2019 Suzuki Vitara SUV: specs, prices and on-sale date

The Suzuki Vitara SUV has undergone a significant update, with improved engines, specification changes and new styling touches. Order books are now open, with prices starting at £16,999 for the entry-level Suzuki Vitara SZ4 1.0-litre Boosterjet.

The updated Suzuki Vitara will be offered with a choice of 1.0 and 1.4-litre petrol engines, both of which were introduced on the Suzuki S-Cross late in 2017; these replace the Vitara’s previous 1.6-litre petrol engine. Economy and emissions figures have yet to be released, but Suzuki claims improvements in both areas.

The best small SUVs to buy in 2018

The Vitara will now be available in three trim levels: SZ4, SZ-T and SZ5. The SZ4 and SZ-T models are powered by the 109bhp 1.0-litre petrol engine and can be specified with a manual or automatic gearbox – although four-wheel drive is only available as an option in conjunction with the former. To step up to the 1.4-litre petrol with an output of 138bhp, you'll need to choose the SZ-T or SZ5 trim level.

7

On the styling front, the refreshed Suzuki Vitara gets new alloy wheels, a new front grille and bumper design, plus new LED rear lights. The interior gets soft-touch materials on the upper instrument panel, along with a redesigned instrument cluster featuring a central colour information display.

Suzuki claims the new Vitara SUV "will be the most technically advanced Suzuki to date" thanks to a range of new safety technologies available as standard on the top-spec SZ5: dual-sensor brake support, lane-departure warning and prevention, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert all feature.

7

2019 Suzuki Vitara standard equipment

Suzuki has upgraded Vitara equipment levels to be more comprehensive than before. Alloy wheels, USB and Bluetooth connectivity are standard across the range, as are climate control and cruise control with a speed limiter function.

Upgrading to the SZ-T trim level brings rear privacy glass, white-stitched upholstery and an infotainment system with navigation and smartphone link, as well as 17-inch alloy wheels. The range-topping SZ5, meanwhile, adds suede upholstery, a panoramic sunroof and LED headlights, as well as traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control and a blind spot monitor.

Two new 'dual-tone' colours – Solar Yellow Pearl and Ice Greyish Blue – have been introduced to make 11 choices in total.

What does the new Suzuki Vitara SUV mean for car buyers?

The Suzuki Vitara is a compact SUV that goes up against the Peugeot 2008, Nissan Juke and Mazda CX-3. There’s no diesel option, but with 4GRIP four-wheel drive it's one of the more capable cars in the class in adverse weather or off-road. Attractive finance deals are common on this model; if you need a reliable, solidly built small SUV with good off-road ability, the Vitara is worth a look.

7

An 11th-place finish (out of 26 manufacturers) in our Driver Power 2018 survey also bodes well for prospective owners; a second-place finish for running costs and ninth-place result for ride and handling aren’t to be sniffed at. The five-star Euro NCAP safety rating for the outgoing model is likely to translate to a similar score for the new car, too.

2019 Suzuki Vitara pricing and on-sale date

The Vitara range starts at £16,999 for the entry-level SZ4, with a 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine and five-speed manual gearbox. The more luxurious SZ-T costs £18,999 or £20,349 with a six-speed automatic gearbox. You can also choose the SZ-T with ALLGRIP four-wheel drive and a manual gearbox, for £20,799.

The more powerful 1.4-litre Boosterjet engine is offered on the SZ-T with a six-speed manual gearbox for £19,999, or £22,499 in range-topping SZ5 trim. Adding a six-speed automatic gearbox takes the price to £23,849.

Unlike with the 1.0-litre, the 1.4-litre Boosterjet is offered with ALLGRIP four-wheel drive and a choice of manual or automatic gearbox – the former costs £24,299 and the latter £25,649. Suzuki dealers are taking orders now.