How much has already been written about the Suzuki Vitara crossover – but once again there was a topic for conversation. This time the reason is a small prefix to the name Hybrid. The addition is small, but important – how will the addition of hybrid technology affect the character and technical performance of the Suzuki Vitara? Now I will tell you – in the format of “TOP-5 questions and answers”.
Is the hybrid version of the Suzuki Vitara different from the regular version?
Except for a couple of details. Actually a couple. Of course, this is the Hybrid inscription on the trunk lid: logical and expected. But there is another difference – these are LED headlights with a different internal filling. If the regular versions of the Suzuki Vitara get headlights with rounded lenses and decorative rings, the hybrid version of the crossover has headlights with a blue horizontal dividing line.
The difference seems to be insignificant. But when you know where to look, you instantly identify a hybrid. Well done designers: minimal changes made the Suzuki Vitara Hybrid car more noticeable and recognizable against the background of other versions of the model.
In general, the body is a crossover Suzuki Vitara has not changed for more than five years; but during the release it managed to undergo one large-scale update: the front bumper, the design of the lights, the interior changed. The hybrid version added its own headlight design and trunk lid logo. This is if we talk about external changes.
Course
BUILDING BUSINESS PROCESSES
Learn how to implement business processes in line with new company goals.
REGISTER!
Are there changes inside? The main changes in the interior took place during the planned update: they started to install a soft front panel, control buttons for new driving assistance systems were added to the steering wheel, and instruments with a color LCD display appeared.
So, the hybrid version of the Suzuki Vitara differs in that the same display now has a tab with the diagram of the hybrid system: distribution of energy flows, starting of the gasoline engine or electric motor, battery charging. Unfortunately, the Suzuki Vitara Hybrid crossover did not receive any switch to control the hybrid system. There is only a standard selector for choosing driving modes, which I will talk about below.
The interior is familiar, the trunk too. In all cases, the word “enough” is suitable: the interior is quite spacious for the driver and passengers, the trunk offers sufficient volume and transformation possibilities. It seems nothing special, but the constructors tried their best – competently managed the opportunities they had, taking into account the small size of the car. A planned update once gave a soft front panel and new instruments, and the hybrid version now brought an additional information screen.
With the appearance and interior – it is clear. And what kind of hybrid equipment is under the hood?
Previously I mentioned the Suzuki Vitara car in general, but now it’s time to mention the Suzuki Vitara S and Suzuki Ignis in particular. Because the Suzuki Vitara Hybrid crossover is a combination of a 1.4-liter turbo engine (known on the example of the Suzuki Vitara S) and the SHVS hybrid system (known on the example of the Suzuki Ignis).
So, the basis is the K14D BoosterJet gasoline engine: turbine, direct fuel injection, valve timing. And now the SHVS system was added to it – almost a “soft hybrid” (Mild Hybrid). An ISG (Integrated Starter Generator) starter generator is installed here, which can help accelerate the car or generate electricity during deceleration.
However, in the case of the Suzuki Vitara Hybrid, a more powerful SHVS system is used than in the Suzuki Ignis model: 48-volt operating voltage, 10 kW starter-generator, and a lithium-ion battery for energy storage.
We already have a well-known 1.4-liter turbo engine, a “mild hybrid” was added to it SHVS – What happened to the power? Ha, they didn’t guess: it has decreased! It was 140 hp. the usual “1.4 l turbo” – and it became 129 hp. in the hybrid version. However, the torque has increased: it was 220 Nm – and it became 235 Nm. But in addition to the numbers themselves, the manufacturer focuses on the nature of the power plant’s operation: increased torque in the low-rev zone, better activation speed of the hybrid system at the start of movement.
And how does all this affect the character? How does the Suzuki Vitara Hybrid crossover drive?
The motor is more calm and measured than before. When starting from a standstill, the Suzuki Vitara Hybrid crossover “takes” actively: no hiccups, pleasant acceleration, quick reactions. But it was the same for the regular 1.4-liter turbo versions of the Suzuki Vitara. It is not easy to feel the addition of the twisting moment from below.
At the same time, “acceleration with the pedal to the floor” is already somewhat limited in terms of revolutions: the tachometer needle reaches 5.7-5.8 thousand, but never exceeds six. But also the “automatic” switches quite early in the normal driving mode: just accelerated a little – and now the gear is higher, and the revolutions are lower (1.5-2 thousand).
Has it gotten worse? No, it just became different. I will repeat once again – the Suzuki Vitara Hybrid drove more calmly and calmly. But, as before, it provides good communication on the accelerator pedal: you press it – and you quickly get a response in the form of the necessary acceleration.
As before, it provides the level of the same acceleration completely within the class: the hybrid version accelerates to “hundreds” faster than the passport numbers. Plus, there was barely noticeable recuperation when the car starts to slow down.
