By Staff Reporter

Roughly three years since the current generation Suzuki Vitara was launched locally, the Japanese carmaker has given its compact SUV Vitara a subtle refresh for the 2019 model year.

With more than 1 700 Suzuki models sold since 2015, it has been a success story with the Vitara scooping first place in the Compact Family Car category in the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards.

The refreshed Vitara comes with a new front fascia, a reworked rear style with new LED light clusters and new alloy wheels options.

The front gains new headlamp clusters, a much bigger grille with Suzuki S badge, fog lamps (on certain models). The top of the range GLX models gain LED driving lights.

For the new model, the LED daytime running lights are enclosed in a new J-shaped chrome insert (black on the GL spec level), there is also an optional silver scuff plate and side mouldings to integrate with the new bumper design, both in front and at the rear. 

GL+ and GLX models now come with a new 4.2 inch full colour LCD information display and a 3.5 inch monochrome LCD on the GL specification level. There is also a second large screen in its new Smart Linkage Display Audio system, which replaces the more traditional analogue system on the GL+ and GLX models.

For the GL+ and GLX spec levels, Suzuki has added climate control, cruise control, a multifunction steering, all-round electric windows and chrome detailing whereas the GLX model receives a unique instrument panel trim, keyless access with push-button Start/Stop and an electric tilt and sliding panoramic sunroof.

Power still comes from a 1.6 VVT petrol engine with 86 kW at 6 000 rpm and 156 Nm at 4 400 rpm.  Buyers can choose to either go for a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. 

A new turbocharged 1.4 litre Boosterjet turbopetrol engine will be added to range before the end of the year.

The refreshed Vitara will be sold with Suzuki’s promotional 200 000 km / 5-year vehicle warranty, a 4-year / 60 000 km service plan and roadside assistance for the duration of the vehicle warranty. 

Suzuki Vitara GL (manual):   R281,900

Suzuki Vitara GL+ (man):   R318,900

Suzuki Vitara GL+ (auto):   R337,900

Suzuki Vitara GLX (auto):   R359,900

Suzuki Vitara GLX AllGrip (man): R374,900