Page 43 - link magazine
P. 43

The new Suzuki Vitara – a step up in style and substance

       For years, in a rather low profile                                                click over to snow mode for added
       way, Suzuki have been selling                                                     all-wheel security. Four wheel drive
       competitively priced cars that                                                    can be locked too to get the car out
       have been good to drive but                                                       of sticky situations; a great system.
       rather lacking in the social graces                                               For additional safety SZ5 models
       as it were. Interiors were func-                                                  get Radar Brake Support providing
       tional but displayed rather a lot                                                 early warning of a possible front
       of hard, plain plastic that gave                                                  end shunt.
       the passengers a bit of a low-rent                                                 The Suzuki Vitara is good to drive
       vibe. Those days are gone, writes                                                 and we saw a consistent 42mpg
       Geoff Maxted of www.drivewrite.                                                   from the 1.6 petrol motor (there's
       co.uk                                                                             also a diesel). We made do with
        The new Vitara represents a real                                                 a five-speed manual gearbox but
       step up in quality. There's still some                                            Suzuki now offer a new six-speed
       robust plastic on the dash and                                                    box of cogs which will make for
       door sills but now it's subdued and                                               more relaxed motorway cruising.
       textured to deliver what should be   steering wheel. Some controls are a   going for a space-saver spare.   The car has kerb appeal and is one
       a hard-wearing finish – just right   bit fiddly but on the whole it works   Traditionally, Suzuki are masters   of the more attractively designed
       for a busy family. Otherwise, in this   well. The sat-nav is accurate with   at delivering good four wheel   crossovers. You can specify the
       range-topping SZ5 version, the   voice guidance that is clear though   drive systems and the new Vitara   car with an 'Urban Pack' for extra
       inside is a pleasant, airy place to be  it sounds a bit strict. Some drivers   features the latest AllGrip technol-  embellishments or choose the
       thanks to the big sunroof. The seats  might like this. Electronics that you   ogy which is simplicity itself to   more 'off-road' look of the 'Rugged
       are supportive and, on the test car,   will actually use are all on board   use. Leave it in Auto (eco) and the   Pack'. There's a selection of funky
       were upholstered in a leather/suede  with cruise, USB, Aux and climate   car will drive two wheels but will   colours to choose from with the
       mix.                       control as well as a standout Blue-  switch drive to the corner with the   option of some great two-tone
        The Vitara falls under the heading  tooth system with music steaming.   best grip should the need arise.   paint jobs. As mentioned, this
       of 'crossover' which means it   The boot offers a reasonable 375L   Sport mode makes maximal use   car is top of the form with pretty
       has plenty of storage and ample   of space or 710L with the rear seats   of four-wheel drive in accordance   much everything on it. Even so it
       legroom without being massively   folded. Perfectly adequate plus the   with accelerator inputs. At low and   only costs £21,099 which, in the
       cumbersome like a full-size SUV.   boot has hidden depths, literally.   mid-range engine speeds, the sys-  crossover world, is something of a
       The cascading piano-black dash-  There's security storage beneath the   tem alters the accelerator/torque   bargain. It's also available in 2WD
       board is blissfully button free with   false floor and beneath that is the   characteristics to optimise engine   form in SZ4 and SZ-T versions with
       most functions controlled through   spare wheel well. Our test car had   response and cornering. When   prices starting around £14k. Highly
       a touchscreen or via the leather   a kit installed – we'd recommend   things get muddy, icy or snowy just   recommended.





























            THE ALL-NEW SUZUKI VITARA. IT LIVES. FROM £13,999.                            *

            Rugged SUV Design. Advanced Safety. ALLGRIP 4-wheel Drive. †


         Request a Test Drive today: suzuki.co.uk/pebley
         Pebley Beach Swindon
         West Swindon Motor Park Paddington Drive Swindon SN5 7SB 01793 816800

         Official Fuel Consumption Figures for the Suzuki Vitara range mpg (litres/100km) and CO 2  emissions (g/km): Urban 42.1-61.4
         (6.7-4.6), Extra Urban 55.4-76.3 (5.1-3.7), Combined 49.5-70.6 (5.7-4.0), CO 2  emissions 131-106 g/km.
         The above fuel consumption figures are based on an EU test for comparative purposes only and may not reflect real driving results. Vitara range: Vitara SZ4 1.6 Petrol Manual available at £13,999 to Vitara
         SZ5 DDiS ALLGRIP Manual with Rugged Pack available at £22,549. All prices and specifications correct at time of going to print. For full details contact your local participating Suzuki Dealer. Offer subject to
         availability for vehicles privately registered between 1st July 2015 to 30th September 2015 from participating Authorised Suzuki Dealers only. For full details contact your local participating Suzuki Dealer.
         *Model shown is a Vitara SZ5 1.6 petrol available at £18,499 on the road (Single-tone metallic paint available at an additional cost of £430, Dual-tone paint available at an additional cost of £800.) †Optional
         extra for SZ5 models only, optional ALLGRIP 4-wheel Drive available at additional cost.
                                                                                        swindonlink.com n September 2015  43
   38   39   40   41   42   43   44   45   46   47   48