The Suzuki Vitara IV 1.6 VVT (120 Hp) Automatic, produced between 2014 and 2018, represents the fourth generation of Suzuki’s popular Vitara compact SUV. While not initially sold in the United States, the Vitara has a significant presence in the European and Asian markets, known for its affordability, practicality, and surprisingly capable off-road performance for its class. This generation marked a return to the Vitara nameplate after a period where the model was known as the Grand Vitara, aiming for a more youthful and modern appeal. The 1.6 VVT variant, equipped with an automatic transmission, was a key offering in many markets, balancing fuel efficiency with ease of driving.
Suzuki Vitara IV: An Overview
The Vitara IV was designed to compete in the increasingly popular subcompact SUV segment. It offered a blend of urban practicality and light off-road capability, appealing to buyers seeking a versatile vehicle for both daily commutes and weekend adventures. The 1.6 VVT engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, provided a comfortable and accessible driving experience. The vehicle’s design emphasized a rugged yet refined aesthetic, aligning with the growing trend of crossover SUVs. Its relatively compact size made it well-suited for navigating crowded city streets, while its available all-wheel-drive system enhanced its versatility in challenging conditions.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Suzuki Vitara IV 1.6 VVT Automatic is a 1.586-liter (96.78 cubic inch) inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine, designated as the M16A, produces 120 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 156 Nm (115.06 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4400 rpm. The engine utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system and a naturally aspirated configuration. While not a powerhouse, the engine provides adequate performance for everyday driving, with a 0-60 mph acceleration time of approximately 11.9 seconds and a 0-100 km/h time of 12.5 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 180 km/h (111.85 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 9.3 kg/Hp, and its torque-to-weight ratio is 7.2 kg/Nm, contributing to a reasonably responsive driving experience. Fuel economy is a strong point, with combined cycle consumption rated at 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg, 51.4 UK mpg), making it an economical choice for daily use.
Design & Features
The Suzuki Vitara IV is a five-door, five-seat SUV characterized by its modern and robust design. Its exterior styling features a prominent front grille, sculpted body lines, and a relatively high ground clearance of 185 mm (7.28 in), hinting at its off-road capabilities. The interior is designed with practicality in mind, offering a comfortable cabin with adequate space for passengers and cargo. Trunk space ranges from a minimum of 375 liters (13.24 cu. ft.) to a maximum of 710 liters (25.07 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down.
Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard. The vehicle’s suspension consists of an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and a semi-independent coil spring arrangement at the rear, providing a comfortable ride and decent handling characteristics. The Vitara IV also features a steering rack and pinion system for precise steering control. Available wheel sizes range from 16 to 17 inches, typically fitted with 215/60 R16 or 215/55 R17 tires. 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) | 1.6 VVT (120 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2014 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg, 42.8 UK mpg, 15.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg, 57.6 UK mpg, 20.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg, 51.4 UK mpg, 18.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 127 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.2 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 | 6.2 l (6.55 US qt | 5.46 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1120 kg (2469.18 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1730 kg (3814 lbs.) |
| Max load | 610 kg (1344.82 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 | 6 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic 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 Automatic offered a compelling package for buyers seeking a practical, affordable, and reasonably efficient compact SUV. While not a performance vehicle, its blend of features and fuel economy made it a popular choice in its target markets.
