The Suzuki Vitara IV, produced from 2014 to 2018, represents the fourth generation of Suzuki’s long-running Vitara series. While not initially sold in the United States, the Vitara held a significant position in the European subcompact SUV market, competing with models like the Nissan Juke, Peugeot 2008, and Renault Captur. This generation marked a return to the Vitara nameplate after a period where the model was known as the Grand Vitara. The Vitara IV aimed to blend practicality, affordability, and a degree of off-road capability, appealing to buyers seeking a versatile and economical vehicle.
Suzuki Vitara IV: Overview and Market Position
The Vitara IV was designed to appeal to a broad demographic, offering a combination of urban usability and light off-road performance. Suzuki focused on providing a modern and well-equipped vehicle at a competitive price point. A key feature of the Vitara IV was its ALLGRIP all-wheel-drive system, available on many trims, enhancing its appeal in regions with varied weather conditions. The 1.4 Boosterjet engine variant, detailed here, was a popular choice, offering a balance of fuel efficiency and adequate power for everyday driving. The vehicle’s design incorporated contemporary styling cues, aiming for a more sophisticated look than its predecessors.
Engine & Performance
The 1.4 BOOSTERJET engine powering this variant of the Vitara IV is a 1373 cc (83.79 cu. in.) inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. It utilizes direct fuel injection and a turbocharger with an intercooler to produce 140 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 220 Nm (162.26 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1500 and 4000 rpm. This configuration provides a relatively broad torque band, contributing to responsive acceleration and good drivability. The engine’s power-to-liter ratio is 102 hp/l. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and Suzuki’s ALLGRIP all-wheel-drive system, the Vitara IV achieves a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 10.2 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 9.7 seconds. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 200 km/h (124.27 mph). The engine adheres to Euro 6 emission standards, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility. The weight-to-power ratio is 8.8 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 5.6 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The Suzuki Vitara IV is a five-door, five-seat SUV characterized by its compact dimensions and relatively high ground clearance (185 mm / 7.28 in.). Its exterior styling features a bold front grille, sculpted body lines, and a distinctive rear end. The interior is designed with practicality in mind, offering comfortable seating and a functional dashboard layout. The trunk space is versatile, offering 375 liters (13.24 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up and expanding to 1120 liters (39.55 cu. ft.) when folded down. Safety features include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and a robust chassis designed for occupant protection. The ALLGRIP system offers selectable driving modes, allowing drivers to optimize performance for various conditions, including snow, mud, and sand. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4175 mm (164.37 in.) in length, 1775 mm (69.88 in.) in width, and 1610 mm (63.39 in.) in height, with a wheelbase of 2500 mm (98.43 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Suzuki |
| Model | Vitara |
| Generation | Vitara IV |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 BOOSTERJET (140 Hp) ALLGRIP Automatic |
| Start of production | 2014 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.4 l/100 km (36.8 US mpg, 44.1 UK mpg, 15.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5 l/100 km (47 US mpg, 56.5 UK mpg, 20 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg, 51.4 UK mpg, 18.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 128 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h (124.27 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 140 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 102 Hp/l |
| Torque | 220 Nm @ 1500-4000 rpm (162.26 lb.-ft. @ 1500-4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | K14C-DITC |
| Engine displacement | 1373 cm3 (83.79 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 73 mm (2.87 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82 mm (3.23 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.9:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.3 l (3.49 US qt | 2.9 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 5.7 l (6.02 US qt | 5.02 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1235 kg (2722.71 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1730 kg (3814 lbs.) |
| Max load | 495 kg (1091.29 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 375 l (13.24 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1120 l (39.55 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 47 l (12.42 US gal | 10.34 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1200 kg (2645.55 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 400 kg (881.85 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 4175 mm (164.37 in.) |
| Width | 1775 mm (69.88 in.) |
| Height | 1610 mm (63.39 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2500 mm (98.43 in.) |
| Front track | 1535 mm (60.43 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1505 mm (59.25 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 185 mm (7.28 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.4 m (34.12 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 215/55 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |

