Suzuki Vitara (2015-2024) Buyer’s Guide

The European-built Suzuki Vitara faded into the background in SA as its maker rolled out sharper-priced, Indian-made crossovers. But the LY-gen model has the potential to make a great used compact family car…

Tracing its roots all the way back to 1988, the Suzuki Vitara nameplate bears a storied – if somewhat convoluted – history, both globally and right here in South Africa. Our market received a relatively small allocation of the boxy original in the 1990s, before the 2nd generation graduated to the “Grand Vitara” badge towards the end of that decade.

After a 4-year hiatus (when the Suzuki brand wasn’t offered in SA), the Grand Vitara returned to Mzansi in 3rd-generation form in 2008. Then, in 2015, the 4th generation – the topic of this buyer’s guide – launched, reverting to the “Vitara” moniker. To muddy the waters further, the Vitara Brezza made local landfall in 2021 and the YK-gen Grand Vitara followed 2 years later, with both of these Indian-sourced models offered alongside the 4th-gen Vitara.

While the opening 3 generations were all built in Japan and all employed a rugged body-on-frame configuration, the LY-generation Vitara was produced in Hungary and instead used a unibody platform (more in tune with modern tastes) that was shared with the SX4. Incidentally, the latter model was discontinued locally in 2017, seemingly after the Vitara – which was sold as the Escudo in Japan – cannibalised much of its market share.

With Suzuki Auto SA shrewdly taking advantage of its mother brand’s large-scale production facilities in fellow right-hand-drive market India (where Maruti manufactures massive volumes of budget-friendly compact vehicles), the LY-series Vitara eventually became one of the only Suzuki nameplates in the local range – alongside the Japan-sourced Swift Sport and certain Jimny derivatives – not imported from the world’s most populous nation.

So, with the focus increasingly falling on Indian-built budget models and the LY generation approaching a decade on the local market, the Vitara – which was a multiple #CarsAwards Compact Family Car category winner – quietly shuffled off into the South African sunset in April 2024. It’s local demise interestingly came right around the time the Hamamatsu-based firm revealed an updated version for Europe.

Suzuki Vitara model line-up in South Africa

Previewed by the iV-4 concept unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, the production version of the 4th-gen Suzuki Vitara was finally revealed in October 2014 at the Paris Motor Show. The crossover started rolling off the assembly line at Magyar Suzuki, the Japanese firm’s Hungarian subsidiary, in early 2015.

By November of that year, the Vitara had touched down in South Africa. At launch, the local range comprised 5 derivatives spanning 3 specification levels and featuring a choice of 2 transmissions, as well as either front- or all-wheel drive (AllGrip). Each variant was powered by a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine as standard.

• Vitara 1.6 GL 5MT (86 kW/151 Nm)
• Vitara 1.6 GL+ 5MT (86 kW/151 Nm)
• Vitara 1.6 GL+ 5MT AllGrip (86 kW/151 Nm)
• Vitara 1.6 GLX 5MT AllGrip (86 kW/151 Nm)
• Vitara 1.6 GLX 6AT (86 kW/151 Nm)

In September 2016, Suzuki Auto SA expanded the line-up with the addition of a mid-spec automatic model. Based on the GL+ trim level and equipped with the 6-speed (torque-converter) self-shifting transmission from the top-spec GLX, this derivative arrived as the result of “strong customer demand and consistent dealer feedback”, according to Suzuki.

The facelifted Vitara launched locally in February 2019, bringing a fresh front-end design, updated alloy-wheel options and revised rear styling (the latter complete with LED clusters). Inside, Suzuki said it focused on improving the cabin’s “fit and feel”, adding soft-touch materials to the upper instrument panel and rolling out new upholstery to the flagship GLX grade.

While the familiar trim levels were carried over, the make-up of the 5-strong range changed a little at the facelift. The GL remained a manual-only affair, while GL+ was available with either cog-swapper but now exclusively in front-wheel drive. Finally, the GLX could be ordered in auto-equipped front-wheel-drive form or manual-equipped all-paw guise.

• Vitara 1.6 GL 5MT (86 kW/151 Nm)
• Vitara 1.6 GL+ 5MT (86 kW/151 Nm)
• Vitara 1.6 GL+ 6AT (86 kW/151 Nm)
• Vitara 1.6 GLX 6AT (86 kW/151 Nm)
• Vitara 1.6 GLX 5MT AllGrip (86 kW/151 Nm)

In July 2019, a 2nd engine option joined the local portfolio, pushing the derivative count to 7. Offered exclusively in conjunction with the range-topping GLX grade, the turbocharged 1.4-litre, 4-cylinder “BoosterJet” motor delivered 103 kW and 220 Nm to the front axle via either a 6-speed manual gearbox or an automatic transmission with the same number of cogs. For the record, this K14C unit was shared with the A2L-gen Swift Sport (though the warm hatch boasted 10 Nm extra) that arrived in Mzansi at the same time.

