2020 Suzuki Vitara Hybrid

• 2020 model Vitara with Hybrid Technology – on sale in the UK in April.
• Up to 20 per cent lower CO₂ emissions than before at just 104g/km for 2WD models (NEDC regulation) and 15 per cent improvement in overall fuel consumption (WLTP regulation).
• Suzuki currently the only brand offering 4-wheel Drive on every model in its range (ALLGRIP available on Ignis, Swift, Jimny, Vitara and S-Cross).
• ALLGRIP ‘Select’ four wheel drive available as optional equipment on Vitara SZ5 model.
• 2020 marks the 50th Anniversary of the Suzuki 4×4.
• Three grade Hybrid line-up of SZ4, SZ-T and SZ5 models.
• Introduction of new 1.4-litre K14D turbocharged petrol engine with Suzuki’s Boosterjet technology now offers a greater and wider spread of torque available from 2,000rpm.
• Higher level of standard safety specification fitted as standard to all Vitara models include Dual Sensor Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Traffic Sign Recognition and Adaptive Cruise Control.
• Seven airbags including Drivers Knee Airbag fitted as standard on all Vitara models.
• Bluetooth and climate control fitted as standard on all models.
• Smartphone link audio and navigation fitted as standard on SZ-T and SZ5 grades.

Introduction
First introduced in 2015, the Suzuki Vitara has earned high acclaim for its stylish, authentic SUV design, compact and easy to manage dimensions, good on-road performance and genuine off-road capability. The Vitara recieved various styling and safety upgrades in early 2019 and the 2020 model offers an even higher standard specification with Hybrid technology now fitted as standard.

The Vitara is produced at the Magyar Suzuki plant in Hungary. This plant also produces all S-Cross models for European markets as well as exports around the world.

Exterior design
The Vitara expresses Suzuki’s SUV styling heritage in a strong looking design. The clamshell bonnet (a hallmark of Vitara models) gives the front end a look of solidity, and a trapezoid motif front bumper indicates powerful grip on the ground. Pronounced body side character lines and bonnet side louvres form motifs are reminiscent of the first generation Vitara from 1988.

Suzuki’s pursuit of good aerodynamics is reflected in optimally designed bumpers, in a roof line that slopes smoothly downward toward the rear, in flat underbody surfaces, and in specially shaped side mirrors based on the results of airflow analysis. New LED design headlamps have now been incorporated across the range for the 2020 Hybrid model. This follows on from modifications in 2019 which included a new, more elegant front face with redesigned grille, lower bumper and redesigned rear lamps with a distinctive LED display..

Key dimensions  (Full technical specifications listed in Tech Spec & Equipment document)
Overall length: 4,175mm
Overall width: 1,775mm
Overall height: 1,610mm
Wheelbase: 2,500mm
Front Track: 1,535mm
Rear Track: 1,505mm
Minimum ground clearance: 185mm
Luggage space: 375L (VDA)
Tyre size: 215/60R16 or 215/55R17

Specification Highlights
A full equipment table for the Vitara range is listed at the end of this press pack and also on the media website.

• Standard equipment for all Vitara models is comprehensive and the entry SZ4 model includes seven airbags, Dual Sensor Brake Support collision avoidance system, alloy wheels, LED projector headlamps for low and high beam, DAB Radio with CD, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, Traffic Sign Recognition, Blind Spot Monitor, Adaptive Cruise Control auto air conditioning and front and auto headlights and wipers.
• SZ-T adds 17-inch silver painted alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, white stitching for seat trim fabric, Smartphone link audio and navigation system.
• Moving up to SZ5 adds 17-inch polished alloy wheels, suede seat upholstery, keyless entry with start button and Panoramic sunroof.
• The Vitara is available in a total of 11 different shades of which one is a solid colour, four are metallic finish and six are dual-tone metallic with Cosmic Black roof colour.

1.4-litre K14D Boosterjet turbocharged engine – in detail
The Boosterjet engine was developed with Suzuki’s ethos of reducing weight and size with added response and smooth power delivery to achieve the characteristics that Suzuki engines are renowned for.

The 1.4-litre engine has now been developed further for the 2020 Vitara model and is fitted to all three model grades. It is designated as K14D and incorporates a new electric Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system for the intake side as well as new design fuel injectors and a higher pressure fuel pump. The exhaust camshaft side is controlled via a conventional Hydraulic VVT actuator.

The Dual VVT system improves engine performance by continuously varying both intake and exhaust valve timing to suit engine operating conditions and the electric motor drive intake VVT has a characteristic to shift the timing phase more smoothly regardless of engine oil temperature and engine speed. The combined effect of the two VVT’s attains optimum engine power, improved fuel efficiency and lower CO₂ emissions.

