Turbo Vitara coming in 2016

Following the launch of the turbocharged Vitara S flagship at the 2015 Frankfurt motor show, Suzuki Australia has just given local prospects a heads-up with the announcement it will be offering a local equivalent, dubbed Vitara Turbo, from the first quarter of 2016.

Like its offshore equivalent (UK version pictured here), the Turbo will be top gun in the local Vitara range and will replace the similarly-specified $31,990 (before ORCs) RT-X model.

The turbo-petrol engine is all-new, displacing 1.4 litres and dubbed Boosterjet by the company. Power outputs are quoted at 103kW/220Nm – or 17kW and 64Nm better than the current 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine.

For the six-speed automatic version, Suzuki claims zero to 100km/h acceleration of 10.2 seconds, a combined EU fuel consumption figure of 5.4L/100km and a CO2 reading of 127g/km..

The Vitara’s direct-injected four-cylinder powerplant is the first of Suzuki’s new range of Boosterjet engines to be put into service and uses elements such as an integrated cylinder head/turbo/exhaust manifold system to help minimise turbo lag. A specific wastegate regime, which leaves the valve open during normal driving, is said to help lower fuel consumption.

Although Vitara S buyers are limited to Suzuki’s ALLGRIP 4WD driveline, the Australian equivalent will be offered the choice of 2WD or 4WD. The ALLGRIP full- 4WD system offers four driving modes – Auto, Sport, Snow and Lock.

Suzuki Australia is not saying a lot about the upcoming turbo variant other than its sharing of much standard equipment with the shortly to be superseded RT-X.

It could be expected the new turbo variant will come with autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, sat-nav, LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, part-leather seats, climate-control and the Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that will be standard across the Vitara range from January 2016.

Similarly to the current RT-X, the Vitara Turbo is expected to be equipped with seven airbags (including a driver’s knee bag), a rear-view camera and hill descent control.

Suzuki Australia says it will be announcing pricing and equipment details of the Vitara Turbo closer to launch.