Suzuki Vitara Hybrid In-Depth Review - The Spacious Family SUV You Need?
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- Опубліковано 25 сер 2024
- BUY, LEASE OR FINANCE A SUZUKI VITARA HYBRID FROM OSV: bit.ly/38eoXmc
This Suzuki Vitara may be one of the older designs in the compact SUV segment but it now has one of the most modern engines, with mild hybrid electrification added to a redesigned K14D'-series version of the company's 1.4-litre Boosterjet petrol engine. The brand has also taken the opportunity to add extra equipment and some additional safety features. And, unusually in this class, there's still the option of a proper lockable 4WD system if you want it. Time to take a second look at this car.
Background
Electrification is these days so important to automotive makers that developing it takes precedence over creating new designs. For proof of that, take a look at the Suzuki Vitara. The current fourth generation 'LY'-series design has been around since 2015: time, you might think, for an all-new version, given the over-riding importance of the compact SUV segment just at present.
Instead, Suzuki has diverted its budgetary spend beneath the bonnet, redesigning its core 1.4-litre Boosterjet petrol turbo engine and adding sophisticated 48-volt mild hybrid tech into it as part of a move that sees every one of the company's models being in some way electrified. The result is the Vitara Hybrid model we're looking at here.
Driving Experience
The Vitara has a slightly more athletic feel than Suzuki's other compact SUV in this segment, the S-Cross, and that hasn't been appreciably diluted by the marginal extra weight of the additional electrified tech. You may be familiar with the way that mild hybrid engines work but just in case not, here's a quick re-cap. Basically, energy that would otherwise be lost when braking or cruising off-throttle is harvested via a kinetic energy recovery system and sent to a small lithium-ion battery that here has been placed beneath the front passenger seat. This is used to drive a belt-driven 'ISG' unit (an 'Integrated Starter/Generator') and power the engine's stop/start system. Suzuki's old 12-volt mild hybrid package didn't do a lot more than that but this improved 48-volt set-up can also deliver a couple of other important benefits. The first is something quite unusual amongst current mild hybrids - the ability for this Suzuki to idle and even coast on full-electric power, though only below 10mph.
The other fresh benefit here is something supposed to be now quite common amongst mild hybrid models - the ability to 'torque-fill' under acceleration to compensate for turbo lag. Which is just as well because this Vitara Hybrid's new 'K14D'-series 1.4-litre Boosterjet petrol engine has less power than the unit of the same size it replaces (127bhp rather than 138bhp). But there's now a fraction more torque (up from 230 to 235Nm). The 62mph sprint takes 9.5 en route to 118mph. There's no longer an auto gearbox option. And that proper lockable ALLGRIP 4WD system is optional on the top-spec 'SZ5' variant.
Design and Build
There are no visual changes with this Vitara model's switch to Hybrid power, apart from LED design headlights that now feature on all models. The car has been on sale since 2014 and the version we have now is the model that was facelifted in 2019. It remains a crossover positioned size-wise somewhere between the small and mid-sized SUV segments, 4,175mm in length and slightly taller than its visually less striking S-Cross showroom stablemate. This remains quite an assured piece of design work with its clamshell bonnet, blacked-out floating glasshouse, heavily sculpted flanks and a very neat tail-lamp finish.
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After years in small cars i'm now waiting with my 1.92 m for this lovely car..the 1.4 hybrid.
Fantastic to hear! Wishing you the best with your new Vitara Hybrid 👍
I have been watching reviews on these for the last few days and this is by far the most comprehensive (some don't even mention how the AWD system works). I have been talking to lots of owners who rave about the new model and this is supported by this review. Thank you.
Thank you for watching! We supply every make and model in the UK and will be happy to explore pricing options. Get in touch with our team today on 01903 538835 or book a free consultation here - bit.ly/3soFVbF
Seriously considering one of these for my next car, these reviews are brilliant and really help. Thank you.
Thanks for watching! If you live in the UK we'd love to make it your next car 👍📞 www.osv.ltd.uk/hello-youtube/
This is just a brilliant review which highlights all you need to know about the Vitara.
