Suzuki to challenge CX-3 with new Vitara S-Turbo

Suzuki has introduced a turbo-petrol engine to its Vitara SUV for the first time, and says it will stop at nothing to sway buyers away from the Mazda CX-3 and Honda HR-V.

Priced from $29,990 drive-away* the new direct-injected 1.4-litre ‘Boosterjet’ mill provides the Vitara with 103kW/220Nm, a 17kW/64Nm increase over the naturally-aspirated 1.6-litre model.

Suzuki says the front-wheel drive Vitara S-Turbo is capable of achieving 5.9L/100km on the ADR Combined cycle when fitted with a six-speed automatic and running 95 RON PULP. The model is also offered optionally with Suzuki's ALLGRIP all-wheel drive technology, again in combination with a six-speed auto.

The Vitara S-Turbo is differentiated from its derivative (the Vitara RT-S) by a chrome-finished grille and black 17-inch alloy wheels (with a space-saver spare). The model is also equipped with LED headlights and red-accented leather and suede-finished upholstery. Apple CarPlay is also included as standard, as are front foglights, seven airbags, sat-nav and rear privacy glass.

The S-Turbo also introduces a new black and red two-tone paint scheme to the range for the first time.

"With many customers in small hatches considering compact SUV's, we offer what our competitors can't – better performance and value combined with light-car fuel economy," said Suzuki Australia's general manager of automobiles, Andrew Moore.

"Unlike other compact SUVs, which have limited cargo space and ground clearance, such as the Mazda CX-3, the Suzuki Vitara has all the space, power and fuel economy needed to meet the lifestyle needs of our customers, plus true four-wheel drive ability."

Suzuki says it has focussed heavily on the driveability of its new turbocharged engine, working hard to minimise turbo-lag. To achieve this, the turbocharger is attached directly to the cylinder head, and incorporates the exhaust manifold within the same casting. It's said the design ensures the optimum flow of exhaust gases, while also reducing heat losses through the turbocharger itself.

"The challenge now for Suzuki is to build awareness of Vitara, to ensure that we're on the shopping list for those considering a compact SUV," Moore continued.

"I strongly believe that if more Mazda CX-3 or Honda HR-V customers had experienced the Vitara, there would have been many different purchase outcomes."

Owing to what it says are stock limitations, Suzuki has sold just 1079 examples of the Vitara so far this year. For the same time period, Mazda sold 4527 CX-3 variants and Honda 3027 examples of its HR-V. Other strong sellers in the small SUV segment include the Mitsubishi ASX (4429), Nissan QASHQAI (3238) and Subaru XV (2070).

motoring.com.au is currently road testing the Vitara S-Turbo 2WD and will publish the results of its evaluation shortly. Watch this space...

2016 Suzuki Vitara pricing:
Vitara RT-S 2WD – $21,990 (man) / $23,990 (auto)
Vitara S-Turbo 2WD – $28,990 (auto)
Vitara S-Turbo 4WD – $32,990 (auto)
*Drive-away pricing valid until June 2016