By Khulekani Dumisa

There is no denying that Suzuki is on an upward trajectory with no signs of that stopping anytime soon. Naturally, as the brand continues to grow, customers begin to ask about ‘better’ things available in the network that the brand can offer locally. In fact one of the criticism levelled at Suzuki has been the lack of turbocharged engines in its local range. Suzuki has listened and introduced a turbo engine in the Vitara line-up (same engine, although in a different state of tune, is used in the new Suzuki Swift Sport). The introduction of these engines extends Suzuki’s local offering but also keeps the brand competitive against local opponents who offer turbo-charged engines like Renault Duster and Captur, Ford Ecosport and Nissan Qashqai.

Generous standard specification

The Vitara Turbo offers the same specification and equipment levels of the range-topping GLX grade. These include 17” alloy wheels and the choice of five solid colours and seven dual-tone combinations, where the body colour is contrasted by the choice of a black or white roof, depending on the colour chosen.

Inside the Vitara Tubro you’ll be met by the 7-inch infotainment system with smartphone connectivity and AppleCar Play and Android. The system also offers a reverse camera while the driver has the benefits of a 4.2-inch multifunctional full colour display in the instrument binnacle. Other conveniences include a reverse camera, auto lights and wipers, LED daytime time running lights, keyless entry and keyless start.

Engine and drive

The Vitara Turbo draws its power from a 1.4 litre Suzuki Boosterjet engine that delivers 103kW and 220Nm of torque. All this powered is delivered to the front wheel via a six-speed manual transmission of our test unit, it also available in a six-speed automatic transmission. The Vitara Turbo feels more eager than the naturally aspirated engine. It also delivers power effortlessly and cruises along comfortably. Suzuki claims a fuel consumption of consumption in a combined cycle is 5.8 litres for the manual model and 5.9 for the auto. Expect a figure of around 6,5l/100 km which is not bad for this type of car. The slight criticism of the car is that it is not offered with a panoramic roof. One wonders if this was a clever weight savings move by Suzuki or a means to contain the pricing that the company is able to offer the on the Vitara Turbo to the public for. Nonetheless, it’s good to see the car company finally able to offer punchy and efficient turbo-charged engines locally.

Price

The Vitara 1.4 Turbo is priced from R378,900