Kim Henson briefly samples the recently upgraded Vitara.
(All words and photographs © Kim Henson and Wheels-Alive).
For many years Suzuki’s Vitara SUV has been an important mainstay within the company’s range, the model earning a justifiable reputation for reliability, practicality and cost-effective motoring. Our own Wheels-Alive road tests have confirmed that the model is a good bet in all these respects.
Recent changes to the Vitara hybrid for 2025 have included styling revisions, with a new front bumper and grille, a rear upper spoiler incorporating spoilers for the rearmost side windows, freshly-designed 17-inch aluminium alloy road wheels, and the availability of two new paint colours (Sphere Blue Pearl Metallic/Cosmic Black dual-tone and Titan Dark Grey Metallic single tone finishes, both available optionally).
The 2025 Vitara continues incorporate hybrid technology as standard. Manual transmission models feature Suzuki’s 1.4-litre Boosterjet turbocharged petrol engine with 48V mild hybrid assistance, while for customers wanting the convenience of automatic transmission, a full hybrid option with AGS (‘Automated Gear Shift’) transmission is available. Unique in the small SUV sector, both manual and AGS drivetrains are available with the option of 4WD.
Notably, tweaks within the powertrain set-up have improved WLTP combined fuel consumption for the latest Vitara, with 2WD mild hybrid manual transmission models offering up to 9% improvement at 53.2mpg. Full hybrid 2WD models with AGS transmission offer up to 6% improvement at 56.4 mpg.
CO2 emissions are lower too at just 113 g/km for the 1.5-litre full hybrid Motion model (previously 119 g/km).
The Vitara is offered in two specification levels; ‘Motion’ and even better equipped ‘Ultra’ (these names also being used for the S-Cross, Swace and Swift models).
Up to the minute safety technology that comes as standard on both versions now includes Lane Keep Assist, Intelligent Speed Control, Driver Monitoring System and eCall.
The upgraded Dual Sensor Brake Support system employs a millimetre-wave radar set-up (previously lidar was used), combined with a monocular camera. This revised system benefits from enhanced collision mitigation with improved night time and intersection visibility and can detect pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and other vehicles ahead.
Equipment levels have been lifted, with both versions featuring a 9-inch media display, wireless smartphone link with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Keyless entry and start, High Beam Assist, Auto-dim rear-view mirror, and rear parking sensors, also Suzuki Connect connected services that includes three years free subscription.
The Ultra grade additionally features new design 17-inch polished alloy wheels, a Panoramic sliding Sunroof, suede/leather seat fabric, front and rear parking sensors, electric folding door mirrors with built-in indicators and an overhead storage console.
Pricing
List prices at the time of writing (late April 2025) start at £27,299 for the Motion Mild Hybrid variant, from £29,049 for the Motion Full Hybrid, and from £28,999 for the Ultra Mild Hybrid.
Wiltshire test drive
I recently had the opportunity to briefly sample the latest Vitara, in 1.4 litre Boosterjet ‘Ultra’ form with manual transmission, on a variety of roads in north Wiltshire.
I found that the Suzuki was lively in terms of acceleration, both from rest and on the move, and a hushed cruiser on open road sections. The car provided a composed ride quality over indifferent surfaces, and felt sure-footed on twisting country lanes.
The latest interior treatment works well in my view; I liked the new upholstery, the large media display screen and, on the Ultra test car, the large panoramic sun roof.
As with previous versions, passenger accommodation is generous in terms of head and leg room (although knee room is a little restricted for the central occupant of the rear seat), and the luggage compartment is easily accessed from bumper height, is sensibly shaped and spacious for everyday carrying tasks.
VERDICT
Excellent. The latest Vitara continues the positive story defined by earlier models bearing the name. It is smart (I particularly like the new wheel design), feels well-engineered and well-built, it’s enjoyable to drive and, with the prospect of better than 50 mpg in real life everyday use, it’s more economical too than previous versions.
