Suzuki confirms Vitara release

Suzuki Australia has confirmed it will launch the all-new Vitara in September, reviving a nameplate not seen Down Under since 2000, when the short-wheelbase Grand Vitara three-door effectively replaced it two years after the five-door GV's launch in 1998.

No details have been announced, but motoring.com.au understands the new Vitara will be powered exclusively by the same 86kW/156Nm 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine from the S-Cross on which it's based.

Like the S-Cross, alongside which it will be produced in Hungary, the Vitara will be available with five-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions.

Expect pricing to be similar too, meaning a starting price of less than $23,000, making the born-again Vitara a direct rival for popular new small SUVs like the Mazda CX-3, Honda HR-V, Holden Trax, Mitsubishi ASX, Nissan JUKE and Ford EcoSport.

Similarly, the Vitara measures 4175mm long (325mm shorter than the Grand Vitara five-door), 1775mm wide and 1610mm high. It rides on a 2500mm wheelbase (100mm shorter than the S-Cross), has 185mm of ground clearance and weighs about 100kg more with an 1135kg base kerb weight.

Towing capacity is just 400kg, rising to 1200kg with a braked trailer, while cargo capacity is 375 litres and options are likely to include a two-piece sliding sunroof and 17-inch alloy wheels instead of 16-inch alloys as standard.

Like the S-Cross, which was to have become available with a 88kW/320Nm 1.6-litre diesel engine here this year, Suzuki's four-mode ALLGRIP all-wheel drive system will be available as option to the standard front-drive model.

As we've reported, the Vitara will also be among the first vehicles in Australia to offer Apple Car Play, while upstream versions will be fitted with navigation and advanced smartphone connectivity.

A range of safety features will be standard including seven airbags, stability control and anti-lock brakes. In Europe a range of advanced driver safety aids are also on offer, including Radar Brake Support automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring and a speed limiter.

Similarly, it's not yet known whether the two-tone paint schemes available in Europe -- where a total of 15 hues are available, including new Atlantis Turquoise Pearl, Horizon Orange and Savannah Ivory metallic colours -- will be offered here.

In Europe, the Vitara's grille, wheel-arch extensions, instrument panel, louvre rings and central clock are also available in a range of custom colours. European buyers also have the choice of two accessory packages: the 'urban' pack comprising chromed fog light bezels, body-side mouldings and a roof spoiler; and the 'rugged' pack including those features plus front and rear skidplates and rear loading edge protection.

The new Vitara's launch follows the release of upgraded Jimny and Grand Vitara models last October, and the new Celerio micro-car early this year.

Suzuki Australia has also puts its hand up for the iK2 hatchback and even smaller iM4 crossover, which it hopes will play key roles in its plan to boost sales to beyond 30,000 by 2017, by which time Suzuki says it will also have replaced the Jimny and Swift.