It's been 30 years since the Suzuki Vitara was first launched, and now Suzuki has unveiled a facelifted version of their hugely popular Vitara SUV for the 2019 MY.
For the exterior, new design alloy wheels are available, a redesigned front grille and lower bumper is utilised and the rear of the car features new design and distinctive LED combination lamps. For the interior, the upper instrument panel now incorporates a soft touch material for added quality and the instrument cluster has a new design with colour central information display.
Standard equipment is said to include Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Traffic Sign Recognition, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear cross traffic alert and Dual Sensor Brake Support - making this the most technologically advanced Suzuki to date.
Suzuki's existing naturally aspirated 1.6-litre that is currently used in the Vitara, will be retained while two new powerplants will be added to the range - an 81kw 1.0T and a 103kw 1.4T. As before ALLGRIP four wheel drive is available optionally.
Suzuki SA has said that the facelifted Vitara will arrive in South Africa early next year.
Also worth a look: the Suzuki Swift and the Suzuki Starts 2025 with Record-Breaking Sales in South Afric.
FAQ
Q: What does the Suzuki Vitara cost in South Africa?
The facelifted Suzuki Vitara starts from around R389,900 for the base 1.6 GL manual, while the top-spec 1.4T GLX ALLGRIP sits at approximately R479,900, making it a solid mid-range SUV option that won't completely drain your wallet.
Q: Is the Suzuki Vitara worth buying?
The Vitara is definitely worth considering if you want a compact SUV with decent tech, optional 4WD, and Suzuki's reputation for reliability, though it's not the most exciting drive and interior space is a bit tight for families.
Q: What engine options are available in the Suzuki Vitara?
You get three engine choices: the tried-and-tested 1.6-litre naturally aspirated unit, plus two new turbocharged options producing 81kW (1.0T) and 103kW (1.4T), with the latter being the pick of the bunch for performance.
Q: Does the Suzuki Vitara have all-wheel drive?
Yes, Suzuki's ALLGRIP all-wheel drive system is available as an option across the range, giving you proper 4WD capability when you need to venture off the beaten track or tackle slippery conditions.
Q: What safety features does the Suzuki Vitara include?
The facelifted Vitara comes loaded with safety tech including Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Dual Sensor Brake Support as standard equipment.
Should You Buy It?
The best compact SUV under R400,000 in South Africa is the Suzuki Vitara 1.6 GL at R389,900, offering excellent build quality, decent fuel economy, and surprisingly good off-road capability with the optional ALLGRIP system. If you can stretch to R439,900, the 1.4T GLX gives you proper punch with 103kW and feels much more modern than the naturally aspirated base model. The Vitara won't win any beauty contests or driving excitement awards, but it's a sensible choice that'll serve you well for years without major dramas. Skip it if you need serious interior space or want something that'll get your heart racing, but buy it if you want a reliable, well-equipped SUV that can handle both suburban school runs and weekend adventures without breaking the bank.
