Spending time with a Suzuki dealer must be confusing, as the manufacturer can now offer five different hybrid systems for its cars, including a new ‘full’ hybrid version of the Vitara SUV.
It’s done a deal with Toyota, so it sells rebranded versions of the firm’s cars which come with a full hybrid system. Then there’s a 48-volt mild-hybrid system on some Suzuki models or a 12-volt mild hybrid system in others. The S-Cross gets a plug-in hybrid system unlike any other model, and now the Vitara gets a full hybrid system that’s a different full hybrid system than you find in the Swace or Across.
The harsh reality is that none of that matters. For all but a few people, what’s happening under the bonnet isn’t particularly important, as long as it costs less to run than the old model. With petrol prices rising relentlessly, any improvement is a good thing.
What’s new?
Not a lot, but that’s no bad thing. The Vitara has been tweaked and improved frequently since its introduction in 2015, with some significant engineering updates in 2020 following a cosmetic tweak or two in 2019. That means it’s still looking fresh, with the compact and boxy SUV appearing distinctive and solid.
All the changes are hidden under the skin, where there’s a new 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor. Combined, they produce 115hp, which isn’t a huge amount, but then the Vitara is pleasingly lightweight – this all-wheel-drive model tips the scales at just 1,315kg.
So it’s efficient?
More or less. The official economy figure of 53mpg is good, if not quite enough to get excited about. During our time with the car, taking a fairly gentle drive across some lovely, but very wet, Welsh roads, the car’s trip computer suggested we’d returned 44.4mpg. In real-world terms, that’s actually quite good, and better than the old model would manage.
The difference between old and new is, according to Suzuki, around 6.5%. At the current £1.60 a litre, that works out at around a £10 a month saving for the average motorist. Not exactly enough to swing the dial on a purchase decision perhaps, but the difference is only going to grow.
It also translates to lower CO2 emissions, which is only going to get more important as cities introduce clean air zones.
What’s it like inside?
It would be unfair to call the Vitara hybrid a budget option, but it’s not as plush as its more luxurious rivals. Even the likes of the Peugeot 2008 feel decidedly more special than the Suzuki, but the Japanese model has a distinct advantage; it’s built so well, it feels like it’ll survive anything.
The cabin is simple but stylish enough. The metallic panel that runs the width of the car creates mixed opinions, but we like it. It’s a shame the infotainment screen hasn’t been updated, as it’s both a little small at 7.0-inches and the user interface is quite dated, but there’s Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in place so you can use something more up to date.
Elsewhere, it’s well equipped, with climate control, navigation, a reversing camera, and lots of safety technology. The SZ5 trim level we’re driving also includes an impressive panoramic sunroof, some stylish suede leather seats and an upgraded sound system, amongst other items.
And you’ll be able to get four people comfortable in it, thanks to the upright body. Even those in the rear will be happy with their lot, although the chances of squeezing a fifth passenger in depends on how friendly you all are. The boot, while a little small, is a handy shape so makes collecting your shopping a cinch.
How does it drive?
Thanks to the electrical assistance from the hybrid system, the new 1.5-litre petrol engine is surprisingly keen to switch itself off. It’s only got a small battery, so won’t go far in electric power alone, but there’s enough to get through a sleepy village. Then, once you put your foot down again, all 115hp is unleashed.
That’s not actually very much, so progress isn’t that quick according to the stopwatch. However, the lightweight nature of the car and the extra torque provided by the electric motor means it feels rather more rapid than the numbers suggest.
Our Vitara is fitted with the AllGrip four-wheel-drive system, adding a little bit of extra security. A sports mode shifts a little power to the rear of the car, adding a soupcon of sporting prowess, too. Even without that, it’s agile enough on the road, with light but direct steering. It’ll cope with some mild off-roading too, although deep mud plugging is beyond it due to the low car-like ride height.
It’s all let down by the gearbox, though. It’s an automated manual – a manual gearbox with computers and hydraulics controlling the clutch and gear shift – which should offer the best of both worlds; automatic shifting for ease of driving, with the responsiveness of a manual. However, the lurch between gears as the computers discuss amongst themselves what the correct course of action is leads to a disjointed, frustrating experience. A manual gearbox or a proper automatic gearbox would be a better choice, with this bringing out the worst of each.
Should I buy one?
There are some strong reasons to consider the Vitara. It’s rock-solid, economical, spacious, well equipped and quite good fun to drive. It’s also great value, with the Vitara starting from just £23,749. If you want the efficiency benefits of the full hybrid power plant, then you’ll need to spend £25,499, while our top-of-the-range 4×4 model hits the heady heights of £29,299. With some cracking finance deals, that less than £300 a month
So yes, take a look at the Vitara. It’s a solid, reliable and honest SUV that’ll last forever. And, if you opt for the full hybrid Vitara model we’ve tested here, you’ll save yourself an extra £10 a month on fuel.
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