As you will be aware, should you reflect on my earlier story about both 1.0 and 1.4-litre versions of the Suzuki Vitara, it is a car that I hold in high esteem, for very good reasons. Firstly, it is an affordable SUV, price-tagged from £16,999 (SZ4 1.0-litre trim), before any discounting takes place. Secondly, it is an immensely on-road-capable motorcar, possessing a ride/handling compromise that is no less than exemplary (that it is also off-road capable is much to its credit). Thirdly but not finally, the Vitara is built solidly and is impeccably well-trimmed and comfortable for up to five adults and their belongings.
While the 1.0-litre model makes do with a 5-speed manual gearbox, an equally-slick 6-speed manual is standard on the 1.4-litre versions. However, both gain from the well-engineered and efficient 6-speed automatic gearbox that costs an additional £1,350. While steering-wheel mounted paddles allow manual gearshifts to be made, once the ‘M’ setting has been selected via the gearstick, thus affording an extra level of controllability, there are additional running-cost benefits to be obtained.
A slight reduction in CO2 ratings (NEDC: 143g/km manual; 139g/km automatic), allied to greater overall fuel economy (44.8mpg man. vs. 46.3mpg auto. Official Combined figures) will obviate the extra cost of the transmission option over several years of operation, aided by a higher residual value at trade-in time. Interestingly, neither top speed, nor 0-60mph acceleration benchmarks, are dented at all (0-60mph in 9.9s; 124mph top speed), which further underscores the efficacy of the auto-box.
The shift quality of the transmission is silken, even ‘kickdown’ resulting in little more than a hardening of the engine note and a brisk response but virtually no jolt, or discernible thump from the fast-reacting gearbox. Gearbox ‘creep’, which was practical during the queuing sessions at both Dover and Calais ports undertaken during the test period, is both well-controlled and smooth. There is a minor increase in the car’s kerbweight (of 25kgs) but it is still a modest 1,265kgs overall.
Apart from the ease of driving imparted by the use of an automatic gearbox, the SZ5 specification, which includes reactive 4WD, Vitara’s stability at all speeds is excellent. Its in-gear acceleration feels significantly swifter and more eager than its 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine might suggest is feasible. However, another surprise arrived in the form of a 49.3mpg fuel return achieved during a most pleasant but unrushed trip in the UK, although the speedy trip to the continent, where fuel economy was not the precursor, was a still satisfying 37.5mpg, despite sustained high-speed and delving into the car’s first-class handling potential.
Making no bones about it, I feel immensely confident in recommending the Suzuki Vitara 1.4 Automatic to anybody seeking a frugal, user-friendly and cost-effective family car that possesses a go-anywhere capability.
