Suzuki tops Vitara range with diesel

SUZUKI has completed its Vitara range with the addition of an all-wheel-drive diesel-automatic variant that comes fully loaded with kit, to top the compact SUV line-up from $35,990 plus on-road costs.

Providing the Vitara stable’s lowest combined-cycle fuel consumption figure of 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres by a margin of almost 1.0L/100km, the 1.6-litre turbo-diesel unit produces 88kW of peak power at 3750 rpm and 320Nm of torque from 1750rpm.

This makes it more powerful than the 86kW entry-level Vitara petrol and gruntier than the recently introduced 220Nm petrol turbo, although at 1325kg it weighs 100kg more than the AWD petrol turbo and is 205kg heftier than the front-drive non-turbo petrol automatic.

Unlike the petrol models that are available with a six-speed torque-converter automatic, the diesel Vitara comes standard with a dual-clutch transmission that Suzuki claims “enables the convenience of an automatic with the performance of a manual”.

All four wheels are driven through Suzuki’s four-mode Allgrip system, with driver-selectable settings for various scenarios comprising Sport, Snow, the tough-terrain Lock and the default economy-focussed Auto.

Befitting the most expensive variant of the Vitara range, the RT-X Diesel comes with a long list of standard equipment including touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation, connectivity for Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth and USB, climate control, a reversing camera, leather and suede upholstery, cruise control with speed limiter, keyless entry/start, a multi-function steering wheel, electric windows and power-folding mirrors.

Exterior features comprise LED headlights and daytime running lights, front foglights, 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels, a panoramic glass sunroof, two-bar chrome grille, and rear privacy glass.

Standard safety fare includes seven airbags, electronic stability control, hill descent control, hill-hold, seatbelt pre-tensioners with force limiters and seatbelt reminders.

Suzuki Australia general manager of automobiles Andrew Moore said demand for the Vitara had increased since the turbo-petrol variants were introduced a month ago, and that the company was pleased to be able to respond to customer requests for a diesel Vitara option.

“By adding this diesel engine variant to the line up, the Vitara now has a comprehensive range of engine and price options to suit any customer,” he said.

Mr Moore added that further good news would come with the arrival of Suzuki’s Baleno small hatch “With the popularity of Vitara rapidly growing plus the introduction of our first small segment hatch, Baleno, to compete with Corolla and i30, Suzuki’s growth is set to continue,” he said.

“Now that Turbo and Diesel have been added to Vitara, along with the new Baleno to come with a turbo engine and a larger (than what was released this week in Europe) naturally aspirated petrol engine set for Australia , Suzuki will have some of the sportiest performers for small segment passenger and SUV customers.” 2016 Suzuki Vitara pricing

RT-S	$22,990*
RT-S (a)	$24,990*
S Turbo 2WD (a)	$29,990*
S Turbo 4WD (a)	$32,990**
RT-X Diesel (a)	$35,990**

*Driveaway
**Excludes on-road costs