Leveraging the compact car maker’s SUV heritage, equipped with features Suzuki Philippines’ new subcompact SUV encourages individuality, personalization, safer driving and fuel efficiency.
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| Pioneer compact car maker Suzuki Philippines launches the all-new Vitara in the PH market during an event at the Metrotent Convention Center in Pasig City on November 9. (From left) Suzuki Philippines (SPH) managing director and treasurer Norminio Mojica, Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) Asia automobile department general manager Shigeo Takezawa, SPH president Hiroshi Suzuki, SPH general manager for automobile Shuzo Hoshikura, SMC global automobile planning department general manager Nobutaka Suzuki, SPH assistant general manager Cecil Capacete. |
MANILA, Philippines—Leading compact car maker
Suzuki Philippines (SPH) finally ends the wait today with the official launch
of the new Vitara. Designed to match the growing automotive market in the
country, the new-generation Vitara encapsulates the Suzuki SUV legacy while
capturing modern design trends to target the millennial market.
With a history of more than three decades, the
Vitara has been known for enhanced driving performance, and off-road
capabilities. In addition to the technological innovations, the Vitara has
upgraded the heritage design of the Suzuki SUV through incorporating modern
elements and making the subcompact SUV perfect for city driving while enabling
Filipino drivers, specifically millennials, the individuality and
personalization they look for in a vehicle.
Held at the Metrotent Convention Center in Pasig
City, 450 representatives from various motoring media, dealers, bank partners
and Vitara Club of the Philippines officers attended the Vitara launch.
“Equipped with the longest, and widest dimension in
its class with the best radius performance, the features of the new Vitara are
aimed at providing the best value in terms of design, performance and fuel
efficiency. Setting it apart from competition, the subcompact SUV allows
drivers to freely express their individuality and personalize their vehicles
with its wide array of colors and accessory packages,” said SPH automobile
division general manager Shuzo Hoshikura.
He shares, “Through these, we believe we will
enhance the Filipino driving experience, which is at the core of bringing
drivers closer to the Suzuki Way of Life. Millennials can look forward to a
safe, comfortable and optimum driving experience that for many years Filipinos
have anticipated with the next-generation Vitara.”
Modern
and sophisticated design
Faithful to
Suzuki SUV’s original styling, the exterior design of the new Vitara exudes a
strong yet sophisticated presence achieved through the modernized Suzuki SUV
signature clamshell bonnet. The side press lines and smooth roofline suggest a
youthful, rugged look, and strong aerodynamic performance, respectively,
complemented by the rear that gives off a stable look.
The
new Vitara has an overall width of 1,775mm, height of 1,610mm, length of
4,175mm and a minimum ground clearance of 185mm, making it the longest and
widest in its class with the best turning radius performance.
Unique
daytime running lamps with vertically placed LEDs are standard in the GLX
model. Energy-saving LED headlamps with a blue projector cover come standard
with the GLX model, while Suzuki uses projector halogen headlamps featuring
good light distribution for the low beam in the GL and GL+ models. Polished
alloy wheels that complete the sleek vibe of the SUV is available in 17 inches
for GLX variant, 16 inches alloy wheel for GL+ and 16 inches steel wheel with
full caps for GL variants.
The interiors combine muscular contours and a
sporty feel. The instrument panel conveys a youthful look with its upper linear
design that includes a round clock and a round air outlet. The seats use
high-quality fabric, with the GLX model featuring a combination of leather and
suede-type fabric for an even classier feel. The Vitara GLX also features a panoramic sunroof designed
with two glass panels that can be both slid to provide the biggest opening in
its class and added premium to the unit.
The
interior design fuses comfort and utility. All variants feature 6-speed
automatic transmission, paddle shifter and audio steering control.
The
GL+ and GLX models also feature a footwell lamp and keyless push start system.
The
new Vitara’s Infotainment audio system ensures a more enjoyable ride. Besides
handsfree connectivity, the system packs navigation, Bluetooth audio and a USB
port. The GLX variant enable on-the-go connectivity through its Wi-Fi support
while the MirrorLink function links the rider’s smartphone with the SUV’s
Android-based infotainment system. Available in 10 inches for GLX, the biggest
in its class, while GL+ and GL variants may enjoy the same features at 7
inches.
