Suzuki Vitara goes gunning for HR-V, CX-3

Suzuki's new Vitara has been officially launched in Australia, priced from a competitive $21,990 for the entry-level Vitara RT-S model with manual transmission.

And the importer is offering the RT-S level of trim with equally competitive drive-away pricing for an indefinite period.

This pricing and a combination of packaging and equipment places the new Suzuki in an enviable position against its obvious rivals in the marketplace, the Mazda CX-3 and Honda HR-V.

Suzuki Australia General Manager Andrew Moore told motoring journalists present for the local launch of the new SUV yesterday that "when you stack this up against leading small SUVs, it's a compelling value proposition that I know will excite compact car customers.

"Neither Mazda CX-3, nor Honda HR-V can come close to the value the Vitara offers."

The Vitara's name and some styling cues recall the first Vitara, introduced here in 1988, before the term SUV had even been coined. Nevertheless, the new Vitara owes nothing mechanically to its namesake from the past.

The Vitara shares its platform with the brand's similar-but-different S-Cross and is suspended by MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam rear end. Strength and weight reduction were key targets for the development of the new car.

The Vitara is marketed in Australia in two levels of trim, front-wheel drive RT-S (with the option of five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission), and all-wheel drive RT-X. Under the bonnet of both grades is a 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine rated at 86kW and 156Nm.

According to Suzuki, the Vitara is shorter and as much as 100kg lighter than its rival from Mazda, the CX-3. Yet the luggage capacity at 375 litres is substantially better than the Mazda's.

Safety features for the Vitara include front/side-impact/side curtain/driver's knee airbags, Brake Assist, daytime running lights, parking sensors and a reversing camera.

Comfort and convenience features across the range comprise: 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, electric mirrors/windows, electrochromatic rear view mirror, tilt/reach steering column adjustment, leather-bound multi-function steering wheel, shift paddles (auto only), trip computer, remote central locking, air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth-compatible four-speaker audio system and satellite navigation.

In addition, the Vitara RT-X adds panoramic sunroof, skid plate, auto-on/off headlights, rain-sensing wipers, fold-in mirrors with integrated turn signals, keyless start, leather/suede upholstery and front/rear parking sensors.

Suzuki, which will be limited by initial supply to 300 units a month in Australia, hopes to sell as many as 500 a month once global demand settles down.