Suzuki has expanded the range of its Vitara by introducing the new Full Hybrid 140V engine that goes alongside the Mild Hybrid 48V version already on the price list. For the moment, this new variant has been launched in the United Kingdom but will soon be made available in our country as well. Let’s see, therefore, the main novelties of this new model. We will update the article as soon as the precise details for our market arrive (in particular, Italian prices and fittings).
DESIGN AND INTERIOR
The Suzuki Vitara Full Hybrid measures 4,175 mm long x 1,775 mm wide x 1,610 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,500 mm. The trunk has a capacity of 289 liters. The minimum height from the ground is 175 mm. No particular changes have been introduced at the design level with the launch of this engine. So, we find the look that we already know and characterized by sculpted lines, the clamshell hood, the enlarged fenders and the rear with slightly protruding light clusters. As standard we find LED headlights. Suzuki Vitara is available in 11 different colors. The top-of-the-range version also offers a large panoramic roof.
Even the interiors do not present particular novelties. At the center of the dashboard we find a small 4.2-inch display that shows a series of data including energy management and battery level. The infotainment system features a 7-inch touch screen. Present compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interior is “concrete” and as we had been able to observe closely during our test with the Mild Hybrid model, the materials are robust and well assembled. No frills, however, and no particular aesthetic refinement.
ENGINE AND SAFETY
The real novelty is obviously the Full Hybrid engine. Suzuki says the powertrain consists of a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder gasoline engine with 85 kW (115 hp) with 138 Nm of torque paired with a 24.6 kW (33 hp) motor generator unit (MGU) with 60 Nm of torque powered by a 140V lithium-ion battery. The gearbox is a 6-speed automatic. Two driving modes are available: Eco and Normal.
The drive is front-wheel drive but the new Vitara Full Hybrid is also available in the all-wheel drive variant. The maximum speed reaches 180 km/h. To go from 0 to 100 km/h it takes 12.7 seconds (13.5 seconds for the model with all-wheel drive). On the emissions front, Suzuki claims 121 g/km of CO2 (132 g/km for the 4×4 version). Speaking of consumption, we have 5.4 liters per 100 km according to the WLTP cycle (5.9 liters for the version with all-wheel drive).
Speaking of the ALLGRIP all-wheel drive, drivers will have 4 selectable modes at their disposal: Auto, Sport, Snow and Lock. On the safety side, the Hill Hold Control system is standard on all models. On the version with all-wheel drive there is also the Hill Descent Control system. Speaking of ADAS, dual sensor brake support, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Traffic Sign Recognition and Adaptive Cruise Control systems are standard.
FITTINGS AND PRICES
On the Uk market, the Suzuki Vitara Full Hybrid is offered in the SZ-T and SZ5 trim levels. The model with all-wheel drive is offered only in the richest version. Prices start at £25,499 or just over €30,460. Obviously, as mentioned at the beginning, as soon as the Prices and Italian fittings arrive we will update the article.
