The Suzuki Turbo Vitara will launch in Australia from around March next year and will be available in both 2WD and ALLGRIP AWD variants.

BASED ON THE Vitara S that’s just been launched in Europe the Suzuki Turbo Vitara will replace the current top-spec Vitara RTX when it arrives here next year. Available in both 2WD and AWD variants, Suzuki is keeping quiet on pricing and final specification until closer to the launch.

In Europe, the Vitara S comes equipped with 17-inch Gloss black alloy wheels, unique grille design, satin silver door mirrors, LED Headlamps with red projector covers, rear upper spoiler and black side body mouldings. Inside it gets red interior contrast stitching, red accents for air conditioning vent and instruments and aluminium alloy pedals. It’s likely the Turbo Vitara will be similarly equipped. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be fitted to every Vitara from January 2016.

Suzuki Australia has confirmed it will retain the entry level RT-S with the current 1.6litre engine at its competitive $22,990 Drive Away price point.

Andrew Moore, Suzuki’s General Manager of Automobiles said: “it’s an exciting time for Suzuki, with the turbo engine model set to strengthen what is already a successful model in Vitara, for the brand.”

“In keeping with the outstanding value proposition Vitara already represents, the Vitara Turbo will strengthen this even further as we aim to enable customers to step into our premium and most sporty Vitara for even less”

The Turbo Vitara will see the debut in Australia of Suzuki’s new BOOSTERJET technology engine which for Vitara is a 1.4-litre direct injection turbocharged four-cylinder offering a grunty 220Nm of torque from 1500-4000rpm. Suzuki said it’s been able to achieve this early, high-torque delivery via a small displacement, high torque turbocharger.

“By controlling the wastegate valve, which closes to create higher boost pressure during heavy load operation and remains open during normal driving, the system reduces pumping loss, thus achieving high levels of both power and fuel-efficiency,” Suzuki said in a statement.

“During development, Suzuki’s engineers virtually eliminated the typical delay in turbo power delivery or ‘lag’ by installing the specially developed compact turbo charger attached directly to the cylinder head as well as incorporating the exhaust manifold into the cylinder head casting. This design ensures optimum gas flow with minimal heat loss through to the turbo unit. The turbocharger has a boost pressure of 1.1 Bar.”

The Turbo Vitara in AWD guise will run Suzuki’s ALLGRIP system which offers four driver-selectable modes: Auto, Sport, Snow and Lock. Auto: The auto mode prioritises fuel economy in typical driving conditions and uses two-wheel drive by default. It switches to all-wheel drive if it detects wheel spin. Sport: The sport mode “makes maximal use” of all-wheel drive in accordance with accelerator inputs. At low and mid-range engine speeds, the system alters the accelerator/torque characteristics to optimise engine response and cornering performance. Snow: The snow mode is optimal for snowy, unpaved, and other slippery surfaces. The system uses all-wheel drive by default. It optimises all-wheel drive control in accordance with steering and accelerator inputs to promote traction and stability on low friction surfaces. Lock: The lock mode is for extricating the car from snow, mud, or sand. A limited-slip differential is fitted which helps brake any slipping wheel and transfer torque to the gripping wheels.

The Vitara Turbo AWD also offers 4WD Control which on conventional full-time 4WD vehicles, feedback control allocates torque to the rear wheels after detecting front wheel drive slippage.

On Vitara, as well as offering feedback control it also offers “feed forward control that anticipates slippage based on road surface, throttle opening position, steering angle and other factors”. The Suzuki Turbo Vitara offers 185mm of ground clearance.

Hill Descent Control: This system is fitted as standard on AWD models. When the vehicle is travelling down a steep downward slope and engine braking is not sufficient to slow the vehicle, Hill Descent Control will automatically apply the brakes to restrict vehicle speed, thus allowing the driver to maintain full control and concentrate on steering the car safely.

We’ll have pricing and Australian specifications in the New Year. Stay tuned.