The Suzuki Vitara Cabrio (ET, TA) represents a unique and somewhat niche offering from the Japanese automaker, produced between 1996 and 1999. This open-top SUV, based on the popular Vitara platform, was primarily aimed at the European market, where compact, affordable 4x4s with a sense of fun were highly sought after. While not officially sold in the United States, the Vitara Cabrio provides an interesting case study in adapting a rugged vehicle to a more leisure-oriented role. It combined the off-road capability associated with the Vitara nameplate with the open-air experience of a convertible, appealing to buyers seeking a versatile and distinctive vehicle.
Suzuki Vitara Cabrio: A Unique Offering
The Vitara Cabrio was offered with a limited number of engine options, with the 2.0-liter 16V (ET) engine being a prominent choice. Producing 132 horsepower, this engine provided a reasonable balance of performance and fuel economy for the time. The Cabrio distinguished itself from the standard Vitara through its retractable soft top, reinforced chassis, and unique styling cues. It occupied a small but dedicated segment, competing with other compact convertibles and offering a more adventurous alternative to traditional roadsters.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Vitara Cabrio 2.0 16V (ET) is a naturally aspirated, inline-four cylinder engine, designated the J20A. Displacing 1,995 cubic centimeters (121.74 cubic inches), this engine delivers 132 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 166 Nm (122.44 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3,000 rpm. The engine utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system and a compression ratio of 9.7:1. This configuration provides adequate power for both on-road driving and light off-road excursions. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 13 seconds, while 0-60 mph is achieved in around 12.4 seconds. The vehicle boasts a maximum speed of 150 km/h (93.21 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 8.4 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 6.7 kg/Nm, indicating a reasonably efficient powertrain for its class. The engine requires 4.2 liters (4.44 US quarts or 3.7 UK quarts) of engine oil.
Design & Features
The Suzuki Vitara Cabrio is a three-door, five-seat vehicle categorized as both a cabriolet and an SUV. Its defining feature is, of course, the retractable soft top, which allows for open-air driving. The body is reinforced to compensate for the lack of a fixed roof, ensuring structural rigidity. The vehicle’s dimensions are 3,620 mm (142.52 inches) in length, 1,630 mm (64.17 inches) in width, and 1,670 mm (65.75 inches) in height. The wheelbase measures 2,200 mm (86.61 inches). The front and rear tracks are 1,390 mm (54.72 inches) and 1,400 mm (55.12 inches) respectively. The interior, while functional, prioritizes durability and practicality over luxury. Features were relatively basic by modern standards, focusing on providing a comfortable and capable driving experience. The vehicle’s all-wheel-drive system, coupled with its relatively short wheelbase, contributes to its off-road prowess. Safety features were limited compared to contemporary vehicles, reflecting the standards of the late 1990s.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Suzuki |
| Model | Vitara |
| Generation | Vitara Cabrio (ET,TA) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 16V (ET) (132 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1996 |
| End of production | 1999 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Cabriolet, SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.2 l/100 km (23.1 US mpg / 27.7 UK mpg / 9.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.2 l/100 km (32.7 US mpg / 39.2 UK mpg / 13.9 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 150 km/h (93.21 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 132 Hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Power per litre | 66.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 166 Nm @ 3000 rpm (122.44 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | J20A |
| Engine displacement | 1995 cm3 (121.74 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90 mm (3.54 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.7:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.2 l (4.44 US qt | 3.7 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1115 kg (2458.15 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1500 kg (3306.93 lbs.) |
| Max load | 385 kg (848.78 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 202 l (7.13 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal | 12.1 UK gal) |
| Length | 3620 mm (142.52 in.) |
| Width | 1630 mm (64.17 in.) |
| Height | 1670 mm (65.75 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2200 mm (86.61 in.) |
| Front track | 1390 mm (54.72 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1400 mm (55.12 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/65 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
The Suzuki Vitara Cabrio, while a relatively uncommon vehicle, represents a charming and capable offering from the 1990s. Its combination of open-air fun, all-wheel-drive capability, and practical design made it a unique choice for those seeking a versatile and distinctive SUV. Though not widely available in the US, it remains a fondly remembered model among enthusiasts of compact 4x4s.
