The Suzuki Vitara (ET, TA) 1.9 TDI is a compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) produced by the Japanese automaker Suzuki between 1998 and 2005. This generation of the Vitara, primarily aimed at the European market, represented a significant step forward in terms of refinement and on-road comfort compared to its more utilitarian predecessors. While not officially sold in the United States, the Vitara found a niche among buyers seeking a capable and affordable all-wheel-drive vehicle. The 1.9 TDI variant, equipped with a turbocharged diesel engine, offered a balance of fuel efficiency and respectable performance for its time.
Suzuki Vitara (ET, TA): An Overview
The Vitara (ET, TA) series marked the second generation of the Vitara line, succeeding the original SJ series. It was designed to appeal to a broader audience, moving away from the purely off-road focused image of earlier models. The vehicle was offered in both short-wheelbase (3-door) and long-wheelbase (5-door) configurations, with the 1.9 TDI typically found in the more practical 5-door body style. The Vitara competed with other compact SUVs like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Nissan Terrano II in the European market.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Vitara 1.9 TDI is the XUD9 engine, a 1.9-liter inline-four cylinder diesel powerplant. This engine, producing 75 horsepower at 4600 rpm and 135 Nm (99.57 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2250 rpm, was known for its durability and fuel efficiency. The engine utilizes a precombustion chamber injection system and is turbocharged, enhancing its power output. Power per liter is rated at 39.4 Hp/l. The engine’s transverse mounting and the vehicle’s all-wheel-drive system contribute to a weight-to-power ratio of 18.7 kg/Hp and a weight-to-torque ratio of 10.4 kg/Nm. The 5-speed manual transmission delivers power to all four wheels, providing enhanced traction in various conditions. Maximum speed is limited to 150 km/h (93.21 mph). Fuel economy figures are respectable for a vehicle of this type, achieving approximately 9.4 l/100 km (25 US mpg) in urban driving and 6.9 l/100 km (34.1 US mpg) on the open road.
Design & Features
The Suzuki Vitara (ET, TA) 1.9 TDI is a five-door SUV with a relatively boxy, yet modern for its time, design. The body-on-frame construction, a carryover from previous Vitara models, provides robustness and off-road capability. The interior offers seating for five passengers and provides a practical level of space for both passengers and cargo. Trunk space ranges from a minimum of 450 liters (15.89 cu. ft.) to a maximum of 1300 liters (45.91 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down.
Safety features, while not as comprehensive as those found in modern vehicles, include an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The steering is rack and pinion with hydraulic power assistance, providing a responsive and relatively precise driving experience. The suspension utilizes a wishbone setup at the front and coil springs at the rear, offering a reasonable balance between ride comfort and handling. The vehicle rides on 15-inch wheels fitted with 195/80 R15 tires.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Suzuki |
| Model | Vitara |
| Generation | Vitara (ET, TA) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.9 TDI (5 dr) (75 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1998 year |
| End of production | 2005 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.4 l/100 km (25 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.9 l/100 km (34.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Maximum speed | 150 km/h (93.21 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 18.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 10.4 kg/Nm |
| Power | 75 Hp @ 4600 rpm |
| Torque | 135 Nm @ 2250 rpm (99.57 lb.-ft. @ 2250 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| 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 | 21.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 6.6 l (6.97 US qt | 5.81 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1405 kg (3097.49 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1945 kg (4287.99 lbs.) |
| Max load | 540 kg (1190.5 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 450 l (15.89 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1300 l (45.91 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal | 12.1 UK gal) |
| Length | 4030 mm (158.66 in.) |
| Width | 1630 mm (64.17 in.) |
| Height | 1695 mm (66.73 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2480 mm (97.64 in.) |
| Front track | 1395 mm (54.92 in.) |
| Rear track | 1400 mm (55.12 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 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 | 195/80 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
The Suzuki Vitara (ET, TA) 1.9 TDI, while not a performance vehicle, offered a compelling package of practicality, affordability, and all-wheel-drive capability. Its robust construction and fuel-efficient diesel engine made it a popular choice for those seeking a versatile SUV in the European market.
