Suzuki adds Turbo model
The new Suzuki Vitara Turbo is just about to be launched onto the New Zealand market. The latest Suzuki model builds on the early success of the normally aspirated Vitara five-door SUV introduced in the final quarter of 2015. “Year to date the Vitara is the bestselling sub-$40,000 small SUV,” says Gary Collins, general manager of automobile marketing for Suzuki New Zealand. “The growth in demand for SUVs was a key driver for the increase in new motor vehicle sales in New Zealand last year. “The small SUV segment showed a 28 per cent growth in 2015 and shows no signs of letting up,” he said. “This sets the perfect stage for the arrival of an additional Vitara model with more power and an exciting level of specification as standard.” Two versions of the Vitara Turbo, both with a six speed automatic transmission, go on sale locally from July 1, with prices starting from $33,990 plus on road costs. There is the choice of two-wheel-drive or AWD with Suzuki’s four-mode four-wheel-drive system. This has Auto, Sport, Snow and Lock modes taking information from accelerator and steering angle sensors to adjust for different terrain. The Vitara Turbo has a top speed of 200 km/h. This is thanks to a newly designed 1.4 litre direct injection turbocharged four-cylinder, double overhead camshaft engine. The forced-induction power plant has minimal turbo lag because of the use of a compact turbocharger attached directly to the cylinder head. Engine output increases by 20 per cent to 103 kW, while torque is up by 41 per cent to 220 Nm compared to the normally aspirated 1.6 litre engined Vitaras that continue in the local model line-up. In the official combined fuel cycle test the Vitara Turbo returns 5.9 litres/100 km The new Vitara Turbo is characterised by a unique grille, 17-inch gloss black alloy wheels, satin-finished door mirrors, red headlamp surrounds and red detailing to the interior trim. A standard specification list includes satellite navigation-equipped infotainment system with Apply CarPlay, leather seats with suede inserts and red stitching, cruise control with speed limiter, keyless entry and ignition, climate control air conditioning, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, steering wheel sound system controls, LED daytime running lights, automatic wipers and power windows and mirrors. Parking sensors front and rear, reversing camera, auto-levelling and dusk-sensing LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, seven airbags, stability control and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution and emergency brake assist.
