The Suzuki Vitara (ET, TA) represents a significant evolution in Suzuki’s compact SUV offerings, produced between 1995 and 1998. This generation, while not officially sold in the United States, was a popular choice in European and Asian markets, offering a blend of off-road capability, practicality, and affordability. The Vitara ET/TA series built upon the success of its predecessors, offering a more refined driving experience and improved features. This particular variant features a 2.0-liter V6 engine paired with an automatic transmission, a configuration aimed at providing a balance of power and convenience for drivers.
Suzuki Vitara (ET, TA): A Detailed Overview
The Vitara ET and TA series were essentially updates to the earlier Vitara models, incorporating styling changes, improved safety features, and updated engine options. The “ET” designation generally refers to the short-wheelbase three-door models, while “TA” denotes the five-door long-wheelbase versions. The vehicle was positioned as a versatile SUV suitable for both urban commuting and light off-road adventures. Its body-on-frame construction contributed to its durability and off-road prowess, a characteristic highly valued in its target markets.
Engine & Performance
The heart of this Vitara variant is the H20A 2.0-liter V6 engine, a naturally aspirated powerplant producing 136 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 172 Nm (126.86 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm. This engine configuration, while not exceptionally powerful by modern standards, provided adequate performance for its time and application. The V6 layout offered a smoother and more refined driving experience compared to inline-four engines commonly found in similar vehicles. The engine utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, contributing to its efficiency and responsiveness. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 12.5 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in around 11.9 seconds. The vehicle boasts a maximum speed of 160 km/h (99.42 mph). The weight-to-power ratio of 9.6 kg/Hp and a weight-to-torque ratio of 7.6 kg/Nm indicate a reasonably balanced performance profile for its class.
Design & Features
The Suzuki Vitara (ET, TA) is a five-door SUV with a traditional body-on-frame construction. This design choice provided enhanced durability and off-road capability. The vehicle’s exterior styling was typical of the mid-1990s, featuring a boxy silhouette and relatively simple lines. Inside, the Vitara offered seating for five passengers and a practical interior layout. While not luxurious, the cabin was functional and offered reasonable comfort for its price point. Key features included hydraulic power steering, ventilated front disc brakes, and drum brakes on the rear wheels. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was included as a safety feature. The trunk space ranges from a minimum of 263 liters (9.29 cu. ft.) to a maximum of 438 liters (15.47 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4125 mm (162.4 in.) in length, 1695 mm (66.73 in.) in width, and 1695 mm (66.73 in.) in height, with a wheelbase of 2480 mm (97.64 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Suzuki |
| Model | Vitara |
| Generation | Vitara (ET, TA) |
| Type | 2.0 i V6 24V (136 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1995 |
| End of production | 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 9.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 24.5 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 29.4 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 10.4 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 160 km/h (99.42 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 136 Hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 68.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 172 Nm @ 4000 rpm (126.86 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | H20A |
| Engine displacement | 1998 cm3 (121.93 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 78 mm (3.07 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 69.7 mm (2.74 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.9 l (6.23 US qt | 5.19 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1310 kg (2888.06 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1875 kg (4133.67 lbs.) |
| Max load | 565 kg (1245.61 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 263 l (9.29 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 438 l (15.47 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Length | 4125 mm (162.4 in.) |
| Width | 1695 mm (66.73 in.) |
| Height | 1695 mm (66.73 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2480 mm (97.64 in.) |
| Front track | 1455 mm (57.28 in.) |
| Rear track | 1450 mm (57.09 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Spring Strut |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/65 R16 S |
The Suzuki Vitara (ET, TA) 2.0 i V6 24V Automatic, while not a high-performance vehicle, offered a compelling package for buyers seeking a capable, reliable, and versatile SUV. Its blend of off-road ability, comfortable ride, and practical features made it a popular choice in its target markets during its production run.
