Will this Suzuki tempt you?

25/11/2015 @ 08:43

Test Drive by Graham Breeze

If Suzuki can tempt you into a showroom bosses are confident of convincing you to part with your money with 69per cent of test drives converted into sales.

That's why they are confident the new 1.4 Boosterjet Engine in the Vitara S Auto will play a major role in helping them smash sales targets during 2016.

Since arriving in 1988 the Vitara has been picking up accolades thanks to city styling married to capable on and off-road abilities and now just eight months after the UK launch the S model has been introduced, providing a more sporting and dynamic character to the Vitara line-up.

The biggest change is the arrival of the 1.4-litre petrol engine with the new Boosterjet technology. This 140PS direct injection turbocharged petrol unit takes Suzuki to a new level with torque available from 1,500 rpm, an incredible 41 per cent more than in the 1.6 - that's over 17 per cent more power, yet there's four per cent better fuel economy.

In fact the automatic model on test averaged 51.3mpg on the combined cycle, while producing only 128g/km of emissions.

For the technical reader the Boosterjet engine uses a small displacement, high torque turbocharger. By controlling the waste gate valve, which closes to create higher boost pressure during heavy load operation and remains open during normal driving, the Boosterjet reduces pumping loss to achieve high levels of power and fuel efficiency.

Suzuki's Allgrip system is standard on the new S range with four driving modes of Auto, Snow, Lock and Sport.

There's also Hill Hold Control, Hill Descent Control and a comprehensive list of safety features including Adaptive Cruise Control, an impact absorbing feature and a full set of airbags.

But it's not all about performance because the Vitara looks the part too. For my mind it's the best looking Suzuki so far, firmly expressing the company's SUV styling with a solid looking appearance and a roof line that slopes sharply downwards towards the rear.

The unique S-model trim includes gloss black 17 inch alloys, vertical grille design, a rear upper spoiler, silver door mirrors and very neat red interior stitching on instruments, doors and seating.

You also get rear privacy glass, wheel arch extensions, front and rear silver skid pads, silver roof rails, chrome front grille and side trim and sporty aluminium pedals.

Also fitted are childproof rear door locks, a tyre pressure monitor, radar brake support, emergency stop signalling and a flat tyre pair kit, which means no spare.

There's a rear parking camera, front and rear parking sensors, adjustable steering and driver's seat, an easy-to-use information system, keyless entry, DAB radio, SatNav, Bluetooth connectivity and steering wheel audio controls

With 43per cent of those who visit a Suzuki showroom making a purchase and 69per cent of those who actually test drive a model doing likewise it's little wonder that the company is actively opening more dealerships across the country.

This new engine for the Vitara range will ensure sales targets continue to be broken during 2016 with orders now being taken for January.

At launch back in May I said the Vitara design looked to have been influenced by Range Rover Evoque, this latest arrival has even more quality, which is reflected in the price tag of just over £23,000.