Offering the same level of power and torque of a much larger capacity normally aspirated engine (2.0-litre), it delivers an effortless drive and genuine driving pleasure.

Boosterjet technology is Suzuki’s own development and is characterised by improved fuel efficiency and driving pleasure made possible by using 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 Boosterjet system reduces pumping loss, thus achieving high levels of both power and fuel-efficiency. An air bypass valve is also utilised to prevent turbo ‘stall’ after the throttle has been closed and then quickly reopened.

Fuel is injected at a higher pressure of 360 Bar into the combustion chamber during the air intake stroke which then forms a rich mixture around the spark plug and leaner mixture around the outer edge of the piston. The tumble flow of the fuel is created by utilising a straight intake port and a complex shape piston crown design.

A variable fuel control system is also utilised that optimally monitors fuel injection pressure according to the driving situation. By widening the range of fuel injection, PM (Particulate Matter) and PN (Particulate Number) emissions are reduced across the low to high engine speed ranges. This helps promote fuel atomisation and also improves fuel combustion efficiency.

The K14D Boosterjet engine has been developed with Suzuki’s ethos of reducing weight and size with added response and smooth power delivery to achieve the characteristics that Suzuki engines are renowned for.

During development, Suzuki’s engineers virtually eliminated the typical delay in turbo power delivery or ‘lag’ by attaching the compact turbo charger 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 which has a boost pressure of 1.1 Bar.

Historically, power and torque delivery from a turbo-charged engine would not have been available until much higher engine speeds, offering less flexibility to the driver. This is now enhanced even further with the adoption of the 48V hybrid system.

The 1.4-litre engine offers strong benefits in performance too with a 0-62mph acceleration time of 9.5 seconds (2WD models) for both manual and automatic transmissions and a maximum speed (where permitted) of 118mph.

48V Hybrid Technology.
Similar in basic principle to the 12V Hybrid system that Suzuki pioneered in 2016, which is now fitted to all manual transmission Ignis models and all Swift models from the Summer of 2020, the newly developed 48V Hybrid Powertrain for Vitara remains very lightweight in design and its components add less than 15kg to the overall weight of the vehicle.

The new and higher-powered Suzuki system consists of a 48V lithium-ion battery, Integrated Starter Generator (known as ISG) and 48V-12V (DC/DC) converter to power components requiring lower voltage including lights, audio and air conditioning. The ISG acts as both a generator and starter motor, is belt driven and assists the petrol engine during vehicle take off for a higher level of torque with 235Nm available from 2,000rpm and up to 3,000rpm.

The compact and high-performance lithium-ion battery stores electrical energy recovered from deceleration and braking and incorporates an idle stop function operated via the Integrated Starter Generator. This battery, as well as the DC/DC convertor unit, are located under the front seats to assist overall weight distribution.

The 48V system also has new torque-fill control and torque boost features which are not provided on the 12V version. These features enhance driving feel by adding torque from the electric motor to engine torque during acceleration.

Based on engine speed and throttle position, the engine ECU judges when the driver will accelerate and then uses electric motor assist to add additional torque. The 48V system can also bolster acceleration upon the driver’s request.

In summary, a typical condition where Torque-fill control is utilised is when the driver presses the accelerator quickly as the electric motor is able to supply additional torque to the petrol engine without delay.

Even though the Boosterjet turbo charger of the K14D engine becomes fully operational from just 2,000rpm, Torque Boost is beneficial at even lower engine speeds as it helps optimise the torque curve and provide even smoother acceleration when full throttle is applied from rest.

A further efficiency benefit of the new 48V Hybrid system is the introduction of electric motor idling when the clutch is disengaged and vehicle speed is below approximately 50mph (80km/h). This feature essentially replaces fuel injection with power from the electric motor to then control and maintain engine idling when the vehicle is decelerating and when stationary.

This function therefore eliminates fuel consumption under these conditions as engine momentum is electrically controlled by the ISG unit and the car is ready to re-accelerate on request with no engine restart delay.

Raising the ISG’s power supply from 12V (as per Ignis and Swift 1.2-litre) to 48V increases electric motor output to 10.0Kw which in turn increases the amount of electric motor assist and regenerated energy.

Manual transmission
The Vitara Hybrid has a six-speed manual transmission and gear ratios are optimised to help provide a good combination of performance and fuel economy. Additional measures added  include a shift lever counterweight to help provide a smooth, positive shift action.

