneously the challenges of city driving and traffic "through reduced friction, weight, and idling speed, all toward achieving better fuel economy."

The Suzuki Vitara GLX is priced at P1.048 million and is available in two-tone Horizon Orange Metallic, Atlantis Turquoise Pearl, or Bright Red Metallic while the Suzuki Vitara GL+ is at P938,000 and comes in Atlantis Turquoise Pearl Metallic, Cosmic Black Pearl Metallic, Galactic Gray Metallic, Silky Silver Metallic, and Cool White Pearl. The price for the entry-level Suzuki Vitara GL variant has yet to be announced.