News: Suzuki gets tough at Paris Show with all-new Vitara
Antidote to soft-roaders has 4WD, functional looks
WHILE MANY recently launched SUVs talk the talk, the new Suzuki Vitara, unveiled at Paris, aims to walk the walk, too, with a package of features associated more with off-roaders than stylish runabouts.
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Chief among them is the car maker’s so-called Allgrip four-wheel drive system, fitted as standard. It includes a limited slip differential and a feed forward function that sends more torque to the rear wheels should the system detect wheelspin at the front. Usefully, the system can also predict wheelspin before it starts, based on the surface condition, accelerator pedal position and steering angle.
A more functional look, inside and out, than rival models, large diameter wheels and a high ground clearance complete the new Vitara’s bid to be taken as a serious SUV.
But it’s not all mud and marsh. The new Vitara, which is powered by a choice of 1.6-litre petrol, and diesel engines, each producing 116bhp, and 115lb ft and 236lb ft torque respectively, hopes to woo urbanites with a suite of advanced safety and convenience technologies.
These include a 7in touchscreen, that can be operated by gloved hands and which has a sat nav as well as smartphone compatibility, and a range of radar-based warning and automatic braking systems.
In addition, buyers can personalise their Vitara courtesy of a choice of 15 body colours, five additional interior and exterior trims, and two accessory packages.
The new Suzuki Vitara goes on sale in 2015.
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