CO₂ emissions
The 2020 model Vitara’s CO₂ emissions are low thanks to the use of hybrid technology, high tensile steel and other weight saving measures in the body. Weight savings during development help the Vitara remain one of the lightest SUV’s in its class at just 1,205kg and an increase of only 70kg for the ALLGRIP models.

Four-wheel drive is typically seen as detrimental to fuel economy and emissions performance. By contrast, Suzuki’s ALLGRIP system enables CO₂ emissions that are remarkably low for a four-wheel drive SUV.

The table below illustrates the amount of CO₂ saved and the improvements in WLTP fuel consumption of the K14D Hybrid models versus previous models with K14C engine

Four-mode ALLGRIP system
Suzuki evolved its renowned four wheel drive technologies into a new generation that delivers driving pleasure and peace of mind in diverse conditions while promoting economy and limiting the burden four wheel drive cars place on the environment.

Suzuki’s ALLGRIP ‘Select’ system is available as an option on SZ5 models and incorporates four driver-selectable modes for safe, enjoyable driving on diverse surfaces. It debuted in the S-Cross model and has proved very successful. In development, the Vitara ALLGRIP system was enhanced by the addition of a feed forward function that allocates torque to the rear wheels before any slippage can occur. The system’s four driver-selectable modes are as follows:

Auto: The auto mode prioritises fuel economy in typical driving conditions and uses two-wheel drive by default. It switches to four wheel drive if it detects wheel spin.

Sport: The sport mode is optimal for twisty roads. The system makes maximal use of four-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 four-wheel drive by default. It optimises four-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.

4WD Control
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. In summary, rather than reacting after grip is lost, it controls the vehicle to prevent grip from being lost which results in greater stability.

Hill Hold Control
Available as standard equipment on all Vitara models, Hill Hold Control makes hill starts much easier by preventing the vehicle from rolling backwards for two seconds as soon as the driver removes his or her foot from the brake to the accelerator pedal.

Hill Descent Control
This system is fitted as standard on SZ5 ALLGRIP models. When the vehicle is traveling 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.

Suspension
The front suspension is of MacPherson strut design. During the initial development of the new Vitara, revised shapes for the lower arms and suspension frame were utilised and improved struts adopted for higher rigidity and to also promote better driving stability. The rear wheel suspension incorporates a beam design (a closed section consisting of a pipe crushed to form a “U” shape) that Suzuki first adopted in the S-Cross. This beam design provides superior rigidity and ride comfort.

Brakes
The Vitara has ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid disc brakes at the rear. Weight savings and drag reductions in the calliper design help provide superior braking performance and also assist fuel economy.

Safety – Vitara Range
For the 2020 model advanced safety is standardardised through the range, with all available safety equipment included on all models.

• Five star Euro NCAP score (Tested at launch in 2015)
• Seven airbags fitted as standard
• Dual Sensor Brake Support system fitted as standard on all models.
• Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention standard on all models
• Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert standard on all models
• Light, impact absorbing body; speed limiter; ESP®* (Electronic Stability Programme), and tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
• Adaptive Cruise Control for more relaxed driving fitted as standard on all models.

At first launch in 2015, the Vitara was rated one of Europe‘s safest cars according to independent crash testing results from Euro NCAP, and received the maximum 5-star rating. Vitara was also the first compact SUV to earn five stars in the more rigorous Euro NCAP testing programme introduced that year which reinforced the exemplary level of safety of the model. Suzuki’s Vitara was awarded high scores in all four areas of assessment and also exceeded the minimum level required in all of these to attain the five star rating. These areas are listed below:

The Vitara’s passive and active safety systems are designed to intelligently anticipate and react to potentially dangerous situations with an excellent level of protection. One of its major safety features is Total Effective Control Technology which is a concept for occupant protecting impact absorption and low weight developed by Suzuki. Extensive use of high tensile steel and computer aided engineering technologies make the body light, highly crashworthy as well as fuel efficient.

Standard safety equipment includes seven airbags which includes a driver’s knee airbag as well as seat belt pre-tensioners and force limiters. Euro NCAP’s tests on the front seats and head restraints showed good protection against whiplash injury in the event of a rear end collision and a geometric assessment of the rear seats also indicated good protection.

Suzuki paid particular attention to child safety in accordance with latest European legislation and pedestrian protection received the highest score amongst its competitors thanks to the bonnet shape and structures for the cowl top and wipers. The bumpers also provide good impact absorption to lessen the degree of harm if the car comes into contact with a pedestrian.

