Vitara and S Cross seem very similar, both a shade smaller than Yeti? What are the key differences between the two Suzukis?

The main difference is size. They share a lot of mechanicals. The Vitara is a tad shorter, taller and wider, but has a smaller boot and less rear room. It is more roomy in the front strangely enough and has a slightly better ground clearance. There are one or two toys in the Vitara that aren't on the Cross, such as adaptive cruise and radar collision braking thingie. It's also £2k cheaper roughly. They are trying to appeal to a slightly younger section I think, but for me it was just the price really

So the only Vitara with 4x4 is the top spec SZ5, which comes with a load of expensive bling I don't care about (keyless entry/start, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruse, suede seats, panoramic sunroof, auto headlamp levelling, rain sensing wipers, electrically folding mirrors...)

I'd want none of that and resent having to pay for it in order to get 4x4.

So the only Vitara with 4x4 is the top spec SZ5, which comes with a load of expensive bling I don't care about (keyless entry/start, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruse, suede seats, panoramic sunroof, auto headlamp levelling, rain sensing wipers, electrically folding mirrors...)

I'd want none of that and resent having to pay for it in order to get 4x4.

That's what 'they' want it seems - bling/stuff/gadgets.

I also resent the S spec 4x4 Yeti only coming with the CR110 not the 140 or 170. :(

Well it's what I want coz I bought one There will be other variants come along in the first year. DSG style diesel and possibly a lower spec 4x4. I think that Suzuki like Skoda realise that most buyers don't want 4x4 so don't pander to them. From my point of view I wouldn't want to spend the extra on an expensive 4x4 that rarely goes anywhere worse than muddy trails, the beech and the snowy bits of the North East (England).

Well it's what I want coz I bought one

When's it arriving?

When's it arriving?

It's arriving while I am at work in about 2 weeks apparently, so in theory I will pick it up in May, then park it up for a week while I go on more work :( I went for the Met Grey and got the Rugged pack thrown in even though I don't technically qualify for this freebie. I spent 3.5 hours haggling to get the price I wanted, the last half an hour was to reduce payment by roughly £7.50 a month  In the end I went nearly £2.50 over budget, but got the rugged pack, so I was happy. Not that I have seen the pack as the dealer hasn't fitted it yet to their showroom car.

It's awful. Look at the interior, looks dated already!

It's awful. Look at the interior, looks dated already!

I did. And I liked it

Nothing wrong with 'dated'. Personally, today's curvy look-a-like cars are not to my taste, part of Yeti's attraction.

Nothing wrong with 'dated'. Personally, today's curvy look-a-like cars are not to my taste, part of Yeti's attraction.

It has a proper clock with hands on it

It's awful. Look at the interior, looks dated already!

 

Looks fine to me...

 

Looks fine to me...

 

Yep, that's my interior, Alcantara/leather seats.  I liked the funky coloured caps and covers that you can get, but it probably would be a little to loud for work I'm getting old and went safe (thinking of resale too )

I've had a brief go in the diesel and a longer go (probably as I got lost) in the Petrol. The Diesel is definitely the one for me, but the petrol surprised me. Apparently the suspension is tuned differently and not just because the diesel engine is heavier. They have tried to make the petrol handle a bit more 'sportingly' and for a little SUV they have hit the mark. Everything it light to the tough, steering, pedals and switchgear is all soufflé light and although many peeps won't like the steering weight, I reckon most will appreciate it's reasonably direct effort. It rides well too (the diesel is even better and managers Manchester finest potholes with impunity ) The petrol engine is a real little revver, not sure if it's related to one in a swift Swift version or not. It's also economical. I drove like I just heard George Clooney was pouring free coffee just up the road and yet still managed 38mpg overall and that was from cold and mostly in rush hour.

 

The gearboxes are a real pleasure too, especially the petrol's 5 speeder, which I reckon is as good as any FWD G/box I've used in the last 10 years. The odd Honda might have it pipped, but honestly the only thing wrong with it is it needs another 20% of gears to choose from.

 

Downsides are the car is built to a cost, but it looks pretty tough, which for me is the important thing and as I posted above it has loads of kit. Also the head room is fine for me, but a tall man might find that with the Panoramic roof he can't wear a hat taller than a Yorkshireman's cap. In the winter a woolly hat might be a bobble too far. There is a little wind noise at realistic motorway speeds too, but no worse than any other SUV I've driven (it seems to be mainly around the mirrors). It isn't as roomy as something like a S-Cross or a Yeti, but there again it's not meant to be. If I was 25 years younger I think I might be the target buyer (I'm trading in a G Vitara 3dr).

