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, enhanced safety features, and powertrain refinements, including the introduction of the 1.4 Boosterjet engine. This model was primarily sold in European and Asian markets, offering a blend of affordability, practicality, and Suzuki’s reputation for reliability. It was not officially sold in the United States.
Suzuki Vitara IV (2018 Facelift) 1.4 Boosterjet: An Overview
The Vitara IV aimed to appeal to buyers seeking a versatile and efficient SUV. The facelifted model, equipped with the 1.4 Boosterjet engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, focused on improving fuel economy and driving experience. Positioned as a competitor to vehicles like the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur, and Peugeot 2008 in Europe, the Vitara offered a compelling package with its distinctive styling and available all-wheel-drive system (not detailed in this specific specification). The Boosterjet engine was a key component of Suzuki’s strategy to offer smaller displacement, turbocharged engines that deliver a balance of performance and efficiency.
Engine & Performance
The heart of this Vitara variant is the K14C-DITC 1.4-liter Boosterjet inline-four cylinder engine. This engine produces 140 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 220 Nm (162.26 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1500 and 4000 rpm. The direct injection and turbocharger with intercooler contribute to its responsive performance and relatively low fuel consumption. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, the Vitara achieves a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 9.5 seconds and a top speed of 200 km/h (124.27 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 8.2 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 5.2 kg/Nm, indicating a reasonably efficient powertrain. Fuel economy figures are rated at 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg) combined, with 7.1 l/100 km (33.1 US mpg) in urban conditions and 5.1 l/100 km (46.1 US mpg) on the extra-urban cycle. CO2 emissions are rated at 133 g/km, meeting Euro 6 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Suzuki Vitara IV is a five-door, five-seat SUV characterized by its bold and distinctive styling. The 2018 facelift brought changes to the front grille, headlights, and bumpers, giving the vehicle a more contemporary appearance. The interior features a functional and straightforward design, with a focus on practicality. Key features include a comfortable cabin, adequate cargo space (375 liters minimum, expanding to 1120 liters with the rear seats folded), and a range of standard and optional equipment. Safety features, enhanced in the facelifted model, include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and other driver-assistance systems. 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). The ride height (ground clearance) is 185 mm (7.28 in). The vehicle rides on 17-inch wheels with 215/55 R17 tires.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Suzuki |
| Model | Vitara |
| Generation | Vitara IV (facelift 2018) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 BOOSTERJET (140 Hp) Automatic |
| 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) | 7.1 l/100 km (33.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.1 l/100 km (46.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 133 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 | 8.2 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.2 kg/Nm |
| Power | 140 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 220 Nm @ 1500-4000 rpm (162.26 lb.-ft.) |
| 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 | 5.7 l (6.02 US qt | 5.02 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1145-1195 kg (2524.29 – 2634.52 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1730 kg (3814 lbs.) |
| Max load | 535-585 kg (1179.47 – 1289.7 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 | 10.4 m (34.12 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 215/55 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