The
luggage space can accommodate up to 375L, expandable by lowering the luggage
board or removing the dividers on both sides of the luggage area. To
accommodate large suitcases, the rear seats is foldable to make way for up to
710L.
Top-tier
personalization, individuality
To
allow millennials to express their individuality, the Vitara comes in various
colors and designs. With two-tone options available for the roof, pillars and door mirrors
for GLX and monotone colors for GL + and GL models, the Vitara offers accessory
packages meant for the adventurous and urban drivers.
Safe
and comfortable ride
The new
Suzuki Vitara GLX delivers enhanced safety on the road. It model’s6-point
airbag system comprising of dual, curtain and side airbags for the driver and
passenger provides greater protection.
The Vitara also features cruise control system and
speed limiter, ultrasonic sensors in the front and rear bumpers with reverse
camera that detect obstacles during parking, an automatic light system that
turns headlamps and tail lamps on and off, and automatic wipers triggered
depending on the extent of rainfall and vehicle speed.
The SUV’s electronic stability program (ESP)
automatically controls the engine torque and brakes upon detection of a wheel
slip to ensure the driver maintains directional control. The hill hold control
helps the driver to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward on an upward
climb.
In
the event of a collision, the new Vitara has an impact-absorbing design focused
on the front bumpers. The brake pedal release system limits the pedal’s
movement toward the driver in case of a frontal impact. For further protection
for the occupants, the Vitara’s Total Effective Control Technology (TECT)
absorbs impact and the seatbelts use force limiter to
mitigate impact to the chest.
Superior
fuel efficiency
Boasting the
lightest curb weight in its category, the new Vitara delivers enhanced fuel
efficiency. Suzuki designed the SUV’s updated 1.6-liter engine to deliver the highest torque
performance of 156Nm at 4,400rpm and best maximum output in its class at 115hp
at 6,000rpm. The newly developed 6-speed AT system ensures
better response to the 1.6L-petrol engine. These combined, address the challenges of city
driving and traffic through reduced friction, weight and idling speed, all
toward achieving better fuel economy.
“Equipped
with top of the line features, the new Vitara will enable the Filipino driving
public to freely express their individuality through its unique design and a
wide selection of colors to choose from. Apart from this, Suzuki designed
Vitara with enhanced safety features and superior fuel efficiency. Backed by
all these features, we are hopeful that the new Vitara will appeal to the
Philippine market especially among millennials,” Suzuki motor corporation
global automobile planning department general manager Nobutaka Suzuki says.
Asia
automobile department general manager Shigeo Takezawa shares, “On behalf of the
Suzuki Motor Corporation, I would like to congratulate Suzuki Philippines for
successfully bringing in the new Vitara. May the launch of the new Vitara
inspire you to show the same level of commitment and dedication to share with
more Filipinos the Suzuki Way of Life. We have high hopes that the addition of
the new Vitara to the Suzuki Philippines’s lineup of vehicles will drive more
sales and increase customer satisfaction.”
Availability
and pricing
The new
Vitara comes in the following prices: (GLX – PHP1,048,000.00; GL+ PHP938,000.00
and GL (TBA).
GLX variants are available in two-tone colors,
namely Atlantis Turquoise Pearl, Horizon Orange Metallic, and Bright Red
Metallic. GL+ and GL variants are available in Cool White Pearl, Silky Silver
Metallic, Galactic Gray Metallic, Cosmic Black Pearl Metallic and Atlantis
Turquoise Pearl Metallic.
About Suzuki Philippines
Incorporated
Suzuki Philippines Incorporated is a wholly-owned Japanese
multinational firm highly recognized in the automotive industry. The company
specializes in the manufacture and sale of motorcycle and distribution of
compact vehicles.
Suzuki
has established its reputation worldwide for quality, versatility, and
innovation and has created a heritage of trust and reliability. Its Philippine
website is www.suzuki.com.ph
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