Make a healthier choice with the all-new Suzuki SUV

SUZUKI has just launched a full hybrid version of the versatile Vitara.

Now it’s more economical and removes less CO2, so it’s much better for the environment.

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And with the ever-present climate change problem, cleaner cars can just be a good thing to help reduce pollution levels.

While it’s always wise to make healthy choices when we eat, it’s also important to make cleaner, healthier choices for the car you drive.

And that’s when the all-new Vitara hybrid was born.

In terms of looks, the Vitara hasn’t changed since its last facelift in 2020 and really doesn’t need an update as it’s a great looking SUV.

It could easily hold its own among a multitude of rivals, but all the hybrid changes have been done under the skin.

Suzuki recently partnered with Toyota to share technology.

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Toyota will provide its engineering know-how from years of experience building hybrids, and Suzuki will do the same with its expertise in building small, economical and fun cars.

But the self-charging hybrid powertrain on the new Vitara is all Suzuki’s own design.

The engine is a new aspirated 1.5-litre petrol, which pairs with a 0.84kWh battery and a 24kW (33bhp) electric motor to produce a combined 115bhp and 138Nm of torque.

You can choose between two-wheel drive or AllGrip all-wheel drive, and there are two trim levels, the top-of-the-line SZ-T and SZ5.

Prices in Ireland still have to be confirmed, but in the UK the SZ-T is £25,499 and £27,499 SZ5.

Neither model is particularly fast, the 2WD version takes 12.7 seconds to go from 0-100 km/h.

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And the AWD version is slower again, taking 13.5 seconds but both models have the same top speed of 180 km/h.

On the road, however, the Vitara doesn’t feel as slow as the figures suggest.

The engine is happy to rev, and the electric motor provides extra power across the power range.

For the most immersive experience, choose Sport Mode to get the most out of the powertrain.

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There is an Eco mode, but when I was testing the Vitara in the Welsh mountains, the performance limitation was really noticeable, especially on large hills.

The 2WD system has a combined fuel economy of 53mpg with CO2 emissions of 121g/km and AWD drops slightly to 48.4mpg with 132g/km CO2.

The Vitara is an SUV with great handling, it’s solid when it comes to corners, as well as being very comfortable.

Suzuki is the only manufacturer with a full hybrid line-up as well as AWD models in its range.

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Anyone who knows about four-wheel drive will have no doubt the Suzuki Jimny’s ability to confound much more expensive off-roaders.

So all that muddled know-how is passed on to the AWD Vitara.

It even has a dedicated Snow mode plus a Lock mode to extract it from snow, mud or sand.

Another great thing about Suzuki is the number of standard sets they have.

And Vitara comes fully loaded and comes with a comprehensive safety package as standard.