Dual Sensor Brake Support (DSBS)
The advanced forward detection system fitted as standard on all Vitara models supports numerous safety technologies of which collision-mitigating Dual Sensor Brake Support (DSBS) is included. With DSBS, at vehicle speeds from approximately 3mph to 62mph, if the system determines a risk of collision with a forward obstacle, it issues both an audio and visual warning. If there is a high risk of collision with a forward obstacle and the driver panic brakes, the system deploys brake assist, increasing braking force. If the risk of a collision increases even more, the system applies full automatic braking in an effort to avoid the collision or reduce damage.

Adaptive Cruise Control
This system is fitted as standard equipment on all Vitara models. When there is a vehicle in front, the adaptive cruise control system uses millimetre-wave radar to gauge the distance to it and automatically maintains vehicle-to-vehicle distance in line with the setting selected out of three possible settings. When there is no vehicle in front, the system maintains the speed from 25mph to 100mph (where permitted) as input by the driver.

Blind Spot Monitor
Lane changing at speeds above 10mph is now made safer with the addition of the Blind Spot Monitor function. The system has two rear mounted side radar sensors that are capable of detecting vehicles located in or approaching the rear blind spots on either side of the vehicle. Once detected, a warning LED icon is illuminated in the relevant exterior mirror. If the driver ignores it and indicates to change lanes, a flashing LED icon is accompanied by a warning sound alert.

Lane Departure Warning / Lane Departure Prevention function
When the vehicle is travelling at vehicle speeds of approximately 37mph and up to 100mph (where permitted) and is departing the lane without the driver using a turn signal, the system vibrates the steering wheel and lights a warning indicator in the instrument cluster to draw attention to lane departures caused by factors such as inattention to the road. As an additional feature on all models, the driver will also notice an automatic input from the steering wheel at this time to ensure the car remains in its correct direction of travel.

Vehicle Sway Warning
When the vehicle is traveling at vehicle speeds of approximately 37mph or above and is weaving from side to side within a lane, the system sounds a warning buzzer and lights an indicator on the instrument panel. This quickly draws the driver’s attention to weaving caused by drowsiness or other factors.

Rear Cross Traffic Alert
At speeds of up to 5mph whilst in reverse, all Vitara models use two rear mounted radar sensors to alert the driver of approaching vehicles on either side when reversing out of car parking spaces. If a vehicle is detected, the driver is given both a visual alert and a warning sound alert. This assists the driver to manouevre more safely out of parking spaces where vision may be obscured.

Advanced Multi-information display
The 2020 model Vitara range utilises a unique 4.2 inch high-definition colour LCD display that shows a range of information including engine output and torque data, fuel consumption, average speed, acceleration and brake operation as well as driving G-force tracking.

Traffic Sign Recognition
This feature forms part of the specification of all models as standard and monitors the road ahead. When it detects signs such as speed limits, it displays the sign on the centre display and up to three can be displayed at any one time.

Light, impact-absorbing TECT body
The body embodies Suzuki’s Total Effective Control Technology (TECT) concept for occupant protecting impact absorption and low weight. Extensive use of ultra high tensile steel helps to make the Vitara outstandingly crashworthy and fuel efficient.

Convenience

• Optimal body dimensions for SUV capability in challenging conditions.
• A panoramic sunroof with one of the largest openings in the class available on SZ5 grade.
• Smartphone connectivity available as standard on SZ-T & SZ5 grades.
• Generous approach and departure angles help to negotiate deeply rutted or snow-covered roads.

Body dimensions

The Vitara’s SUV packaging combines generous minimum ground clearance of 185mm with large, 215/55R17 tyres on SZ-T and SZ5 grades. Plus, an 18.2° approach angle and a 28.2° departure angle help assist the driver in various off road conditions.

The luggage area has a capacity of 375 litres (VDA) with the rear seat in its upright position and the rear seat and luggage board can also be repositioned to suit luggage requirements.

Panoramic sunroof
Vitara SZ5 models have a large sunroof consisting of two individually sliding glass panels which  extends over the front and rear seats, making the cabin more relaxing for all occupants.

When the sunroof is closed, the glass panels have a combined length of 1,000mm. When  open, the aperture has a length of 560mm (one of the largest in the class), giving occupants an invigorating open-roof experience.

Display audio system with navigation and smartphone connectivity
The audio system fitted on SZ-T and SZ5 models has a Smartphone Linkage Display Audio  (SLDA) with a large seven inch touch panel display that enables intuitive operation. This includes a three dimensional navigation map that makes landmarks easy to distinguish, the system also allows the driver to use certain smartphone applications with MirrorLink, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connection.

Apple CarPlay is the smarter and safer way to use iPhone in the Vitara. Apart from making calls it also facilitates receiving directions for optimised traffic conditions, listening to music, accessing email, text messages and more.

The Vitara requires servicing every 12,500 miles.

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