All driving experiences are gathered around the “hero of the program” – a hybrid power unit based on a 1.4-liter engine K14D with a good name BoosterJet. Therefore, the acceleration “to a hundred” takes approximately 9.8 seconds. Fuel consumption in the city is stable at 8-8.5 liters per 100 km; taking into account traffic jams and/or dynamic driving style, it barely rises to 9.5 liters. In total: the 129-horsepower hybrid loses to the regular 140-horsepower version by about 10% in acceleration – and gains the same amount in city fuel consumption. On the highway at a speed of 90-110 km/h, fuel consumption is 5.8-6.3 liters per 100 km. Regime SPORTS gets rid of early “automatic” switching: the engine works more often in the range of 2.5-3-4 thousand and acceleration seems more active. Modes SNOW and LOCK flexibly manage all-wheel drive – they will help in winter and off-road.
And driving impressions are gathered around the hybrid, since the behavior of the chassis has not changed much. The Suzuki Vitara Hybrid crossover is distinguished by a successful suspension setting: unexpectedly energy-intensive (as for small “crosses”), while it does not shake on large pits – a good balance of comfort and elasticity. The steering wheel is light and with medium sharpness, the reactions of the car are fast, clear, unambiguous. Of the comments – only decent rolls in turns: after all, the tall, narrow body is noticeable.
What is the price of the Suzuki Vitara Hybrid? And how much does the car cost in general?
If we say “in general”, what crossover price tag Suzuki Vitara starts at UAH 664,000. (a little more than $16 thousand) – this is for a front-wheel drive car in the GL configuration with a 1.6-liter gasoline engine and a 5-speed “mechanics”.
A crossover with a similar 1.6-liter engine, but in the best configuration GL+ and with a 6-speed automatic transmission, front or all-wheel drive will cost 800-880 thousand UAH ($19.5-21.5 thousand) – which is also a great deal for its class. After all, few of the competitors offer all-wheel drive and a full-fledged “automatic” in this segment.
Now let’s move on to the versions based on the 1.4-liter turbo engine. Currently, the price list includes both regular 140-horsepower versions and 129-horsepower hybrids. Such cars are initially available only in GL+ or maximum GLX configurations, they always get a 6-speed “automatic”, you can choose front or all-wheel drive. In conclusion: price range for Suzuki Vitara 1.4 BoosterJet in the package GLX is from UAH 960,000. up to UAH 1.015 million. or about $23.5-24.7 thousand; price range for Suzuki Vitara Hybrid 1.4 BoosterJet SHVS in complete sets GL+ or GLX is from UAH 950,000. up to UAH 1.112 million. or $23-27 thousand
Above are standard car prices. I would also like to mention that there is currently a special price offer for stock Suzuki Vitara cars – they are available at a discount of UAH 55,000 depending on the specific engine/equipment/transmission.
Test car Suzuki Vitara Hybrid was presented in the maximum configuration GLX: four-wheel drive and automatic, panoramic sunroof, climate control and multimedia, LED headlights, 17-inch 2-color alloy wheels, many driver assistance systems. As a result, its price is UAH 1.112 million; for comparison – the standard price Suzuki Vitara GLX with a regular 1.4-liter engine (not a hybrid) and four-wheel drive is UAH 1.015 million. This is without taking into account the discount of UAH 55,000 in order not to get confused with the prices and to calculate the cost of hybrid equipment – it comes out to UAH 97,000.
As a result: why was the Suzuki Vitara Hybrid crossover created?
I would like to say “both for power/dynamics and for economy”. But, as we can see, the emphasis was placed on the second point. Although it may not be bad. After all, the Suzuki Vitara Hybrid crossover has practically not lost that “lively” character, which is so attractive to the Suzuki Vitara car in general, but it allows you to save fuel (and money) every day thanks to modern electrification technologies.
Specifications Suzuki Vitara 1.4 Hybrid 4WD 6AT
The body is a crossover, 5 seats
Dimensions – 4.175 x 1.775 x 1.61 m
The wheelbase is 2.5 m
Clearance – 185 mm
Trunk – from 375 l (5 seats) to 1120 l (2 seats)
Carrying capacity – 510 kg
The minimum equipped weight is 1270 kg
Engine – gasoline turbo R4 1.4 l + hybrid SHVS
Power – 129 hp. at 5500 rpm
Torque – 235 Nm at 2000-3000 rpm
Specific power and torque – 102 hp. per 1 t and 185 Nm per 1 t
Drive – all-wheel drive ALL GRIP 4WD
Transmission – 6-speed “automatic” (classic hydromechanical automatic transmission)
Dynamics 0-100 km/h – 10.2 seconds
The maximum speed is 190 km/h
Fuel consumption (passport), combined cycle – 6.2-6.5 liters per 100 km.
The minimum price of a Suzuki Vitara 1.6 GL car is from UAH 664,000. or about $16 thousand
The price of the Suzuki Vitara 1.4 Hybrid GLX test car is UAH 1.112 million. or about $27 thousand