That's great to hear, David 👍 If you're thinking about getting one as your next vehicle, reach out to our team - bit.ly/3q3Hs2S
Great car. Great review! I chose the 1.4 boosterjet non hybrid on a '19 plate, to get the torque converter auto with allgrip. I love it. The hybrid didnt offer me anything over and above my sz5 so I kept it conventional. It's a very well engineered, reliable and robust car, and I happen to like the interior, it was one of the reaons I bought it, robust and easy to clean. My only gripe is the infotainment, despite having steering wheel controls a couple of knobs and buttons on the centre unit would have been nice to have. Also, approach angle could be a bit better! The Suzuki is simply a great all rounder with real offroad credentials in the small SUV/crossover segment, it's a very functional car and actually quite fun to drive.
Thanks for watching, Andrew. Great to hear you enjoyed the review 👍
What's not to like! The only downside to the Vitara is that there are some cheap plastics inside. These Vitaras are way better than anything from VW group, PSA group, Renault/Nissan, Ford, Mazda and Fiat Chrysler when you take into account the kit you get as standard and Suzuki reliability. KIA and Hyundai engines are not as powerful. Honda are reliable but the HRV is a bit low tech. The only rival to consider coming over the horizon is the new Toyota Yaris Cross. But this may be a lot more expensive due to its full hybrid tech. Great review thanks.
I often hear about these cheap plastics Suzuki uses inside their cars, but personally I find them very easy to clean and hard wearing.
As an ex Rav4 man, I like the style of the Suzuki, I take delivery of my new Suzuki Vitara Hybrid next week so I shall take off-road, I am a landscape photographer so go to some really wild places
Enjoy your new Vitara Hybrid, Pete! Let us know how you get on 👍
Just in the middle of replacing my 2017 Vitara Sport to the new Hybrid version, roll on December. Nice reivew
We hope you enjoy your new Vitara Hybrid! 👌
Surely this is my next car, thank you for the detailed review, especially I appreciate clarification about the some newer technologies that are not present in my 2007 Ford Focus. As a person which spend 16 busy years in TV production I would also like to tell you that I really like your way of presentation and more than pleasant and adequate overall appearance. Also would like to mention that camera, editing and production are more than pleasant to watch. Thank you, best regards from Bosnia.
What a lovely comment to read first thing in the morning 🙏 Greatly appreciated!
Always a Quality Production from OSV
Fantastically comprehensive review!
Many thanks for watching! Are you interested in getting a Suzuki Vitara Hybrid?
While looking for a new car, I also did a test drive with a Vitara 2021 and it surely is a really nice car, smooth drive, good material inside, loads of space inside even for very tall people, but I only did not find that X factor with it regarding looks and design and this is really a great family car for a busy mom I would say
wtf does a family car for a busy mom mean? you are hugely brainwashed by social media.
Correction to the claim at 4:51 : there IS an automated version (DSG type) and it’s a bliss to drive, with manual overrule via paddles in the D position or simply full paddlecontrol in the M position.
(In Belgium anyways...)
EXCELLENT review.
EXTREMELY THOROUGH.
10/10.
WELL done.
Glad that you enjoyed it Terry! Be sure to subscribe for more in-depth vehicle reviews: bit.ly/319ZKoT
Super review,thanks a lot for all this details that you're giving to us!(sory for eventually wordmistake) Dumitru Lică
Slatina Romania
Thank you for watching from all the way in Romania, Mitica 👍
Loving my Vitara is so good❤️
Perfect review and I love intro music
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Very nice and very good car !! The Hybrid system 48v , give it very low consumption with allgrip as well .
A well informed review.
Many thanks for watching 👍 If you enjoyed the review, make sure to subscribe: bit.ly/319ZKoT
Great review, likely to be super-reliable.
Many thanks for watching 👍
I remember my old sj413 it was incredibly reliable Suzuki have a great reputation that is well earned.
Excellent review, the hybrid option is the most interesting. This is one of the highest selling SUV in India. And Suzuki's collaboration with Toyota for the Hybrid version brings premium tech and high scope for more fuel efficient compact SUV's.
Would you consider getting one?
chatgpt comment
Think heated seats bad omission when standard in SX4 cross. I really rate these cars. Very well kept secrets
Suzuki are always rely well built.
