Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Suzuki Vitara


Models Covered: 1988-2000: Three-door 2/4-seat soft top, hardtop, 5-door hardtop: 1.6, 2.0V6, 2.0 turbo diesel [Sport, JX, JLX, JLX SE, JX 16v, JLX SE 16v, Sport, 4U, V6 24v]
If ever a car was designed according to a marketing department's orders, the Suzuki Vitara is surely it. This fashionable compact 4x4 was the model that put the franchise on the map in Britain and quickly became a style accessory. Though obviously an off roader, it isn't really designed for the exceptionally rough stuff, though the car's relatively low weight and high ground clearance are an advantage off the beaten track. On the road, the loud bodykits and aggressive alloy wheels fitted to some examples often try to suggest a post-GTi performance car; here too, however, compromises are in evidence. Best just to think of it as something affordably different - a breath of fresh air.
A certain image. Loud music accompanies some Vitaras as they cruise the streets of Britain's cities and suburbs. If you want to remain anonymous, try and find a virgin example, which remains as it came off the boat from Japan; otherwise, this is not your car. On the other hand, if you want something that says you're 'kickin', then look no further. The Vitara is actually fine as an off roader, but the part-time four-wheel drive system is probably only used rarely by most owners. Still, it's good to have it for those mornings when you wake to find a sudden fall of snow. You won't be in one of those cars that are sliding all over the road.

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