New Suzuki Vitara, Jimny now available
Vitara Series II
The Vitara range now covers three variants – Vitara, Vitara Turbo and Vitara Turbo AllGrip – of which the base model is powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine, producing 88kW and 156Nm and driving the front wheels through a five-speed manual or six-speed auto transmission.
As the name makes clear, the Vitara Turbo and Turbo AllGrip are powered by a turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine that produces 103kW and 220Nm, with a six-speed auto the only transmission choice. The previously available diesel engine has been discontinued.
Only the AllGrip offers all-wheel drive, with four selectable drive modes – Auto, Snow, Sport and Lock – adjusting drive distribution, throttle response and tuning of the electronically-controlled MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension.
Common to all variants are new two-tone exterior colour options, more safety features and improved in-cabin comfort and technology.
Turbo models get the better safety gear, including Autonomous Emergency Braking, lane departure warning, weaving alert, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert. To this, the Turbo AllGrip adds hill descent control.
All Vitara variants include soft-touch material on the dash, a sliding front centre armrest and an improved 4.2-inch colour LCD instrument display.
The Turbo adds suede seats, with the Turbo AllGrip adding a panoramic sunroof as standard.
With a five-year capped-price servicing and warranty plan, the new Vitara also offers roadside assist for the first time. Pricing for the new Vitara range has risen across the board (+$500 for the base model, +$1,000 for the Turbos, excluding ORCs) and is as follows:
Vitara 5sp manual - $22,490
Vitara 6sp auto - $24,490
Vitara Turbo 6sp auto - $29,990
Vitara Turbo AllGrip 6sp auto - $33,990.
Metallic paint adds $500 and new two-tone paint choices add $1,250.
Jimny
The first all-new version of the compact off-roader in 20 years, the new Jimny retains its credentials as a bona fide off-roader, but one that’s also compact and comfortable enough to be a viable city car and suburban runabout.
Retaining its body-on-frame design, solid axles and four-wheel drive system with low range, the new Jimny runs the same wheelbase as the old SJ variant last produced in 1998, but has shorter front and rear overhangs, so approach and departure angles are improved – 37 and 49 degrees. Breakover is improved to 28 degrees, while ground clearance is higher at 210mm.
The ‘ALLGRIP PRO’ part-time four-wheel system offers 2H, 4H and 4L, augmented by modern additions like Hill Descent Control, Electronic Stability Control and a Hill Hold function.
Power comes from a 1.5-litre petrol engine, producing 75kW and 130Nm, matched to a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, with listed economy as low as 6.4lt/100km.
Bringing the Jimny into the modern age are standard features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a reversing camera, 7.0-inch centre console touchscreen, climate control and automatic LED headlights.
Overall design pays tribute to the MkI Jimny and preceding LJ/SJ Sierra, with its boxy shape, clamshell bonnet, round headlights (a rarity these days), chunky wheelarch flares and Jeep-like five-slot grille combining for a pleasingly retro, but purposeful look.
Accommodation in the four-seater is tight, with minimal luggage space of only 85 litres with all seats occupied, increasing to 377 litres with the rears folded.
Only one Jimny model grade is offered for now, priced from $23,990 (excl. ORCs) and backed by a five-year warranty. Six colour options are available, including ‘Kinetic Yellow’ that’s exclusive to the Jimny.
Jimny 5sp manual - $23,990
Jimny 4sp auto - $25,990
Metallic paint adds $500 and two-tone paint adds $1,250.
See your Suzuki dealer for more details.
