Suzuki is currently doing summer testing with the Vitara mid-life facelift. This has been a hugely successful crossover for the Japanese automaker, but we're not sure how much they are willing to change.
The amount of camouflage suggests cosmetic updates will be extensive. We're looking for a new bumper, lower grille and surrounds for the fog lights. Also, we can't help but notice that the upper grille is completely blocked off. This isn't an indication of a hybrid or even a streamlined version, as the current Vitara doesn't let air pass through its upper "openings" either, not even on the 140 horsepower Vitara S.
It looks like the designers are getting a little bit more room to play at the back, as the 2018 Vitara prototype sports brand new headlights, while the headlights are obviously the old ones. They appear to be going for a more three-dimensional look to give it a modern touch.
The blue-tinted front lights suggest this is the base model with the 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine or the 1.6 DDiS, which is rated at 120 PS and 320 Nm. However, we think the former is going to be replaced by a 1.0-liter unit. The "Boostjet" has already been installed on the Swift and Baleno hatchbacks, so it only makes sense to try and lower fuel consumption (by about 0.5 l/100km) for the Vitara too.
The "flagship" version should continue to use the 1.4-liter turbo, which is now shared with the Swift Sport.
In the interior department, we expect to see the new flat-bottomed steering wheel, updated instruments and air conditioning controls that have little screens integrated into the middle. It's all very lovely stuff, but it won't make the old Vitara immediately obsolete.
The latest 7-inch infotainment should be available with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard from mid-grade models upwards. But at the end of the day, this small crossover is all about being affordable and practical. So don't expect any cutting-edge MINI-rivaling technology!
It looks like the designers are getting a little bit more room to play at the back, as the 2018 Vitara prototype sports brand new headlights, while the headlights are obviously the old ones. They appear to be going for a more three-dimensional look to give it a modern touch.
The blue-tinted front lights suggest this is the base model with the 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine or the 1.6 DDiS, which is rated at 120 PS and 320 Nm. However, we think the former is going to be replaced by a 1.0-liter unit. The "Boostjet" has already been installed on the Swift and Baleno hatchbacks, so it only makes sense to try and lower fuel consumption (by about 0.5 l/100km) for the Vitara too.
The "flagship" version should continue to use the 1.4-liter turbo, which is now shared with the Swift Sport.
In the interior department, we expect to see the new flat-bottomed steering wheel, updated instruments and air conditioning controls that have little screens integrated into the middle. It's all very lovely stuff, but it won't make the old Vitara immediately obsolete.
The latest 7-inch infotainment should be available with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard from mid-grade models upwards. But at the end of the day, this small crossover is all about being affordable and practical. So don't expect any cutting-edge MINI-rivaling technology!