Vitara 1.0-litre works its magic and is class of the field
Never an SUV fan, Iain Robertson justifies his decision to contract hire a front-wheel drive Vitara in ‘business-spec’, 1.0SZ-T form but not from an economic standpoint, despite a good deal, instead underscoring how it meets his needs.
On every occasion that I sampled/tested a Suzuki Vitara of the current crop, my thoughts about its viability for my personal use were reinforced. I went through several stages of tripping to France and Belgium, carrying out an amazing drive to and from Ireland and testing different models on closed racing circuits and Welsh forestry rally stages. The appreciation was turning into fascination. I adored it.
My former Suzuki Baleno was a stalwart example of interminable reliability, unequalled comfort, finely balanced dynamics and phenomenal frugality. I had been spoiled royally by it. Yet, it was a car that seemed to surprise other people even more than it did me. Suzuki’s decision, which was made earlier this year, to delist both Baleno and the smaller city car Celerio (due to posted CO2 levels, apparently), is what hurried on my decision to swap from Baleno into Vitara. Ironically, Suzuki is also dropping the 1.0-litre version of the Vitara at the end of this year.
However, thanks to a lease deal I had struck, when I acquired it, Baleno suffered a shocking reduction in trade-in values, even as I awaited the arrival of Vitara, from which I was ‘protected’, but I felt bad for the brand. Caught in a cleft stick, between providing an honest appraisal of the company’s future and keeping its customers happy, despite being inured from the corporate issues, it was not an enjoyable episode. While sad to bid farewell to Baleno, I was truly excited about Vitara and that excitement has not yet worn off.
Now three months old, despite its glaringly white paint finish, I have managed to resist applying black gaffer tape in a ‘UN’ layout, mostly because it is not an SUV, is a crossover and I am not on an international humanitarian mission. The simple truth is that I placed my money where my mouth is. I have such a fondness for the current Vitara model and it never ceases to satisfy my demands of it.
It is a workhorse and the flexibility of its flop forwards rear seats has already been appreciated on several occasions. A sensibly wide hatchback aperture and a boot floor that is almost level with the rear bumper ensures that loading it is never a chore. Yet, in its other role as a people-mover, as with other Suzuki models, there is cabin space in abundance both fore and aft, notably for the taller driver. A good range of both driver’s seat and steering column adjustability ensures such a supportive driving position that, even on a non-stop trip back from South Wales to my home in Lincolnshire, I emerged relaxed and capable of driving another 240-miles. I did not…but I could have done so.
Its built-in sat-nav system has proved to be a genuine boon, because apart from its easy Post Code destination entry facility, I have taken to trusting its traffic snarl-up avoidance service. While barrelling along the M42, just south of Birmingham, the voice instruction suggested taking the next slip-road. Unusually for me, I followed its advice and, despite adding a negligible 4.4-miles to my route, it ensured that I avoided a nasty crash at the M42’s link with the M40. Apparently, the delay was around two hours.
All of the latest Suzuki Vitaras feature a ‘soft-touch’ moulded dashboard, which goes a long way towards refining the cabin. The teensy, 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine is identical to the unit fitted to my previous Suzuki Baleno. It makes highly efficient use of its 109bhp and simply cannot be heard, even when pushing it to the limit in the gears. I have clocked it at a respectable 9.9s for the 0-60mph dash, although I have not yet discovered its 124mph top speed (!). Perhaps more important is the average fuel return since collecting the car from the dealership, which is sitting currently at 48.9mpg, a figure that I believe is exceptionally good.
Having made a personal, determined switch away from mobile phones, I can tell you that some of my passengers have appreciated the easy/immediate touchscreen linkups for their phones of either Apple, or Android, formats. I have read a number of criticisms of the Suzuki in-car entertainment package, none of which I can agree with. Although the speaker quality is perhaps not quite as reproductively capable as it could be.
One of the USB ports provides a permanent link to my iPod music collection and offers the full range of connectivity that can be altered by either voice control, or by clicking the appropriate button on the steering wheel. Fortunately, I had purchased a very useful oddments box for Baleno that fitted perfectly into the tray ahead of its gearlever. Its small, Velcro’d dividers now fit perfectly into the hard plastic ‘shelves’ in Vitara’s centre console, which means that I can place items there, without incurring annoying rattles (always a bugbear). The car has had its first minor service and will not see the dealership for another nine months for its first proper service. Low-cost fully-comp insurance cover (£200 through LV=) is another bonus. Incidentally, its contract hire rate is £180/month, which includes all servicing, road tax and tyres. Vitara is a good-looking hatchback by any definition, while lacking a 6th gear in the transmission is not a major issue (it still covers ground at a relaxed rate: 70mph = 2,400rpm), it handles impeccably and is a practical and liveable option.