Hi SJ, you can find out more about Suzuki's reliability here: www.osv.ltd.uk/how-reliable-are-suzuki/
Very good review. I like the Vitara and I am wondering should I consider it. How noisy is the cabin in comparison to t-roc? Will be interested to hear your opinion for the soundproofing.
I'm downsizing and found this review very helpful thankyou I have a list of cars I'm trying to compare and I would like to email you for an unbiased view of my list. The vitara is no 1 at the moment because I like the look of it.
Glad you found the review helpful, Jackie! We'd be more than happy to help you on your car search, get in touch with our Vehicle Specialists on 01903 538835 📞 or book a free callback: bit.ly/3jZo2vH
Brilliant very informative review as always
Many thanks for watching, Huw. We're glad you found the review helpful 👍
The proper spare wheel is a problem. Please Suzuki listen!!! Your cars are made in Hungary. I don´t understand why manufacturers resigned to put that f...g wheel inside... On the standard roads in middle-east Europe(PL-CZ-SK-HU) you have to have this option for sure... During this year (70000km+ per year) I´ve broken my tire for 2 times on my T3 Octavia/Superb... Almost missed my business meetings. To be honest .. when you are on the job-site ... there is a lot of opportunities to broke your tire... Skoda has this option always!!!! Anyway - perfect review! Thank you.
We're glad you found this review helpful, Martin 👍
Just add lightness....glad they’re following Mr Colin’s cue! Love Suzuki dependability and running costs embarrass Euro Premium cars.
No spare wheel/Auto is unforgivable and does need improvement in interior luxury for the asking price. Curiously, this car is far cheaper in Australia too and better aligned in the market as a result. Obviously has a decent heater as indicated 0c outside and managing with just a long sleeve shirt.
I've just got one in Frankfurt, Germany. The delivery is on coming Wednesday. I'm going to share how the car drives and etc next week.
That's amazing news! Yes please do let us know how you find it 👍
@@OsvUkVehicleSupply Ok now its been about 2 weeks with my new Suzuki Vitara GL+ Mild Hybrid 48V. It burnt about 8.5 L regular gas (benzin E10) during the first week and 6.5 L in the second week. The numbers are in city. But I guess that consume is gonna go down a little bit more by getting used to clutch&gas pedals harmony :) and I heard brand new cars need some time to get the numbers given in the booklets. The back camera is good but only thing I didnt like is there is no sound it has only the red and yellow lines. Maybe other models have that feature, too. Its good enough for me but that would be better and easier for my wife inorder to park. And another thing is taxation. It is pretty cheap here in Hessen, Germany 98 Euros per year. Idk if it is different in other German states. The car is pretty quiet and since the electric power doesn't run the car, its fast and acceleration is very good. So far it's been a short time but good experience. I will update if anything. Have a good one everybody.
@@fhmfhm6464 hi how goes the vitara in performance and reliability over the past time. Would you still go for the vitara?
@@greenfalcon1568 yes I'd still go for it. But the only thing I can say is this car is not hybrid it is mild hybrid :) I wouldn't expect that vitara consumes as little gas as regular hybrid ones. And when you compare the price with the other suvs or crossovers, I would still go for it. Comfort and security are as good as the expensive ones. I saw some comments on the plastic material in the car is cheap and low quality but I dont agree with that. Plastic parts are pretty good, too. I wish I wouldnt get stick shift, though. But so far yes this car was a good choice.
@@fhmfhm6464 thks for the update. Im looking into a used allgrip model soon.
Great reviews thanks
Glad you enjoyed the review, Dave!
Collect on the 11 july. 🎉
Exciting :) Did you order from us?
@@OsvUkVehicleSupply my wife did yes👍👍
Test driving one today
Great to hear, Steve! How did you get on?
It rear head groom is difficult for 6 feet person.
Why is this car not available in the US???
Simple it's not a full Hybrid :)
The Vitara can tow 1500 kg.
@OSV just a question. How come all reviews have the registration CD 365 instead of the cars actual registration? However, when on the road it has the actual cars registration? Just curious as I’ve noticed this before.
They just paste the reg plate CD365 on for the purpose of filming, which provides some sort of identity of OSV, something traditional for car media to do
Great review as always with osv. I really like Suzuki's offerings in the current market. I currently have a karoq which is going back and will be looking at a used Vitara/s cross or yeti.