• Vitara 1.4T GLX 6MT (103 kW/220 Nm)
• Vitara 1.4T GLX 6AT (103 kW/220 Nm)

At some point around the opening quarter of 2022, the GL and GL+ derivatives quietly fell away, as did the front-driven, auto-equipped GLX variant (likely to make some space for the upcoming YK-gen Grand Vitara). That meant the local Vitara line-up was reduced to 3 models from that point: the 1.6 GLX 5MT AllGrip, the 1.4T GLX 6MT and the 1.4T GLX 6AT. The Vitara was finally removed from price lists in the 2nd quarter of 2024.

What are the Suzuki Vitara’s strengths?

Well-proven atmospheric engine: When it comes to long-term ownership prospects, there’s something to be said for a well-proven, naturally aspirated petrol engine. That’s exactly what powered most derivatives in the Vitara range, with the M16A motor having earned its reliability stripes in earlier models as varied as the SX4 and the 1st- and 2nd-gen versions of the Swift Sport.

This free-revving 1.6-litre engine – which employed a timing chain rather than a belt – delivered its peak power of 86 kW at 6 600 r/min, though maximum twisting force of 151 Nm arrived a little late at 4 400 r/min. The latter manifested as a distinct lack of low-down torque compared with turbocharged rivals and indeed the forced-induction 1.4-litre unit. Still, claimed fuel economy was as low as 5.8 L/100 km for the front-driven manual model, while refinement levels were impressive.

Plenty of standard safety kit: Since it was sourced from Europe rather than India, the LY-series Vitara (which scored a 5-star rating from Euro NCAP) came equipped with plenty of safety kit as standard. Right from launch, all variants were fitted with ABS with brake assist, brake discs all round, electronic stability control, a full complement of 7 airbags (including a knee airbag) and ISOfix child-seat anchors. GLX derivatives furthermore gained hill-hold control plus front-and-rear parking sensors, while AllGrip variants boasted hill-descent control.

Spacious and practical: Thanks in part to its relatively boxy design, the Vitara featured a deceptively spacious interior. Though not quite class-leading in size, the well-shaped luggage compartment was rated to swallow 375 litres, a figure expandable to well over 1 100 litres with the 60:40-split rear bench neatly folded down.

The boot furthermore incorporated a clever false floor and a pair of shopping hooks, while all derivatives bar the entry-level GL featured a 12V accessory socket and a dedicated luggage-area light back there. Boot capacity didn’t come at the expense of rear-passenger space, with the bench offering decent levels of leg- and headroom. GL+ and GLX models benefitted from rear privacy glass, while outward visibility was a strong point, owing to slim pillars.

What are the Suzuki Vitara’s weaknesses?

Short service intervals (turbo engine): Although the turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol unit delivered a more tractable driving experience (with maximum torque on tap from just 1 500 rpm all the way through to 4 000 rpm) than the atmospheric motor, it was saddled with desperately short service intervals. While the 1.6-litre engine had to be serviced every year or 15 000 km, the turbocharged K14C powerplant’s intervals came in at a mere 10 000 km. Note, however, that a 4-year/60 000 km service plan was applicable in each case.

Some questionable cabin plastics: Although perceived build quality was generally high, there were perhaps a few too many areas in the cabin finished in hard, shiny plastics (including expansive sections of the facia and door trim). This was particularly evident in pre-facelift models, with Suzuki addressing some of these complaints at the mid-cycle update, chiefly through the addition of soft-touch material atop the dashboard. Regardless, though, make sure your test-drive procedure includes a check for rattles or creaking trim.

Basic infotainment system (pre-facelift): At launch, all Vitara derivatives made do with a decidedly basic infotainment screen – so rudimentary, in fact, that it was shared with the Celerio budget hatchback of the era – despite more advanced systems being available in Europe.

At the facelift, however, GL+ and GLX models upgraded to the Japanese brand’s “Smart Linkage Display Audio” system. The latter was built around a 7-inch touchscreen (which doubled as a display for the reverse-view camera), complete with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. From this 2019 update, mid- and top-spec models furthermore gained a 4.2-inch full-colour LCD information display as opposed to the GL’s 3.5-inch monochrome item.

How much is a used Suzuki Vitara in South Africa?

When the Suzuki Vitara arrived in South Africa in 2015, a 3-year/100 000 km warranty (along with the aforementioned 4-year/60 000 km service plan) shipped standard. However, from July 2017, Suzuki Auto SA upgraded its passenger-vehicle range to a “promotional” 5-year/200 000 km warranty.

In addition, it’s worth noting more than 80 factory-backed accessories were available for the Vitara, from roof racks, bicycle racks and tow bars to cargo partitions, special door sills and even an electric cooler box for the luggage compartment. Furthermore, various “customisation packages” were on offer, including the so-called “Rugged Pack”, which added silver-painted scuff plates (fore and aft) and other cosmetic trim pieces.

Approximately three-quarters of the Suzuki Vitara models listed on Cars.co.za at the time of writing used the naturally aspirated 1.6-litre engine, while the majority of those featured the automatic transmission and just a 10th used the AllGrip all-wheel-drive system. Surprisingly, the flagship GLX grade accounted for a considerable 60% of listed models, with the mid-tier GL+ next and the entry-level GL bringing up the rear.

The most common model year was 2019 (with nearly a quarter of all listings), while only about 25% of listed models showed more than 100 000 km. Indicated mileage ranged from 26 000 km on a 2023 Vitara 1.4T GLX AT to 220 000 km on a 2018 Vitara 1.6 GL+ 5MT.

• Below R200 000: Slim pickings below this mark, where we found examples mostly from the opening 3 model years. Predictably, the manual gearbox dominated this space, while mileage tended to be higher than average. The cheapest Vitara we discovered was a 2016 1.6 GL priced at R119 900.

• From R200 000 to R250 000: Shifting up to this pricing bracket – which contained a mix of pre-facelift and updated models, accounting for a third of all listed LY-gen Vitaras – opened the door to several auto-equipped examples and generally lower mileages.

• R250 000 and up: All listings priced beyond R250 000 came from the final 4 model years, with the turbocharged engine proving more prevalent. The most-expensive Vitara we found was a low-mileage 2023 1.4T GLX 6MT, listed for R354 900.

Which Suzuki Vitara derivative should I buy?

So, which LY-series Suzuki Vitara should be at the top of your shopping list? Well, based on the driving experience alone, most would likely prefer the palpably perkier K14C motor, with either of the transmissions.

However, considering the 1.4T’s short service intervals and the fact it hasn’t been used by nearly as many models (nor for anything as long) as the M16A engine, we’d argue the simpler atmospheric 1.6-litre powerplant would deliver the more hassle-free long-term experience.

Still, there are no widespread reliability complaints regarding the 1.4T unit and we certainly wouldn’t blame you for opting for this more flexible motor should your budget allow. We would, however, strongly recommend going for a front-driven derivative over an all-paw variant, since the latter system adds weight, fuel-consumption and purchase-price penalties. And, after all, this Vitara wasn’t designed to emulate the mud-plugging abilities of its forebears.

Finally, which trim level makes the most sense? Well, we’d advise avoiding the base GL (which ran on steel wheels and made do with window winders at the rear – and is seemingly in short supply anyway) and instead focusing your search on the mid-tier GL+ specification.

At launch, the latter was the obvious sweet spot, featuring 16-inch alloy wheels, front foglamps, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, cruise control and climate control (as opposed to manual air conditioning in the GL). It also gained the touchscreen system at the facelift.

For the record, the GLX added features such as 17-inch alloys, extra chrome-effect exterior trim, automatic headlamps, a panoramic sunroof, parking sensors (front and rear) and suede upholstery, which was offered in combination with leatherette from the mid-cycle update.

Is the Suzuki Vitara a worthwhile used purchase?

Having spent nearly a decade on Mzansi’s new-vehicle market, the LY-generation Suzuki Vitara shared this segment with a diverse range of rivals. Key competitors ranged from the likewise European-built Volkswagen T-Cross and discontinued Toyota C-HR to Indian-sourced contenders like the GS-generation Hyundai Creta and SP2i-series Kia Seltos.

Early on, this likeable Suzuki also faced competition from crossovers such as the B515-series Ford EcoSport, the J87-gen Renault Captur, the original Nissan Juke and the boxy PS-series Kia Soul. Even the HM-gen Renault Duster competed in a similar section of the market.

Still, the majority of compact family crossovers at the Vitara’s price point skimped on safety features, despite the fact they were chiefly marketed at families. As such, the Suzuki stood apart on that front, while also riding with an impressive degree of pliancy, complemented by entirely predictable handling.

Having somewhat ironically lived in the shadow of its budget-beating Indian-built siblings for the final few years of its existence, the Suzuki Vitara became increasingly underappreciated in South Africa, despite its numerous virtues. But that only enhances the LY-gen model’s potential as a terrific used buy today.

In fact, we simply wouldn’t bet again a well-looked-after Vitara 1.6 GL+ derivative – preferably facelifted but with either of the 2 transmissions available – offering several years of trouble-free motoring.

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