Suzuki Vitara Turbo Hybrid 4Wd

• Published date: 13 December 2023
• Publication title: West Coast Farming Times, The

It's a case of better late than never. The previous government's clean car fee and rebate scheme no doubt played a part in Suzuki's decision to offer a hybrid version of their popular Vitara here earlier this year

Ironically, the arrival in July of tougher thresholds to qualify for a rebate mean most hybrids, including the Vitara, no longer qualify for a rebate. Even worse, some not so squeaky green hybrids credentials cop a clean car fee.

Three petrol/electric "mild" hybrids are available for our market including a range-topping all wheel drive. Suzuki claims the Vitara Hybrid Turbo is at least 15% more economical than its non-hybrid Vitara siblings. It will help us all breathe a little easier with up to 18% lower CO2 emissions.

Prices start at $39,990 for the Hybrid JX 2WD manual, with the auto retailing for $41,990. Rounding at the range is the $44,990 JLX AWD auto that was fronted for this road test. Some customisation is offered with two-tone body colours an $800 option.

Suzuki has developed a simple, light, compact and affordable hybrid system comprising an integrated starter generator, engine control module, and an auxiliary power module. This incorporates a lithium-ion battery and sensors and a DC/DC (48 volt to 12 volt) power converter.

In its new hybridised state, the motor produces 95kW of power at 5500rpm and the maximum torque of 235Nm at 2000 to 3000rpm, up 6.8% compared to the standard Vitara. Peak torque inches up by 15Nm.

Yet the Hybrid Turbo retains the lively performance that helped the Vitara build a large fan base here.

What makes this engine a real champion is the 235nm of torque that's ready for action from just 1500rpm. This good midrange throttle response makes it one of the most effortless drives you will find in a compact urban SUV in this price bracket.

A quick, accurate, and sweet shifting six-speed...