Which one of these is best for fitting 2 cycles in the back ?
Thanks Scott! Our vehicle experts will be happy to help with your query. Get in touch on 01903 538835 or click here to book a call at a convenient time - bit.ly/3soFVbF
Auto’ ‘box is available, no CD, space saver spare wheel is available.
Great car
Thanks for watching! If you're interested in the Vitara our Vehicle Experts can get you behind the wheel of this car 👍 Fill-in this quick form, and we'll get in touch: bit.ly/39YHCml
How does it drive on motorways, is it quick enough for over taking,
Hi John, our Vehicle Specialists can look into which engine option will be best for you 👍 Fill-in this quick form and we'll get in touch: bit.ly/39YHCml
The weight and gearing has increased compared to the previous non hybrid 1.4 which will take the edge of motorway performance. I wouldn't be surprised if the hybrid no better than the 1.0 in that regard.
Have owned one for ,a year now ,21plate .it is faster than you would think on 0 62 in 9 seconds.
Very disappointed, is almost same car as Suzuki s-cross. Same or same kind of suspension. Is not like the older Vitara version 3 which is a really off-road car with individual suspension
Hello. I think the Vitara is not tall as the T-Cross, but the T-Roc. And same as the Toyota C-HR 😏 The Toyota Full Hybrid Technic is much effective as this Vitara Mild Hybrid. With the Toyota you can drive e few miles only electric. But not with the Vitara. When I buy a Vitara, then with the 1,6 Diesel Engine or the 1,4L Boosterjet without electric power. Greetings 😏
Thanks for watching Wolfgang! Make sure to subscribe for the latest in-depth vehicle reviews - bit.ly/319ZKoT
£22k to nearly £30k and comparative low rent materials inside? No way.
Back in 2007 on the Renault Mégane 2, the base models had hard plastics, move up the model range and you got soft touch plastics.
A lesson to be learnt Suzuki?
Why are soft materials so important to you? Do people spend their time carressing their cabins?? It's the design and build quality that are important. My Corsa is 27 and its hard surfaces have not aged. But I do agree that Suzuki have rested on their laurels, in terms of upgrading Vitara creature- comforts (eg rear usb ports and arm-rest, dual zone AC, visible rear vents). European cars do that better.
@@iconicshrubbery the padding is sound absorbing so music sounds better and engine noise is supressed a bit more. As the surface 'gives' a little, it's less likely to scratch. Also hurts less when headbanging and it's just generally nicer.
I would be interested to know if the soft plastics were more carcinogenic than the hard ones, but nobody ever mentions that.
Still not clear on the quantifiable benefits of this mild hybrid system. I mean performance and economy. The old 12v system seemed to do little more than a triple A battery. The quantifiable costs are clear enough, they are high. Hybrid systems can be an environmental and economic disaster, depending on driving patterns.
No Auto! Not selling in Australia then.
What are you talking about, Auto trans is available in Oz !! I take delivery of mine in August.
@@billjackson4703 I thought he said no auto, I was just remarking that they would not sell in Oz if there was no auto. Manuals are not very popular here, in Europe they seem popular.
It's not a full Hybrid I feel the wording HYBRID is being miss used and in passing always drove Suzi SUV but when I asked the sales man was it a full Hybrid he said NO but they have now the SWACE Toyota full Hybrid :) in short it's a make over for the Toyota Corolla 18 cc Sports Model and the basic Toyota sports Icon has no Sat Nav.
qq
The 1.4 Boosterjet was a fantastic motor - new engine ruins the car. HUGE step backwards. Suzuki need their heads tested.
Does this put you off getting the new Vitara? Have another model in mind instead?
@@OsvUkVehicleSupply Thinking about it - I wonder if this is some malign Toyota influence? They seem to cheerfully under-engine their cars by 10%. CH-R for instance.
😜👍👍👍
First🙂
Congrats, Aleksandar 🎉
Yuk car
And comment!
😂😂
Wished this was available in our country, sadly we got the naturally aspirated all-grip variant, difference from this model were the removal of other safety features and aesthetic add-ons😔
Sorry to hear this Kim!