Suzuki has begun manufacturing the all-new Vitara SUV at its plant in Esztergom, Hungary. The first production model was driven off the line by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who did the same thing in 2000 with the Wagon R+, in 2010 with the third-generation Swift and in 2013 with the SX-4 S-Cross.

The ceremony was also attended by Suzuki Motor Corporation Chairman and CEO Osamu Suzuki. Magyar Suzuki plans to produce 70,000 new Vitara SUVs in its first year of manufacturing, and it relies on 74 Hungarian suppliers to accomplish that. The Hungarian plant’s total production is expected to reach 165,000 units this year.

The new Vitara will be exported not only to European countries but also to global markets, more than 70 in total. Magyar Suzuki plans to increase the number of its export target countries to 100 in 3 years.

The new Suzuki Vitara is already on sale in dealerships in Hungary and other European countries. Based on a brand new platform and equipped with new features, the new Vitara is an important model for the brand in Europe.

The model is offered with two engines: a 1.6-liter petrol and a 1.6-liter diesel, each producing 120PS (118hp). The 1.6-liter petrol engine is mated to a standard five-speed manual transmission, but a new six-speed automatic will be available from summer 2015. The 1.6-liter diesel is exclusively available with a six-speed manual transmission. Suzuki’s Allgrip four-wheel-drive system is also offered as an option.

PHOTO GALLERY