The Suzuki Vitara, known as the Suzuki Escudo in Japan, is a series of compact SUVs produced by Suzuki since 1988. The first generation, internally designated ET and TA, represented Suzuki’s entry into the rapidly growing compact SUV market. This generation, produced from 1988 to 1995, was notable for its body-on-frame construction, offering a robust and capable vehicle suited for both on-road and off-road driving. While not initially a major player in the North American market, the Vitara gained a following for its affordability, practicality, and surprisingly capable four-wheel-drive system. The 1.6 i variant, equipped with an 80 horsepower engine and automatic transmission, was a common configuration, offering a balance of fuel economy and ease of use.
Suzuki Vitara (ET, TA): A Detailed Overview
The Vitara (ET, TA) was designed to appeal to buyers seeking a versatile vehicle that could handle daily commuting and weekend adventures. Its compact size made it easy to maneuver in urban environments, while its four-wheel-drive system provided confidence in challenging conditions. The three-door body style was particularly popular, emphasizing its sporty and utilitarian character. The Vitara’s success stemmed from its ability to offer a genuine SUV experience at a competitive price point, establishing a foothold for Suzuki in the global SUV segment.
Engine & Performance
The 1.6 i variant of the Suzuki Vitara (ET, TA) is powered by the G16A engine, a 1.6-liter (1589 cm3 or 96.97 cu. in.) inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 80 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 127 Nm (93.67 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3000 rpm. Power delivery is managed through a 3-speed automatic transmission, sending power to all four wheels via a selectable four-wheel-drive system. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 15 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in around 14.3 seconds. The Vitara’s top speed is rated at 144 km/h (89.48 mph). The engine’s modest power output results in a weight-to-power ratio of 12.8 kg/Hp and a weight-to-torque ratio of 8 kg/Nm. Fuel economy is rated at 8.5 l/100 km (27.7 US mpg, 33.2 UK mpg, 11.8 km/l) combined, with 9.6 l/100 km (24.5 US mpg, 29.4 UK mpg, 10.4 km/l) in urban settings and 7.4 l/100 km (31.8 US mpg, 38.2 UK mpg, 13.5 km/l) on the open road.
Design & Features
The Suzuki Vitara (ET, TA) features a classic SUV body style with a three-door configuration and seating for five passengers. Its boxy shape and relatively short wheelbase contribute to its off-road capability. The body-on-frame construction provides a durable and rigid platform, enhancing its ability to withstand rough terrain. Key features of this generation Vitara include a selectable four-wheel-drive system, allowing drivers to switch between two-wheel drive for fuel efficiency and four-wheel drive for enhanced traction. Interior appointments are functional and utilitarian, reflecting the vehicle’s focus on practicality. Safety features were relatively basic for the era, typically including seatbelts and a collapsible steering column. The trunk offers a minimum of 123 liters (4.34 cu. ft.) of cargo space. The vehicle’s design prioritized functionality and durability over luxurious amenities, making it a popular choice for those seeking a reliable and capable off-road vehicle.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Suzuki |
| Model | Vitara |
| Generation | Vitara (ET, TA) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 i (80 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1988 |
| End of production | 1995 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.6 l/100 km (24.5 US mpg, 29.4 UK mpg, 10.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.4 l/100 km (31.8 US mpg, 38.2 UK mpg, 13.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.5 l/100 km (27.7 US mpg, 33.2 UK mpg, 11.8 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 15 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 15 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 14.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 144 km/h (89.48 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 80 Hp @ 5400 rpm |
| Torque | 127 Nm @ 3000 rpm (93.67 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | G16A |
| Engine displacement | 1589 cm3 (96.97 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 75 mm (2.95 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90 mm (3.54 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 8.9:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.2 l (4.44 US qt | 3.7 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 5.3 l (5.6 US qt | 4.66 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1020 kg (2248.72 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1450 kg (3196.7 lbs.) |
| Max load | 430 kg (947.99 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 123 l (4.34 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 42 l (11.1 US gal | 9.24 UK gal) |
| Length | 3620 mm (142.52 in.) |
| Width | 1630 mm (64.17 in.) |
| Height | 1665 mm (65.55 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2200 mm (86.61 in.) |
| Front track | 1395 mm (54.92 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1400 mm (55.12 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 3 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/ R 15 S |
