The Suzuki Vitara IV, particularly the facelifted version introduced in October 2018, represents Suzuki’s entry into the competitive subcompact SUV segment. While the Vitara name has a long history dating back to the 1980s, the IV generation, launched in 2015, marked a significant shift towards a more modern and road-focused vehicle. The 2018 facelift brought styling updates and, crucially, the introduction of the 1.4 Boosterjet engine, offering a balance of performance and efficiency. This model was primarily sold in European and Asian markets, where subcompact SUVs are particularly popular. It wasn’t officially offered in the United States, but it showcases Suzuki’s engineering capabilities in a segment dominated by vehicles like the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3.
Suzuki Vitara IV (Facelift 2018) 1.4 Boosterjet: An Overview
The Vitara IV aimed to blend practicality, affordability, and a degree of off-road capability, appealing to buyers seeking a versatile vehicle for both urban and leisure activities. The facelifted model, with the 1.4 Boosterjet engine, focused on enhancing the driving experience and reducing emissions. The Boosterjet engine, a key feature of this iteration, utilizes direct injection and a turbocharger to deliver improved power and torque compared to earlier Vitara engine options. The vehicle was produced until April 2020, representing a relatively short production run for this specific configuration.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 2018 facelifted Suzuki Vitara is the K14C-DITC 1.4-liter Boosterjet inline-four cylinder engine. This engine produces 140 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 220 Newton-meters (162.26 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1,500 and 4,000 rpm. The turbocharger and intercooler contribute to a responsive driving experience, providing ample power for everyday driving and overtaking maneuvers. The engine’s power-to-liter ratio is a respectable 102 hp/l. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 9.5 seconds, while 0-60 mph is achieved in approximately 9 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 200 km/h (124.27 mph). The engine is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, driving the front wheels. The weight-to-power ratio of 8 kg/Hp and weight-to-torque ratio of 5.1 kg/Nm contribute to a reasonably agile feel.
Design & Features
The Suzuki Vitara IV is a five-door, five-seat SUV characterized by its robust styling and relatively compact dimensions. The 2018 facelift brought subtle changes to the exterior, including a revised front grille, new headlights, and updated bumpers. The interior features a functional and straightforward design, prioritizing practicality over luxury. Standard features typically included air conditioning, a basic audio system, and essential safety equipment like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). Higher trim levels offered features such as alloy wheels, a touchscreen infotainment system, and parking sensors. The trunk offers 375 liters (13.24 cu. ft.) of space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1120 liters (39.55 cu. ft.) when folded down. The vehicle’s ride height of 185 mm (7.28 in) provides a reasonable degree of ground clearance for tackling uneven surfaces, though it’s not intended for serious off-roading. The turning circle is 10.4 meters (34.12 ft).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Suzuki |
| Model | Vitara |
| Generation | Vitara IV (facelift 2018) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 BOOSTERJET (140 Hp) |
| Start of production | October, 2018 |
| End of production | April, 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.9 l/100 km (34.1 US mpg, 40.9 UK mpg, 14.5 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) | 5.8 l/100 km (40.6 US mpg, 48.7 UK mpg, 17.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 131 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h (124.27 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8 kg/Hp, 125 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.1 kg/Nm, 196.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 140 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 102 Hp/l |
| Torque | 220 Nm @ 1500-4000 rpm (162.26 lb.-ft. @ 1500-4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | K14C-DITC |
| Engine displacement | 1373 cm3 (83.79 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 73 mm (2.87 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82 mm (3.23 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.9:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.3 l (3.49 US qt | 2.9 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 5.5 l (5.81 US qt | 4.84 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1120-1170 kg (2469.18 – 2579.41 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1730 kg (3814 lbs.) |
| Max load | 560-610 kg (1234.59 – 1344.82 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 375 l (13.24 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1120 l (39.55 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.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 215/55 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
