The Suzuki Vitara IV 1.6 VVT (120 Hp), produced between 2014 and 2018, represents the fourth generation of Suzuki’s popular Vitara compact SUV. While the Vitara nameplate has a long history dating back to 1985, the IV generation marked a significant departure in design and technology. This model was primarily aimed at the European market, where the demand for small, affordable, and versatile SUVs was growing. It offered a blend of practicality, fuel efficiency, and a relatively modern feature set, positioning itself as a competitor to vehicles like the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur, and Peugeot 2008. The Vitara IV was not officially sold in the United States, but its design and engineering reflect Suzuki’s global approach to compact SUV development.
Suzuki Vitara IV: An Overview
The Vitara IV was designed to appeal to buyers seeking a stylish and capable small SUV. It offered a five-door body style with seating for five passengers. Suzuki focused on providing a vehicle that was easy to drive in urban environments while still being capable of handling occasional off-road excursions. The 1.6 VVT engine variant, discussed here, was a key part of the lineup, offering a balance between performance and fuel economy. The vehicle’s success in Europe stemmed from its competitive pricing, attractive styling, and the reputation for reliability associated with the Suzuki brand.
Engine & Performance
The Suzuki Vitara IV 1.6 VVT is powered by a 1.586-liter (96.78 cubic inch) inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 120 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 156 Nm (115.06 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4400 rpm. The engine utilizes a variable valve timing (VVT) system to optimize performance and fuel efficiency across a wider range of engine speeds. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 11.5 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in 10.9 seconds. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 180 km/h (111.85 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 9 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 6.9 kg/Nm, contributing to a reasonably responsive driving experience. The engine meets Euro 6 emission standards, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility.
Design & Features
The Vitara IV features a modern and somewhat rugged exterior design. Its styling incorporates Suzuki’s design language of the time, with a prominent front grille, sculpted body lines, and a relatively high ground clearance of 185 mm (7.28 inches). The interior is designed with practicality in mind, offering a comfortable cabin with adequate space for passengers and cargo. The trunk offers 375 liters (13.24 cubic feet) of space with the rear seats up, expanding to 710 liters (25.07 cubic feet) when the rear seats are folded down. Standard features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ventilated front disc brakes, and disc brakes on the rear. The McPherson strut front suspension and semi-independent coil spring rear suspension provide a comfortable ride. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4175 mm (164.37 inches) in length, 1775 mm (69.88 inches) in width, and 1610 mm (63.39 inches) in height. The wheelbase measures 2500 mm (98.43 inches).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Suzuki |
| Model | Vitara |
| Generation | Vitara IV |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 VVT (120 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2014 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.3 l/100 km (37.3 US mpg, 44.8 UK mpg, 15.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.8 l/100 km (49 US mpg, 58.9 UK mpg, 20.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg, 53.3 UK mpg, 18.9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 123 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.9 kg/Nm |
| Power | 120 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 156 Nm @ 4400 rpm (115.06 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | M16A |
| Engine displacement | 1586 cm3 (96.78 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 78 mm (3.07 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 83 mm (3.27 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 11:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.9 l (4.12 US qt | 3.43 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 5.8 l (6.13 US qt | 5.1 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1075 kg (2369.97 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1730 kg (3814 lbs.) |
| Max load | 655 kg (1444.03 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 375 l (13.24 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 710 l (25.07 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 47 l (12.42 US gal | 10.34 UK gal) |
| 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 track | 1505 mm (59.25 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 185 mm (7.28 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.4 m (34.12 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 215/60 R16; 215/55 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 16; 17 |
The Suzuki Vitara IV 1.6 VVT offered a compelling package for European buyers seeking a practical, affordable, and stylish compact SUV. While not sold in the US market, it represents a significant evolution in Suzuki’s SUV lineup and demonstrates the company’s commitment to providing versatile vehicles for a global audience.
