The Suzuki Vitara IV, produced between 2014 and 2018, represents the fourth generation of Suzuki’s popular compact SUV. While not initially offered in the United States, the Vitara held a significant position in the European and Asian markets as an affordable and versatile all-wheel-drive vehicle. It aimed to blend practicality, fuel efficiency, and a degree of off-road capability, appealing to buyers seeking a small SUV for both urban and recreational use. The 1.6 VVT ALLGRIP model, detailed here, was a key variant within the range, offering a balance of performance and economy.
Suzuki Vitara IV 1.6 VVT ALLGRIP: An Overview
The Vitara IV marked a return to the Vitara nameplate after a hiatus, moving away from the Grand Vitara model that preceded it. This generation focused on a more modern design and a lighter chassis, contributing to improved fuel economy and handling. The ALLGRIP all-wheel-drive system was a central feature, providing enhanced traction in various conditions. The 1.6 VVT engine, while not exceptionally powerful, offered adequate performance for everyday driving and was known for its reliability.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Vitara IV 1.6 VVT ALLGRIP is a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine, designated the M16A. 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 multi-point fuel injection and a variable valve timing (VVT) system to optimize efficiency and power delivery. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 12 seconds, while the 0-60 mph sprint is achieved in around 11.4 seconds. The vehicle boasts a maximum speed of 180 km/h (111.85 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 9.7 kg/Hp, and its torque-to-weight ratio is 7.4 kg/Nm. Fuel economy is a strong point, with combined cycle consumption rated at 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg, 50.4 UK mpg, 17.9 km/l). CO2 emissions are rated at 130 g/km, meeting Euro 6 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Suzuki Vitara IV is a five-door, five-seat SUV characterized by a relatively compact footprint. It measures 4175 mm (164.37 in) in length, 1775 mm (69.88 in) in width, and 1610 mm (63.39 in) in height. The wheelbase is 2500 mm (98.43 in), providing a stable platform. The design language is modern and somewhat rugged, with a distinctive front grille and sculpted body lines. The interior is functional and well-equipped for its class, offering comfortable seating and a reasonable amount of cargo space. Trunk space ranges from 375 liters (13.24 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up to 710 liters (25.07 cu. ft.) with them folded down.
A key feature of the Vitara IV is the ALLGRIP all-wheel-drive system. This system offers four driving modes – Auto, Sport, Snow, and Lock – allowing the driver to adapt to different road conditions. In Auto mode, the system automatically switches between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive as needed. Sport mode prioritizes performance, while Snow mode enhances traction on slippery surfaces. Lock mode provides a 50:50 front-rear split for maximum grip in challenging terrain. Safety features include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and ventilated front discs with rear discs. The vehicle’s kerb weight is 1160 kg (2557.36 lbs), with a maximum weight of 1730 kg (3814 lbs) and a maximum load capacity of 570 kg (1256.63 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Suzuki |
| Model | Vitara |
| Generation | Vitara IV |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 VVT (120 Hp) ALLGRIP |
| Start of production | 2014 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg, 43.5 UK mpg, 15.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.1 l/100 km (46.1 US mpg, 55.4 UK mpg, 19.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg, 50.4 UK mpg, 17.9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 130 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.4 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 | 5.8 l (6.13 US qt | 5.1 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1160 kg (2557.36 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1730 kg (3814 lbs.) |
| Max load | 570 kg (1256.63 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 (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 | 5 gears, manual 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 |
| Tires size | 215/60 R16; 215/55 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 16; 17 |
