Suzuki Vitara - basically a good one
Once a genuine off-roader, the Vitara has long since mutated into an SUV. The current edition of the Suzuki, which has been available since 2015, is also in its prime as a used car. This bodes well, as the TÜV rarely finds any major defects.
Vitara sounds like vitality. And indeed: the compact SUV from Japanese manufacturer Suzuki is a used car that, according to the "Auto Bild TÜV Report 2024", rarely has any significant defects during routine inspections. However, it also reveals a few weaknesses during the main vehicle inspection (HU).
Model history
Unlike its off-roader ancestor from the 1980s, the Vitara launched in 2015 is an SUV. The compact model received a facelift in 2018 with the usual visual touch-ups inside and out and changes to the engine range, including the removal of the diesel.
Body and variants
The five-door model is designed to carry five people. As in all SUVs, the seats are quite high. A full hybrid is also available.
Dimensions (according to ADAC)
- 4.17 to 4.18 meters x 1.78 meters x 1.60 to 1.61 meters (L x W x H)
- Trunk capacity: 375 to 1120 liters
Strengths
"All-wheel drive expert Suzuki confirms the image of the durable Japanese", writes the "Auto Bild TÜV-Report 2024". This means: axle suspensions, dampers and springs are rarely criticized, brake lines and hoses as well as the parking brake are not criticized at all.
The report attributes the good performance of the brake system to the comparatively low vehicle weight. The exhaust system also almost never receives a rebuke, and the exhaust emissions test (AU) is just as rarely a problem for the Vitara as the dipped headlights.
Weaknesses
Even at the first MOT, the overall picture is clouded by an increased number of complaints about the front lights and indicators. Just as early on, the Vitara was found to be leaking oil from the drive.
At the second and third check, the steering and tie rod ends were often criticized. Remarkable: Rust on the chassis was also spotted at the vehicle's age of three years - "but very rarely", according to the report.
Breakdown behavior
In the ADAC breakdown statistics, the Vitara appears exemplary: "Very good every year", according to the club in Munich. There were also no major breakdowns to mention.
According to the report, there were recalls due to problems with the engine indicator light in cars built up to September 2016, and incorrect bolts were fitted to the rear axle up to fall 2015, which also prompted an action.
Engines
- Petrol engines (three and four-cylinder with front-wheel and all-wheel drive): 82 kW/111 hp and 103 kW/140 hp
- Diesel (four-cylinder with front-wheel and all-wheel drive): 88 kW/120 hp
- Hybrid: 85 kW/115 hp and 95 kW/129 hp (each system output)
Market prices (according to "DAT Marktspiegel" of Deutsche Automobil Treuhand with statistically expected kilometers):
- Vitara 1.4 DICT HYBRID 4x4 Comfort (2021); 95 kW/129 hp (four-cylinder); 31,000 kilometers; 19,500 euros.
- Vitara 1.0 Club (2020); 82 kW/111 PS (three-cylinder); 42,000 kilometers; 13,750 euros.
- Vitara 1.6 DDiS Comfort 4x4 (2018); 88 kW/119 hp (four-cylinder); 79,000 kilometers; 13,550 euros
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The Suzuki Vitara, being a popular choice in the Compact class of used cars, often passes TÜV inspections with flying colors due to its robust components, such as axle suspensions and brakes. When exploring the Used car market, individuals might come across various Suzuki models, including the Vitara, which has been commended for its reliability and minimal defects, making it an attractive option for SUV enthusiasts.
Source: www.ntv.de
