Suzuki Vitara S Turbo 2016 - Review

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Suzuki Vitara S Turbo 2016 - Review

Review - The mid-range Vitara S Turbo looks a fair bit sportier than the base model, with a different grille, blacked out headlights and a more sculpted bumper. It also has silver mirror caps with indicators, and it gets black wheels. The car we have here looks the part with its two-tone paint, too.

The engine may be a little bit smaller in terms of capacity – a 1.4-litre compared to the 1.6 in the base version – but the turbocharger adds plenty: there is 103kW of power and 220Nm of torque, and it still only weighs 1160kg. That’s almost a hot-hatch-like power to weight ratio!

And as with plenty of hot hatches these days, the S Turbo models are solely available with six-speed automatic transmissions. But as you can tell by its pricing, the S Turbo versions can be had with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the latter at a $4000 premium.

We had the front-drive version, with its sub-$30K pricing putting it almost on par with the likes of the Honda HR-V VTi-S ($27,990), Mazda CX-3 Touring ($28,990), and Nissan Qashqai ST ($28,490).

It’s fair to say that among those competitors, the Suzuki’s little turbo engine is a standout: in fact, there probably isn’t a better drivetrain in the small SUV class, partly because of the level of effortlessness and refinement on offer.

There’s plenty of torque, and while this version is front-wheel drive, the all-wheel drive model would surely pull pretty hard out of corners. You’d have to want it pretty bad to be able to justify the $4000 expense, because the front-drive model is definitely decent enough in terms of handling and performance. There is a little bit of torque steer under hard acceleration, but as is the case in the entry-level model, the steering is relatively accurate, and the suspension does a good job.

It’s quick, too – put your foot down and there’s considerably more urge in the turbo model than in the base version.

And there’s barely anything in it in terms of fuel use between this one and the non-turbo version: we saw 6.4 litres per 100km in the turbo model and 7.0L/100km in the non-turbo.

The six-speed automatic gearbox offers decisive shifts, and like the base model there are paddleshifters, too – if you think you should pretend you’re driving a hot hatch.

That impressive drivetrain tech comes at a cost, though – five grand is plenty in this part of the market. But you do get a few other extras like auto lights and wipers, LED headlights, leather trim with suede inserts and keyless entry with push-button start.

All of those bits definitely add to the appeal, and this one makes a strong case. Source by caradvice.com.au

Tag : Car, Review, SUV