 

I reckon as long as you accept it for what it is and possibly more importantly, what it is not , you get more than you bargained for and in a good way too Time will tell of course

I've been following this with interest and find Amanda's appraisal honest and comprehensive. The reason I find it particulanrly interestingly is because for some time now I've been looking for a petrol 4x4 but it seems to me that unless you go for the top of the range XC70 or, even more expensive, the new XC90, they are as rare as hen's teeth (I'm not interested In Hybrids like the Outlander).

Now I know all the reasons for this, but with most of my journeys being on the short side and with all the problems appearing with EGR's, DPF's' etc. (and I'm sure there will be more eco based "initiatives" on diesels appearing from Euroland), for me it's time for a change from the Yeti, as good a car as it is and it is very good on many fronts.

It seems to me that the new Vitara will fit the bill very well and I will be pursuing this next week.

Thanks Amanda.

I've been following this with interest and find Amanda's appraisal honest and comprehensive. The reason I find it particulanrly interestingly is because for some time now I've been looking for a petrol 4x4 but it seems to me that unless you go for the top of the range XC70 or, even more expensive, the new XC90, they are as rare as hen's teeth (I'm not interested In Hybrids like the Outlander).

Now I know all the reasons for this, but with most of my journeys being on the short side and with all the problems appearing with EGR's, DPF's' etc. (and I'm sure there will be more eco based "initiatives" on diesels appearing from Euroland), for me it's time for a change from the Yeti, as good a car as it is and it is very good on many fronts.

It seems to me that the new Vitara will fit the bill very well and I will be pursuing this next week.

Thanks Amanda.

Thank you.

 

There is a step down in size and quality in the Vitara and the petrol really needs revving to get the best from it, although there is bags of room up front, more so than in the S-Cross I'd say. One small fly in the ointment is there is no space saver, although there are going to let you buy on as a dealer accessory and I had a look in the boot (one of those false floor jobbies)and there is space to pop one in. I have a horrible feeling they may charge a surprising amount for Suzuki as you might need a new insert for the boot floor for it to sit in. I'm definitely going to buy one though, regardless of cost (well within limits) as I hate mousse jobs.

 

btw are you a Fiat X1/9 fan?

Edited 8 April, 201511 yr by Lady Elanore

Another new vehicle that can be had with part time AWD & Euro 6 Petrol Engines.

http://autocar.co.uk/car-review/jeep/renegade

Not fussed about straight performance, as long as it's 4x4 and can pull a single axle, unbraked, trailer it'll do me. Unfortunately, like most things in life, compromise is necessary. What I'd really like is a petrol version Scout but not to be unfortunately.

The X19 is nothing to do with cars - it's an abbreviation for a certain type of emergency call that used to be used in a particular organisation's control room.

Another new vehicle that can be had with part time AWD & Euro 6 Petrol Engines.

http://autocar.co.uk/car-review/jeep/renegade

I looked at the Renegade before deciding on the Vitara. It has some truly replant colours available :( It has had a lot of mediocre reviews of late, unlike a few moths ago when the press got a hold of some pre production models and they liked them. The Trailhawks look expensive but pretty capable off road.

Another new vehicle that can be had with part time AWD & Euro 6 Petrol Engines.

http://autocar.co.uk/car-review/jeep/renegade

I did look at the Renegade but it appeared to me (from their somewhat confusing website) that the 4x4 version was diesel only. I could be wrong and if I am I'll have another look.

There is just one Petrol Auto 172 ps AWD Renegade at the moment and you will get one for £23,500 at present,

but no doubt that will drop as they sell slow in the UK.

Maybe Much Cheapness on a demonstrator at some point.

I have driven one, and it does what it says on the tin.

Edited 8 April, 201511 yr by goneoffSKi

Renegade is my next car 

There is just one Petrol Auto 172 ps AWD Renegade at the moment and you will get one for £23,500 at present,

but no doubt that will drop as they sell slow in the UK.

Maybe Much Cheapness on a demonstrator at some point.

I have driven one, and it does what it says on the tin.

Are you sure that's available in the UK?

Are you sure that's available in the UK?

 

Yes it is