What is the Suzuki Vitara?

[McJeremiah]

Suzuki Vitara is a compact SUV under the Suzuki brand, with a wheelbase of 2500 mm, and dimensions of 4175 mm in length, 1775 mm in width, and 1610 mm in height. The Suzuki Vitara is equipped with two engines: one is a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, and the other is a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine. The 1.4-liter turbocharged engine delivers 140 horsepower and a maximum torque of 220 Nm, with the maximum power output at 5500 rpm and the maximum torque available between 1700 to 4000 rpm, featuring direct fuel injection technology. The 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine produces 122 horsepower and a maximum torque of 158 Nm, with the maximum power output at 6000 rpm and the maximum torque at 4400 rpm, utilizing multi-point fuel injection technology.

[OBryce]

To be honest, I'm quite impressed with the Suzuki Vitara. This car is a classic in the compact SUV segment. The first-generation model, launched in 1988, was called Sidekick and Escudo, with a particularly solid off-road foundation—you can still see older versions running on the road today. The new-generation Vitara is positioned more towards urban use, with a body length under 4.2 meters but a wheelbase of 2.5 meters, offering surprisingly spacious rear legroom. The 1.4T + 6AT powertrain is fuel-efficient and durable—I drove a friend's car through mountainous terrain and was surprised by its 6L/100km fuel consumption. The split roof design is eye-catching, and the rear door handles hidden in the C-pillar share a similar approach to the Land Rover Discovery Sport. One downside is the mediocre sound insulation, with noticeable tire noise at high speeds, but who cares when buying this car? The factory-equipped ALLGRIP four-wheel-drive system allows manual mode switching, making it fully capable of light off-roading.

[DanielaLee]

The Suzuki Vitara is a compact car that appeals to practical buyers, and I think it strikes a nice balance between functionality and personality. The 1.6L naturally aspirated version takes over 11 seconds to accelerate from 0-100km/h, which is more than adequate for city driving. The key advantage is its low maintenance cost—an oil change plus replacing the three filters costs just 300 yuan. The trunk offers a basic capacity of 380L, enough for two 28-inch suitcases, and the rear seats can be folded down in a 4/6 split for added flexibility. The car is well-equipped, featuring standard 7 airbags and hill-start assist, with paddle shifters available in higher trims. If there's a downside, the interior does feel a bit plasticky, but given the price range of 120,000 to 130,000 yuan, it's reasonable. Surprisingly, this car holds its value well in the used car market, especially the red variants, which are particularly sought after.

[EliRose]

Remember the Suzuki Grand Vitara that was everywhere in the 1990s? The Vitara is its spiritual successor. This current generation leans more towards urban styling, but at its core, it still embodies Suzuki's expertise in light off-roading. The 1.4T engine features cylinder deactivation technology, making it so quiet at red lights that you might think it's turned off. With a ground clearance of 185mm, it's even higher than the CR-V, making it a breeze to climb curbs. The standard LED headlights across the lineup are a plus, providing ample illumination at night. If there's one drawback, it's that the steering wheel only offers two-way adjustment, which isn't very friendly for taller drivers. Additionally, the replacement of physical AC buttons with touch controls makes blind operation while driving less convenient.

[VonAllison]

The Vitara is a precisely positioned urban SUV with a length of 4175mm, making it exceptionally easy to park. The tested 1.4T engine delivers a maximum torque of 220N·m, providing stronger initial acceleration compared to the Qashqai. Despite having only a 47L fuel tank, its low fuel consumption ensures decent range. The part-time four-wheel drive with snow mode receives positive feedback from northern users for its stability on icy roads. The body rigidity is well-engineered, offering a solid feel when going over speed bumps. However, the rear seat cushions are somewhat short, compromising long-distance comfort, and the audio system is merely adequate.