Suzuki chose the Vitara crossover to be their first model to wear the new Boosterjet petrol engine.
The Vitara S uses a turbocharged 138hp (140PS) 1.4-litre petrol engine with direct injection and 162lb ft (220Nm) of torque available from 1500 to 4000rpm. This is the first application of the maker’s new Boosterjet family of efficient engines.
The new unit features a wastegate valve that closes during heavy throttle loads to increase boost pressure and remains open under normal driving, reducing pumping losses and, thus, offering both high levels of power and lower fuel consumption.
A specially developed turbocharger with a 1.1 bar boost pressure is attached directly to the cylinder head, and also incorporates the exhaust manifold in the cylinder head casting. Suzuki went for this design in order to minimize turbo lag.
The new Vitara S is capable of accelerating to 62mph from a standstill in 10.2 seconds and onto to a top speed of 124mph (200 km/h). The company claims the same performance figures for both the six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions.
Power is distributed to all four wheels through Suzuki’s ALLGRIP AWD system, which offers four different driving modes: Auto, Sport, Snow and Lock. Despite the fact that the Suzuki Vitara S is a permanently AWD crossover, CO2 emissions are rated at 127g/km and combined consumption at 52.3mpg UK (5.4 lt/100 km) for the manual gearbox equipped version, a very competitive figure for the segment.
The new SUV also offers a unique spec that makes it stand out from the rest of the range. It includes 17-inch gloss black alloy wheels, satin silver door mirrors, LED headlamps with red projector covers, a rear spoiler, black side body moldings, a unique front grille design and red stitching in the cabin.
The turbocharged Suzuki Vitara S will go on sale in the UK market from January 2016, with prices starting at £20,899 for the manual and £22,249 for the automatic model.
PHOTO GALLERY
