The Suzuki Vitara (ET, TA) 1.9 D (5 dr) was a compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) produced by the Japanese automaker Suzuki between 1995 and 1997. This model represents a key iteration of the Vitara line, a vehicle that gained significant popularity in Europe and other international markets as an affordable and capable off-road vehicle. While not officially sold in the United States during this generation, the Vitara, and its predecessor the Samurai, established Suzuki’s reputation for building rugged and reliable 4x4s. The ET and TA designations refer to different body styles within the second-generation Vitara range, with the focus here being on the five-door variant powered by a 1.9-liter diesel engine.
Suzuki Vitara (ET, TA): A European Favorite
The Vitara, known as the Suzuki Grand Vitara in some markets, occupied a growing niche in the late 1990s – the compact SUV. It offered a blend of off-road capability, practicality, and affordability that appealed to a wide range of buyers. In Europe, where fuel costs were higher and road conditions more varied, the diesel-powered Vitara proved particularly popular. It provided a balance between fuel efficiency and the ability to tackle challenging terrain. The five-door configuration enhanced practicality, making it suitable for families and those needing more passenger space. The Vitara competed with vehicles like the Nissan Terrano and the Toyota RAV4, offering a distinct alternative with its robust build and capable four-wheel-drive system.
Engine & Performance
The 1995-1997 Suzuki Vitara 1.9 D (5 dr) was equipped with the XUD9, a 1.9-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine. This engine produced 68 horsepower at 4600 rpm and 120 Nm (88.51 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2000 rpm. While not a powerhouse, the engine’s torque output provided adequate performance for both on-road driving and off-road excursions. The engine featured precombustion chamber injection, a common diesel technology of the era, and a naturally aspirated configuration. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio was 52.3 HP/tonne, and the torque-to-weight ratio was 92.3 Nm/tonne. The vehicle’s top speed was limited to 130 km/h (80.78 mph). Power delivery was relatively linear, making it easy to control in challenging conditions. The engine’s longitudinal front-engine layout contributed to the vehicle’s balanced handling. The 5-speed manual transmission allowed drivers to effectively manage the engine’s power and torque.
Design & Features
The Suzuki Vitara (ET, TA) 1.9 D (5 dr) is a five-door SUV with a traditional body-on-frame construction, contributing to its durability and off-road capability. Its design was functional rather than overtly stylish, prioritizing practicality and robustness. The vehicle’s dimensions – 4125 mm (162.4 in) in length, 1695 mm (66.73 in) in width, and 1700 mm (66.93 in) in height – positioned it squarely within the compact SUV segment. The wheelbase measured 2480 mm (97.64 in), providing a stable platform for both on-road and off-road driving. Inside, the Vitara offered seating for five passengers and a minimum trunk capacity of 575 liters (20.31 cu. ft.). Safety features for the time included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which was becoming increasingly common on European vehicles. The hydraulic power steering provided ease of maneuverability, while the ventilated front disc brakes and rear drum brakes offered adequate stopping power. The vehicle rode on 215/65 R16 tires mounted on 16-inch wheel rims.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Suzuki |
| Model | Vitara |
| Generation | Vitara (ET,TA) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.9 D (5 dr) (68 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1995 year |
| End of production | 1997 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Maximum speed | 130 km/h / 80.78 mph |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 19.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 10.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 68 Hp @ 4600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 35.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 120 Nm @ 2000 rpm / 88.51 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | XUD9 |
| Engine displacement | 1905 cm3 / 116.25 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 83 mm / 3.27 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 88 mm / 3.46 in. |
| Compression ratio | 23:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l / 4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt |
| Coolant | 6.6 l / 6.97 US qt | 5.81 UK qt |
| Kerb Weight | 1300 kg / 2866.01 lbs. |
| Max. weight | 1875 kg / 4133.67 lbs. |
| Max load | 575 kg / 1267.66 lbs. |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 575 l / 20.31 cu. ft. |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l / 14.53 US gal | 12.1 UK gal |
| Length | 4125 mm / 162.4 in. |
| Width | 1695 mm / 66.73 in. |
| Height | 1700 mm / 66.93 in. |
| Wheelbase | 2480 mm / 97.64 in. |
| Front track | 1455 mm / 57.28 in. |
| Rear (Back) track | 1450 mm / 57.09 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 |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/65 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
The Suzuki Vitara (ET, TA) 1.9 D (5 dr) represents a significant vehicle in Suzuki’s history, demonstrating the company’s ability to produce affordable, capable, and reliable SUVs for the European market. Its blend of practicality, off-road ability, and fuel efficiency made it a popular choice for buyers seeking a versatile vehicle for both urban and rural environments.
