Photo: Suzuki
The Suzuki Escudo used to be a big 4x4 with chunky looks and a 2.4-liter engine. However, the newest model being launched in Japan is nothing of the sort. It's best described as a crossover, while the 1.6-liter engine under the hood is not a powerhouse.
The Escudo is imported by Suzuki from Hungary all the way to Japan. It should be noted that the older model is still being sold under the name "Escudo 2.4." Nothing has changed other than the name.
We first got to see this weird little import at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show as a preview concept called iV-4. The production Vitara came one year later and made its presence felt at the 2014 Paris Motor Show.
Sales and production for the European market followed in January this year. Only one engine is available in Japan, the DOHC 1.6-liter that's fitted as standard with a 6-speed automatic. Both 2WD and 4WD versions exist, separated by a 10% price difference.
We're dealing with the same M16A unit equipped to the Suzuki Swift and the SX4 S-Cross. It produces 117 PS and a maximum torque of 151 Nm. The ALLGRIP system is borrowed directly from the S-Cross. However, changes have been made to give it better off-road capabilities under loose traction conditions.
We've already detailed some of the design features in our Vitara review. Highlights include a clamshell hood design vaguely reminiscent of the Range Rover. The front and rear bumpers have been plated at the bottom to emphasize a sense of strength, while the headlights have a blue tint.
Although its exterior dimensions are small, the Escudo/Vitara will seat five people and carry 375 liters of luggage. It's also quite nimble, especially around town. Aside from the compact dimensions, an important part of the credit goes to the lightweight construction of the car, with the Vitara tipping the scales at 1,160 kg (2,557 lbs) in base form.
We first got to see this weird little import at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show as a preview concept called iV-4. The production Vitara came one year later and made its presence felt at the 2014 Paris Motor Show.
Sales and production for the European market followed in January this year. Only one engine is available in Japan, the DOHC 1.6-liter that's fitted as standard with a 6-speed automatic. Both 2WD and 4WD versions exist, separated by a 10% price difference.
We're dealing with the same M16A unit equipped to the Suzuki Swift and the SX4 S-Cross. It produces 117 PS and a maximum torque of 151 Nm. The ALLGRIP system is borrowed directly from the S-Cross. However, changes have been made to give it better off-road capabilities under loose traction conditions.
We've already detailed some of the design features in our Vitara review. Highlights include a clamshell hood design vaguely reminiscent of the Range Rover. The front and rear bumpers have been plated at the bottom to emphasize a sense of strength, while the headlights have a blue tint.
Although its exterior dimensions are small, the Escudo/Vitara will seat five people and carry 375 liters of luggage. It's also quite nimble, especially around town. Aside from the compact dimensions, an important part of the credit goes to the lightweight construction of the car, with the Vitara tipping the scales at 1,160 kg (2,557 lbs) in base form.
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