You know how laptop makers put new processors in last year's models and it's brilliant? Except when Apple does it, then it's godawful. In any case, the 2019 Suzuki Vitra is coming out with fresh internals and a mild cosmetic update which should make this popular crossover even better.
Technically, we're supposed to tell you that this is a teaser (video), but all the information we need has already leaked out, along with some revealing photos. The big mystery is the diesel engine, which isn't mentioned in Europe.
Everybody already knew what was going to happen under the hood of this car. Suzuki ditched the 1.6-liter naturally aspirated base unit in favor of a 1.0-liter 3-cylinder turbo, the same as in the Swift. Power has actually gone down, from 120 to 111 HP (metric), but is available lower down in the rev range.
The small engine is matched to front-wheel drive, while Allgrip all-wheel-drive is an option only for manual transmission-equipped models. As for the larger 1.4L turbo on the Vitara S, this still makes 140 HP and 220 Nm of torque, coming with AWD as standard. Both emissions and economy numbers will be announced this fall, aligning with the WLTP standards.
Considering Suzuki is such a small company we wouldn't be surprised if they were forced to drop the 120 HP 1.6L diesel due to development costs.
The 2019 Vitara facelift comes roughly three years after the model was introduced and also celebrates the 20th anniversary of the nameplate. However, the changes are pretty modest. The "Series II" gets a new grille and lower intake design, as well as a tweaked fog light surround.
The only other exterior changes are a fresh set of alloys and LED taillights. Inside, Suzuki will add a soft-touch dash top, a new instrument cluster, a better infotainment and revised seat trim. Safety systems will include Dual Sensor Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Traffic Sign recognition, Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear cross traffic alert.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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