The award-winning Vitara compact crossover gains Suzuki's punchy and efficient BoosterJet engine.

Suzuki updated its award-winning Vitara earlier this year with a raft of cosmetic changes, trim upgrades and some additional infotainment and comfort features. You can read more about those details here. Now, however, the line-up gains new flagship models in the shape of 2 variants powered by the marque's new 1.4L turbopetrol, dubbed the BoosterJet. Available exclusively in top-of-the-line GLX trim, you can have either a 6-speed manual (R378 900) or a 6-speed automatic (R397 900), the latter also offering paddle shifters.

The engine delivers 103 kW at 5 500rpm and a healthy 220 Nm of torque from 1 500 to 4 000 rpm. This results in a vehicle that is significantly more responsive than the continuing 1.6L petrol derivatives. Impressively, Suzuki still claims an excellent combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 5.8 L/100km for the manual-transmission model, and 5.9L/100km for the automatic.

Comprehensively specified and featuring a full suite of safety and infotainment features, the GLX offers a lot of car for the money.

I spent most of the day in the manual and suspect that a realistic real-world consumption figure is in the region of 7L/100km, which is still very good indeed. The test route included some badly rutted gravel sections, too, and once again came away impressed with the solidity of the Vitara– it's certainly not just a city slicker. As a compact family car, it continues to make a lot of sense, with a practically shaped/sized boot and decent rear passenger space (we travelled as a group of four above-average height males). Just a pity there are no rear ventilation outlets.

Still, overall, I can see it mounting a strong challenge in the upcoming iteration of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – Powered by WesBank, where it won the Compact Family Car crown in the 2017/18 competition.

Comprehensive features

Offered exclusively in GLX trim, the new Vitara Turbo can be ordered in seven dual-tone colours.

GLX specification is very comprehensive and there are more interesting colours (and colour combinations) to choose from at this spec level too. You get 17-inch alloy wheels and the choice of 5 solid body colours orseven dual-tone combinations (I am quite partialto the metallicblue body combined with black roof option). LED lights are used front and rear, and there are satin silver roof rails and chrome accenting in the grille.

Inside, there is a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that doubles as a display for the rear-view camera, and which offers complete mobile integration with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink systems. The updated Vitara's classier cabin materials (particularly the soft-touch upper facia panel) are joined by smart leather/suede combination upholstery, cruise control (with a speed-limiting function), front/rear park distance control, auto lights and auto wipers, among many others.

The safety package is equally comprehensive, with 7 airbags, ABS with BAS/EBD, ESP (electronic stability control) andrear Isofix child seat anchorage points.

Suzuki Vitara pricing in South Africa

The newcomers join the existing range and comes standard with the promotional 5-years/200 000km warranty and 4-years/60 000 km service plan.

Suzuki Vitara 1.4 Turbo GLX manual R378 900

Suzuki Vitara 1.4 Turbo GLX automatic R397 900

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